Adolescent Journey The

Adolescence is a time of individuation--children are slowly finding their identity as adults, separate from their parents and other adult influences. Such a critical time of psychological development is complicated by cultural influences that shape their expectations of adulthood and color how they relate to other people and even God. The task of the youth pastor becomes to help adolescents navigate this often treacherous journey, helping young people reconcile their experience of childhood to the reality of their impending adulthood, and rooting and establishing them in a faith that can sustain them through their adult journey as well. Drawing on the insights of sociology and psychology, Jacober reveals youth ministry to be an act of practical theology, and helps youth pastors find their footing as they guide young people through adolescence.

Amy E. Jacober (Ph.D., Fuller Theological Seminary) is associate professor of practical theology and youth ministry at Truett Theological Seminary. Prior to coming to Truett in Fall 2007, Jacober taught at Azusa Pacific University, Seattle Pacific University, and Fuller Theological Seminary. Prior to her doctoral work, she completed degrees in Social Work (MSW, Arizona State), Divinity (M.Div., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary), Church Social Services (MACSS, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary), and Sociology (BA, Arizona). This broad background informs her interests in, and understanding of, marginalized communities, urban issues, theology and disability, and issues of family violence. Jacober's published works include the Youth Ministry Source Book, annually 2005-2009, A Pastor's Guide to Youth Ministry, numerous articles in the Journal of Student Ministries, Youth Worker Journal, and the Journal of Youth and Theology. Jacober serves on two national boards: the Association of Youth Ministry Educators (AYME) and YoungLife Capernaum (YoungLife ministry for teens with disabilities). She also serves on the international board of the International Association for the Study of Youth Ministry (IASYM). Dr. Jacober is also invested in issues of fair housing, serving on the board of Agape Life Change of Pasadena, CA. Jacober's professional affiliations include the American Academy of Religion, the National Association of Christians and Social Work, the Association of Practical Theology, AYME, and IASYM.