Summer Training: 4 Teen Psychology Tips to Improve Your Ministry

Working with teenagers is great! However, it can be challenging to do Youth Ministry if you don't understand how they think and develop. Watch the video recordings of LEAD222's Summer Training and join the Director of Coaching Larry Ely as he shares 4 Teen Psych Tips to help you reach students better.

• TRAINING PART 1: Cognitive Development & Moral Development

• TRAINING PART 2: Faith Development & Identity Formation

PART 1: SUMMARY

1. COGNITIVE Development: Jean Piaget

Key Point: Moving from Concrete to Abstract thinking is pivotal for teenagers.

Key Questions:

• How does cognitive development affect faith development during adolescence?

• What are the implications for how we teach the Bible to teenagers?

PRO TIP #1: ENHANCE Your Teaching with a…

• Skit, Story, Object Lesson, Illustration, Video Clip, Song, or Interactive Experience

2. MORAL Development: Lawrence Kohlberg

 Key Point: Teenage morality is a work in progress.

 Key Questions:

• How does moral development affect faith development during adolescence?

• What are the implications for how we teach right & wrong and the issue of sin?

PRO TIP #2: PATIENCE, Truth, & Role Models Are Key

 PART 2: SUMMARY

3. FAITH Development: James Fowler

Key Point: Relational & Incarnational ministry are vital

• Build relationships, community, teach & live the Gospel

 Key Questions:

• How does faith development affect student ministry during adolescence?

• What are the implications for spiritual growth & how we teach faith?

PRO TRIP #3: RELATIONSHIPS & Life Application Matter

4. IDENTITY Formation: Erik Erickson

 Key Point: The search for IDENTITY is huge for teenagers.

 Key Questions:

• How does identity formation affect spiritual growth during adolescence?

• What are the implications for how we can help students build their identity in Christ?

PRO TRIP #4: AFFIRM they are Loved, Accepted, & Belong

Author: Larry Ely • Posted: July 2025

Event: LEAD222 Summer Training