What if you are 18?

My observation of church life, over many churches in several countries over many years indicates wonderful programs for children; often effective and inviting activities for young people: youth at high school. These are of varying quality but the better include social activities, simple entertainment, camp fire cook outs and systematic introduction to the documents of our faith. The Bible, obviously and its instruction about reality and our place in it.

Then you turn 18, and it all stops, like a car hitting a cliff. Why?

In one denomination we developed a program called "20 plus". It was for anyone who'd left high school, but the name seemed good. It attracted people up to about the age of 24 or so and being across the region, led to lots of new people to meet, and maybe even to find a future spouse.

One feature of the house-parties we held was a venue we used which had single rooms with en-suite shower and toilet. That set the standard for what church conferences and 're-groups' should be. No bunking down in barracks like in the army thanks.

From 18 to about 24 these days one is finding one's feet in life and dealing with some major transitions from adolescence to what amounts to yet more adolescence. We no longer grow-up quickly, but remain dependent children for far too long.

Still, a ministry even across a group of churches that provides for the spiritual formation of this age group is essential in a society that is increasingly paganised. My only caveat is that it must appeal to both women and men, without deprecating the typical characteristics of each sex within their normal wide bands, while encouraging formation of godly men and women.