Adults change as they age. It has always been clear and perhaps well understood that children change as they get older. But not until recently has it become equally clear that adults also change as they age. It is not unusual to hear adults talk about their biological clocks running out, having a midlife crisis, or experiencing job stress. Adults have a variety of life experiences, and no two lives are the same. Adults have different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, educational attainments, vocational opportunities, friends and relationships, and health conditions. Adults develop, change, and grow — but not at the same rate or in the same way. And although we most often think of the physical and psychological changes that occur throughout adulthood, change can and does occur in spiritual development.

Adult faith formation, by which people consciously grow in the life of Christ through worship, prayer, study, and service, is a central task of the church. "The function of the local church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, is to help people to know Jesus Christ personally and to live their daily lives in light of their relationship with God" (¶ 202, The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2000). To grow in discipleship throughout life, adults need a deepening relationship with God and community, solid resources, and a positive environment that will help undergird their faith development for the transformation of the world in the twenty-first century.

To help adults grow in Christian faith, we need to know something about the adult life cycle and the kinds of needs, interests, and concerns adults experience at various stages of adulthood. The United Methodist Church takes seriously the role of the congregation in developing and implementing an intentional ministry with adults. Through the work of the various boards and agencies of the church, information, training, and resource support is provided to assist adults in relating to God through Jesus Christ and for living out their faith in the world.

Posted 3-19-01