If you could see what I see

It's our annual gathering of middle school youth pastors. We're at Forest Homes in California. The view, well, it's breathtaking. Mountains surround us. But there's not much time for the view, we're studying the brain. This year's topic is on the development of the adolescent brain. For the most part, it's not fully developed until 18, some parts not until 25. So, when you see a pre-teen or teenager doing something impulsive, doesn't seem to "get it" or has outburst of anger, there is a possibility it's linked to the fact that their pre-fontal lobe is not fully developed. It doesn't justify away the behavior, but lends help to understanding. We talked about the need for experiental learning and engaging the senses this morning, which we've always tied to different learning styles but I think it could be linked to brain development as well.

I realized we are on the right track with our discussion guides when we provide different questions and activities. The difference between a 6th grade boy and an 8th grade girl have the potential to be HUGE. We need to take that into consideration in our attempts to engage them in spiritual matters and transformation. In many cases, I think we may need to redefine a "win" in student ministry.

This is an amazing group of veterans. They are truly in the trenches.