## TOTAL REVOLUTION OF IDENTITY

### Series Objective

In his groundbreaking book, All Grown Up and No Place To Go, psychologist David Elkind argues that the number one developmental goal for adolescents is to develop a sense of personal identity. Completing this task, in the midst of the radical developmental changes (physical, cognitive, social, sexual, spiritual, etc.) of adolescence is more than challenging. Added to the challenge facing adolescents are the multitude of powerful and often conflicting identity options offered by parents, peers, ethnicity, culture, church, media and the list goes on.

Although authentic and fulfilling identity is ultimately found in Christ, we have often conveyed an underdeveloped or unbalanced Christian identity. For example, our encouragement to ‘put God first’ can be interpreted as an action statement that compartmentalizes God to just one aspect of our lives. Also, by simply focusing on ‘our personal relationship with God’ or ‘intimacy’, we may be promoting intimacy to the exclusion of community or service. Conversely, we can also be tempted to encourage service or ministry or ‘doing’ that becomes quickly disconnected from intimacy with God.

The following series, entitled, TOTAL REVOLUTION of IDENTITY addresses the primary question facing adolescents by offering a compelling and comprehensive identity found in Christ. True transformation requires a TOTAL REVOLUTION of IDENTITY – that Christ’s identity is formed in all aspects of our life (Galatians 4:19). Therefore, this series looks at the identity components of ‘being’ (intimacy with God), character, community and ‘doing’ (servant leader and sharing our faith as an ambassador).

Although each session is self-contained, one exciting option is to encourage and challenge each student to choose and focus on growing in one identity area over a period of time. For example, one student may sense they need to grow in intimacy with God. Another may believe God desires them to grow in service as an ambassador. The focus on one area of growth will aid transformation in other areas (i.e. the ambassador focus overflows to include a desire to pray more, live a life of character, etc.). Combined with their own creativity, the Action Point section assists students in developing an individual growth plan. The group can then provide a level of accountability and encouragement as the student works on their plan.

May these next weeks see the transforming power of God at work in your ministry as “…Christ is formed in you…” and identities are revolutionized!

P.S. Dave Overholt’s new book for high school students, Live What You Believe takes an in-depth look at a number of biblical identity images and would make an excellent group study or aid for an individual. Available from Church on the Rock – by their website or the Read-On Bookstore.

Contact: Please feel free to email the author to clarify, brainstorm ideas or provide feedback: Steve Brown.

### SERIES TOPICS

- Christ Formed in You handout
- Intimacy with God handout
- Character Without Compromise handout
- Transformational Community handout
- The Life of a Servant handout
- The Impact of an Ambassador handout