34 CHARACTERISTICS OF MATURE CHRISTIAN YOUTH

One of the key features of the EYM study is that it identified 34 characteristics that point to maturity in Christian Youth. You can use this list as a way to both focus your ministry youth and to focus your adult leaders on some of the goals for their spending time with youth. 

• Seek Spiritual Growth, Both Alone and With Others
• Are heard referring to having prayer, devotions, and meditation times.
• Ask sincere and searching questions about the nature of a life of faith in God.
• Prefer and attend gatherings where they can learn more about the Christian faith.
• Accept opportunities for learning how to speak naturally and intelligently about their faith.
• Are involved in Bible study and/or prayer groups.
• Join Christian groups to build friendships and learn how to be a friend.

Believe God is Present in the World

• Speak openly about seeking or experiencing God's guidance.
• Are heard asking each other about what God has recently done in their lives or the lives of others.
• In times of trouble, reassure others that God is active to make things work out all right in the long run.
• Occasionally speak of having been keenly aware of the presence of God.

Act Out of a Commitment of Faith

• Speak publicly about their relationship with Jesus Christ.
• When providing a rationale for their actions will at times cite specifics of their faith.
• In conversation with family and friends brings up topics of faith or Christian living.
• Pray for people especially needing God's help.

Are Active With God's People

• Regularly attend worship services.
• Have willingly participated in two or more of the following:
• taught Sunday School, Bible class, or Vacation Bible School
• served with a group to improve conditions at school or neighborhood
• made a presentation before a faith group or in worship
• helped in raising money for a Christian project or mission trip
• served on a congregational or denominational committee or task force
• Regularly contribute money to a congregation or faith project.

Possess a Positive, Hopeful Spirit

• Enjoy being together, as evidenced by their laughing, singing, and conversation.
• Show a gracious, loving attitude to people not easy to like (e.g., the difficult, rude, shunned, loser).
• Have friends of widely diverse socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious background or persuasion.
• Have been heard describing the Christian faith as a necessary force in society, helping people develop attitudes of understanding, sympathy, and cooperation.
• Are known for their general optimism, trust, and positive expectation of other people, being convinced that one person can do much to make the world a better place.
• Are eager, responsive, and cooperative rather than unresponsive, disinterested, and apathetic.

Live Out a Life of Service

• Give portions of time and money for helping people.
• Attend conferences or workshops that present the challenge of service professions such as the ordained ministry.
• Speak out publicly against specific social injustices.
• Try to offer comfort or support to a friend or neighbor in the event of a death or tragedy either by talking or by action (personal presence, help with routine tasks, transportation, visit in hospital, etc.).
• Defend a friend or acquaintance who is being talked about when he/she isn't there.
• Organize and participate in study or action groups to address injustice or immorality.
• Are involved in activities of service related to church, community, or world.
• Are assuming responsibility for some aspect of their youth ministry.

Live a Christian Moral Life

• Are heard referring to seeking help from scripture in deciding what is right and wrong.
• Actively seek to discourage friends from cheating at school.
  
• Have a reputation for not participating in activities such as lying, stealing, substance abuse, etc. and have a reputation for honesty, integrity, hospitality, and acts of kindness.