The Art of Adulting
The goal of student ministry is simple. Our mission is the Great Commission. We are called to make disciples - true disciples that then go and make disciples. In the overarching mission of reaching students, we have an awesome opportunity to also prepare them for practicalities of life.
The divorce rate in our society is heart breaking. Nearly 40-50% of marriages end in divorce. Consequently, many of our students do not have both parents actively investing in their lives. This leaves not only a spiritual gap, but also a gap when it comes to practical life skills.
This is another area that we have an amazing opportunity to connect with our students in order to speak Gospel-truth into their heart. They may think we are simply teaching them how to create a budget. However, we know that the simple act of pouring our life into theirs can one day have a greater impact than organizing finances.
Whether you create a “Summer Internship of Life” or simply go through a Weeknight Life Skills Series, here are ten areas to train our students in the art of adulting.
Budgeting 101
When our students graduate high school, they are often thrown into the world of managing their own finances. College, cell phone bills, insurance….the list goes on. Help prepare your students by leading them through a basic budgeting course. Dave Ramsey has some great resources for students on his website.
How to Change a Tire
Many of our students move away from home after high school, meaning that dad (or youth leader) is not readily available to come change a flat at a moments notice. Prep students for this lonely, roadside moment by spending a Saturday showing them how to change a flat tire.
Writing a Resume
Whether they like it or not, job hunting is coming for our students. Sadly, most students have no idea how to write a formal email, yet alone compose a resume. Call in the expert for this one! Most local English teachers would love to come in and train your students on resume composition.
Dressing for a Job Interview
This goes right along with writing a resume. Most students have no clue that interviews are not the place for their favorite mom jeans and 90s band shirt. Give them a lesson on dressing for the job they want, not the one they have. If your student has an interview, help them learn about the required dress for their position.
Self-Care & Going to the Dr
Thinking back to my college days, I remember so many students completely letting their health fly out the window. Freshmen-fifteen may seem like an old joke, but our students can avoid that pitfall. Taking a weeknight or Saturday to have a nutritionist or doctor come speak to your students can make a huge difference in their health after high school.
Washing Laundry
Call in the reinforcements (aka older generation) for this one! You would be surprised how many students have no clue how to properly wash laundry. Save their whites by giving an adulting lesson on how to separate colors and preserve fabrics.
How to Cook and Eat in a Dorm Room
I was one of the unlucky students that had no college cafeteria to eat from on the weekends. My roommates and I lived off of ramen (made using hot water from a Keurig) and oatmeal with peanut butter. Browse Pinterest for ideas and spend a few hours creating a college-friendly cookbook with your students.
Time Management
Students must learn how to say NO. Pursuing too many opportunities at once often leaves us drained; it’s no difference for young adults. Introduce your students to the value of the day planner and help them learn to place value on their time.
How to Find a Healthy Church
This is a non-negotiable on the list of things to teach our students before they head off to adulthood. Our students need to plant themselves in a church away from home. Take time to lead them through a simple study on the marks of a healthy church.
Making New Friends
In a world of technology, many students have no idea how to make friends face to face. Help them understand how to introduce themselves to new individuals and how to focus on learning about the individual. Let’s help them move beyond screens to the real world.