G. In the human life cycle the drama and narcissism of adolescence are concluded by forming a committed partnership followed by the humble reality of beginning a family. American society is chronically adolescent, focused on personal fulfillment and pleasure. Few Christians emerge from the self-enhancing drama of spiritual adolescence to enter the self-sacrificial, comparatively boring routine of a raising a spiritual family. Adolescents can bear children but do not have the maturity to raise them to observe all that Jesus has commanded. Spiritual children need spiritual parents; spiritual parents are rare. A rite of passage through spiritual adolescence is needed to fully develop mature spiritual parents. The Quest process can help provide this rite of passage.
QUOTE [1]
NOTE
DISCERNMENT QUESTIONS
RESOURCES
[1] The quote is a selection from David O. Kueker’s Fuller Seminary Doctor of Ministry project submitted in September, 2007, entitled Diagnosis, Dialogue, and Decision: A Threefold Process of Revitalization For the Illinois Great Rivers Conference.
It is shared here in recognition of its 12th Anniversary along with comments to update and provide perspective on the material. The original project was a Training Manual/Study Guide of three Seminars supported by three chapters of research and an Introduction. The material is available for download at www.disciplewalk.com/Resources.html. In 2009 it was provided for purchase as a softcover book entitled Designing Discipleship Systems: Christian Disciple Making For Any Size Church, Any Theology through CreateSpace.com.
[2][3] [4][5] [6][7] [8]
All Scripture quotations are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Please review the page How and Why We Use Quotes.