Teen Groups

 

• Having a range of ideas, personalities and teaching styles
• Greater personal attention for students
• Sharing of responsibilities
• Mutual support
• Sounding boards
• Sacred safety

Members of the team serve in a variety of spiritual roles that assist in empowering preteens and teens to discover their inner Divine self.

Leaders wear an assortment of hats, depending on the center’s programs, which can include facilitator, teacher, guide, role model, coordinator, communicator, administrator, youth advocate, liaison, mentor, coach and travel chaperone.

Each leader serves as an accepting, non-judgmental, caring adult who listens and supports without trying to solve the teen’s problems.

• Youth Director, who is your biggest advocate
• Minister
• Regional Education Consultants
• UWM's Youth & Family Ministry Coordinator (dvenzera@unity.org)
• Peers—network with other Unity centers and youth volunteers
• Local, regional and national training workshops, retreats and teachers’ meetings
• Your personal relationship with God

In working with preteens and teens, we are blessed to see each individual grow and develop at their own unique pace, unfolding gradually with each life experience that arrives. As you share yourself and your wisdom, you have many opportunities to guide and illumine the youth you serve as they navigate the path to their best life. Your understanding of the various patterns of growth and development is crucial in making the most of these opportunities.

All humans grow in fairly predictable stages — physically, mentally, socially-emotionally, morally and spiritually. Yet each develops as a unique individual following his or her own inner timetable. External influences such as personal care, environment and culture can greatly impact the development within each stage. Many kinds of development are occurring at the same times, but the age groupings for the various stages are not identical. Development is ongoing, from the simple to the more complex, throughout a lifetime. In some kinds of development, the sequence is unclear, but clearly recognizable levels have been identified.

For more information see pages 19–31 of the Teen Ministry Manual.