Emerging Adulthood
Faith in emerging adulthood (18-29 years old) is marked by identity exploration, doubt, and big questions about life and faith. In the words of Taylor Swift in her song “22,” young adults are “happy, free, confused, and lonely at the same time.” This stage of life is a recipe for complicated, and often challenging, relationships between young adults and their churches, families, and God. So how do we minister to—and with—young adults? This community gathering is for anyone who is interested in learning more about faith in emerging adulthood, exploring trends in young adult ministry and church involvement, and workshopping ways to better connect with emerging adults in your ministry context. Of course, young adults themselves are also more than welcome to participate and would be vital contributors to the conversation! Join us as we seek to better understand faith in emerging adulthood, best practices for ministries, and the future of the church for young adults so that we can love one another well. Anyone who cares about the faith of young adults is welcome!
COMMUNITY DETAILS
Falon Barton and Rachel Collins are guiding the emerging adulthood community at Summit this fall. We are excited to have their dedication to and passion for emerging adults leading us through this ministry area. Check back for more information on how this conversation will unfold.
FACILITATORS
Falon Barton
FALON BARTON
Dr. Falon Barton has worked as a church minister for college students and families, has taught religion and Bible at three different Christian universities, and has done missionary work in both the U.S. and abroad. She has her Doctor of Ministry from the Hazelip School of Theology at Lipscomb University, as well as an MA in Religion and BAs in Journalism and Hispanic Studies from Pepperdine University. With Rachel Collins, Falon co-founded Emerge Collaborative.
Rachel Collins
RACHEL COLLINS
Rachel Collins has worked as a chaplain, a religion professor, and a chapel director between two different universities. Her work in higher education focuses on the ways spiritual struggle contributes to the spiritual formation of emerging adults. She holds an MDiv with an emphasis in Christian Ethics from Fuller Theological Seminary, as well as an MBA with a certificate in dispute resolution from Pepperdine University. With Falon Barton, Rachel co-founded Emerge Collaborative.
EMERGING COLLABORATIVE
At Emerge Collaborative, we believe young adults are the future and present of the church, and investing in them is essential to the church’s holistic participation in God’s kingdom. But emerging adulthood itself is a new phenomenon and young adults themselves are an ever-changing demographic. It can be hard to know what to do in the face of such uncertainty. The Emerge Collaborative team understands the complexities of young adult ministry and is dedicated to coming alongside churches for the sake of equipping and empowering the people who care about and care for young adults. Emerge provides research-backed, contextually grounded, highly relational resourcing and guidance for ministry leaders, parents, and community members to cultivate a thick network of support for young adults in our congregations and local communities.