Summary

We are currently observing a new phenomenon within the development of young adults: emerging adulthood, which spans the ages of 18 to 29, marked by unprecedented options for education, work and career choices, delayed marriage and family life, and remarkable geographic mobility.

Listen Online

Download audio

Details

We are currently observing a new phenomenon within the development of young adults: emerging adulthood, which spans the ages of 18 to 29 (or even later), marked by unprecedented options for education, work and career choices, delayed marriage and family life, and remarkable geographic mobility. At the same time, emerging adults are also more self-focused, confused, and anxious than previous generations of “young adults.” This session will provide a definition of emerging adulthood and why this matters for the church, especially in regard to how our churches worship.

Presented at the 2012 Calvin Symposium on Worship.

Learn More

  • Download the slideshow presentation in PowerPoint or PDF format.

Recent Media Resources

Video Preaching Psalms/Scripture
Preaching and Teaching the Psalms: A Conversation with Pastor-Theologians

A panel discussion in which Amanda Benckhuysen, Karen Campbell, G. Sujin Pak, and moderator Kathy Smith ponder the challenges and opportunities in preaching and teaching from the psalms. Are there incomplete or incorrect assumptions about the psalms that sermons and lectures can tackle? How do we handle the imprecatory psalms when we have a Savior who told us to love and forgive the very enemies many psalms talk about? The panel will consider these and other vital questions for preachers and teachers in today’s church.

May 14, 2026 | 89 min video
Video Faith Formation Psalms/Scripture
Being Shaped by the Psalms: Lessons in Trust, Hope, and Love

The psalms reflect our deepest emotions as people of faith. In their expressions of thanksgiving, trust, lament, anger, joy, doubt, and praise, these ancient prayers seem to peer right into our souls and put words to our thoughts and experiences. But the psalms are more than human words to God. Embedded as they are in the scriptures, they are now also God’s word to us.

May 12, 2026 | 80 min video
Video Psalms/Scripture Visual Arts
Surprised by the Psalms

Anneke Kaai studied fine art and painting in the Netherlands at secular schools in the 1960s and ’70s. That experience compelled her to express her Christian faith through her art. She has painted many works based on scripture, including three series of paintings on the psalms, which she sees as a bountiful resource of imagery for the full range of human feelings in relation to God.

May 5, 2026 | 90 min video