Faith Path: Rite of Passage
Recommended Ages: 16+
The transition from child to teen to adult can be challenging for both parent and child. Help your emerging adult prepare for and accept God's plan for the future by planning a rite of passage event. Challenge your teen to leave behind the world of childhood and invite them into the ranks of emerging adulthood.
Give a Vision for Adulthood
A rite of passage is a special event signifying a transition from one stage to another. This is an ideal time to affirm and help your child anticipate and prepare to accept God’s plan for the future. Challenge your teen to leave behind the world of childhood and invite them into the ranks of emerging adulthood.
How to do a Rite of Passage
It is less important how you plan your child’s rite of passage than that you plan it. Some families host a simple dinner with family and close friends. Others do something more elaborate such as a road trip adventure with various stops. Decide and plan what works best for your teen and your situation.
- STEP ONE: Create a plan to make this a meaningful experience. Read one of the recommended resources for more ideas or utilize the Rite of Passage Planning Sheet (DOWNLOAD HERE). A small investment of thought and effort will mean a great deal to your son or daughter.
- STEP TWO: Invite people who have had an impact in your teen’s life and/or whom they respect. Give each person a specific topic on which he or she will speak or write a letter. Some topics may include work, marriage, integrity, faith, purity, family, etc.
- STEP THREE: Make it easy for others to participate by providing them with recommended wording for their talk or letter in order to help them avoid becoming nervous or attending ill-prepared. Use sample letters as a guide (DOWNLOAD HERE).
Give a Blessing
It is very important that parents use this milestone to give a blessing usually in the form of a letter affirming the teen’s potential and expressing gratitude for his or her life. For more on the power and process of giving a blessing, review the Faith Path: Blessing resources.
Give a Vision for the Future
Take time to provide direction for the future. Cast vision and direct your child in seeking the Lord as they enter a season of significant decisions that will impact the future.
Give a Gift
Consider purchasing or making something to give your teen during this time. It does not need to be extravagant. It is more important it serve as a tangible keepsake of the event your child can hold on to for years to come. Ideas include a piece of jewelry, a book of letters/blessings, a sword for guys, or a crown for girls.
Set the Stage
The rite of passage event serves as an opportunity to set a new tone for the changing relationship with your child. Your role is changing from primarily teacher to mostly coach as he or she accepts the new freedoms and responsibilities that accompany young adulthood. Let your child know that you will be there to help him or her work through the challenges and navigate the landmines as they take ownership for choices and a future walk with God. Plan to create intentional one-on-one times to connect and to keep the lines of communication open over the coming months and years.
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About Faith path
We believe God designed the family to be the primary disciple-making relationship. In other words, God gave parents the privilege of nurturing faith in the next generation. That’s why the Faith Path was created. It's a step-by-step plan to help you be intentional as you prepare for key faith milestones and foster spiritual disciplines in your child’s faith journey. From parent dedication to leading your child to Christ to launching your young adult, the Faith Path resources are designed to assist you in discipling your children.