Top Picks for Young Adult Ministry
Greetings! My name is Erik Kesting and I serve as Director of the Unitarian Universalist Association’s (UUA’s) Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. Our office staff, along with other Lifespan Faith Development Staff at the UUA, is here to support all Unitarian Universalists (UUs) in the work of creating thriving young adult ministries.
Every week, we receive inquiries from congregations fostering leadership and spirituality with young adults, supporting campus ministries, and building communities wherein all young adults are affirmed, empowered, and spiritually nourished. Below are links to the resources I’ve found valuable in supporting these congregations in the past year. If you don’t find what you are seeking in this list, please contact me or another member of our Lifespan Faith Development Staff. We have a wealth of diverse resources available and look forward to being in touch!
Erik B. Kesting
yayadirector @ uua.org
- Young Adult News
Published by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, this monthly e-newsletter will keep you informed about the latest resources and opportunities for UU young adults and those engaged in young adult ministry.
- Our Whole Lives (OWL) for Young Adults
Grounded in a wholistic view of sexuality, Our Whole Lives provides not only facts about anatomy and human development, but also helps participants to clarify their values, build interpersonal skills, and understand the spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of sexuality. Resources include a book of age-appropriate workshops and an accompanying guide, Sexuality and Our Faith: A Companion to Our Whole Lives, of spiritual value components to enrich the Our Whole Lives experience in a faith-based environment.
- Mosaic Project Report
The Mosaic Project Report offers recommendations to help congregations, districts, and Association create an environment that effectively supports Youth and Young Adults of Color both in their development of a healthy identity and through the transition from childhood to adulthood. The positive impact of creating such an environment can reach beyond the Youth and Young Adults of Color community into all ministry areas. An essential read for all those working with youth.
- Young Adult and Campus Ministry Covenant Group Manual
This resource will guide you through creating successful young adult focused small group ministry or covenant groups. Accompanied by two covenant group curricula, UU Identity by Kate Tweedie Erslev and Finding Your Path by Rev. Dr. Michael Tino, these documents are all available as free online downloads.
- Tribal Church
This book, subtitled "Ministering to the Missing Generation," suggests a way for churches to approach young adults on their own terms. Outlining the financial, social, and familial situations that affect many young adults today, Presbyterian Pastor Carol Howard Merritt describes how churches can provide a safe, supportive place for young adults to nurture relationships and foster spiritual growth.
- Young Adult Ministry Grants
The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries offers a number of grants for districts, local congregations, and groups. We are always seeking to fund innovative, accountable, and sustainable young adult programs around the continent.
- Articulating Your UU Faith
In this creative five-session course, Barbara Wells and Jaco B. ten Hove help guide participants through a series of engaging exercises that equip them to discover and articulate their beliefs, including personal reflection, role-play, discussion and even the creation of a worship event. Participants work with each other to learn to talk about Unitarian Universalism, their own theologies and what our faith has to offer the world. Originally written for young adults, it is suitable for any age group wishing to explore how they talk about their faith.
- Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?
Beverly Daniel Tatum analyses the different stages and forms of racial identity development in whites and People of Color in the United States. This book provides deep insight into understanding race and racism in America and how we can develop stronger anti-racist identities in ourselves, in our children, and in our communities.
- New Media for UUs Blog
People of all ages, and especially young adults, communicate in new ways through online social networking services like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and blogs. These are important tools for reaching many young adults. The UUA's New Media for Unitarian Universalists blog has lots of tips on how to use new media and improve your online presence and communications.
For more information contact youngadults @ uua.org.
Last updated on Friday, June 4, 2010.
