RITE OF PASSAGE
How Rite of Passage Works
When a young person completes the Christian Life Skills curriculum a celebration including a Rite of Passage Ceremony is conducted. Youth participate in a preparation process that gives opportunity for a thorough review of all they have learned during their participation in the Christian Life Skills ministry. It usually takes two years or more to progress through the entire curriculum. Often there is a group of youth who may begin, travel through and complete the program in the same time period. However, a Rite of Passage may be celebrated for one or two youth, or a larger group who have completed the process.
The Rite of Passage requires the memorization of scripture pertaining to the various life skills, knowledge of Bible stories, and the demonstration of the life skills in the daily experiences of the student. Parents, mentors and the youth are asked to affirm that they are utilizing the life skills in their daily practices and behaviors. A discussion with parents is conducted separately from the youth so that parents have an opportunity to describe what they have observed in their youth as a result of the program.
A written test, an oral test, and a project that expresses the spiritual growth experienced by the student — are all part of the preparation for the Rite of Passage Ceremony. These three requirements can be adjusted or waived if a student has a personal challenge that requires an adjustment.
The students of The Rite of Passage share and speak:
- Of what he or she has gained from the Christian Life Skills experience
- The impact it has had on his or her life.
- They quote at least one scripture and explain why they selected that particular scripture to share.
- They may also present the project they provided as part of the exam.
The worship service is usually followed by a celebration dinner for the youth, their families, friends and the congregation/and/or invited guests. Other elements in the Rite of Passage involve the laying on of hands and prayer. The parents, pastor, mentor and/or other close associates participate in this part of the service. The youth receive a certificate of completion, an engraved medallion and other expressions of affirmation. On One occasion the Rite of Passage dinner was followed by a boat ride. On another occasion it was followed by an outdoor trip with outdoor recreation. There are many ways in which this experience can be made memorable and encouraging to the participants.
Deacon Eric Williams
