Four Core Values Among Teenagers

A study from Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child sought to explain why it was that when confronted with the fallout of childhood trauma, some children adapt and overcome, while others bear lifelong scars that flatten their potential. What they found was groundbreaking and something we, as the Church, should pay close attention to. The results of this study pointed to one common factor: Every Child Who Winds Up Doing Well Has Had At Least One Stable And Committed Relationship With A Supportive Adult.” The study went on to say, “These Relationships Buffer Children From Developmental Disruption And Help Them Develop “Resilience,” Or The Set Of Skills Needed To Respond To Adversity And Thrive.” So, youth ministry leaders, the question that must be asked and answered is this: What are we doing--What are we training our volunteer leaders to do--What are our ministries doing to connect the students in our churches or communities with at least one stable, committed, supportive, God-honoring, and Christ-following adult so that they can develop a “resilience,” or the set of skills needed to respond to adversity and actually thrive?