High School
"Teens know that they are
uniquely created by God
and are loved by Him."
JAYME NICHOLS
In the years between the beginning of middle
school and the end of high school, a teenager
transitions from her childhood body and mindset
to a more matured body and mindset. Hormonal
surges characterize the typical teen and fuel
physical, emotional, and mental changes.
High schoolers are anywhere from fourteen to
eighteen years old, encompassing a wide range of
developmental levels and abilities. However, every
one of them is quickly moving toward adulthood
and learning how to manage their new bodies,
mindsets, and emotions.
The lives of high schoolers expand greatly
throughout these years. High schoolers are asking
questions, solidifying their own moral codes, and
defining their place in the world during this time.
They are widening their social circles; they may
become involved in many different groups and
clubs. They are even beginning to expand and
understand their roles within these social circles.
Romantic relationships also become important.
As high schoolers tackle these changes in
their lives, it's important that they have positive
adult relationships that can influence and guide
their development as they prepare to become
independent adults themselves.
Fourteen-year-old Sarah knows
how to answer church questions
pretty efficiently with the "correct"
answer. She knows who God
is and that Jesus saved her by
dying on the cross, but behind
the scenes, she is not sure why
she believes that or what impact
it has on her everyday life. In safe
environments, she will begin to
ask questions or challenge those
beliefs. This isn't defiance; it's a
developmentally appropriate way
for her to start to understand her
faith in a broader perspective.
As she begins to grasp why she
believes what she has been
taught, her desire to live out her
faith grows and seeks a place to
be put into action. Her gifts start
to emerge, and she begins to
understand how God has made
her unique and how God uses her
to love specific people. She can
empathize with her neighbors near
and far, serve them, teach them,
and share Jesus' love with them.
A Day in the Life
High School • 1 • cph.org • Copyright © 2019 Concordia Publishing House
