QuarterLife

  • Phillip Van Blerk
  • Jan 17, 2010
  • Series: The Informer

The INFOrmer this week is introducing a new ministry, QuarterLife, for those in the 24 - 30 years age group.

What is QuarterLife?

QuarterLife is a ministry at St James reaching people in the Quarterlife age group.  To define this very important and challenging stage of life it might be helpful to look at it from the perspective of the so-called "Quarterlife crisis".

"The 'Quarterlife Crisis' can be generally defined as that unique crisis of modern twenty- and thirty-somethings who are faced with an overwhelming number of choices and expectations regarding their futures. It typically strikes when Quarterlifers are making their transition from college or university to the big wide world of true adults. It can take a while to play itself out, particularly since modern Quarterlifers have numerous options during this transition phase: you can start building a single career, or try different jobs; you can travel, or study further, or start a family. Talking to others, I've found that the crisis sometimes becomes apparent again, or for the first time,at other key transitional phases in the twenties and thirties, such as moving on from your first job, or returning from a year's travel, or getting married. Whatever the circumstances, the Quarterlife Crisis is marked by a period of intense change which often causes anxiety about your current and future states. One thing that makes the Quarterlife Crisis so difficult is the feeling of losing control: you emerge from an existence where life was largely predictable to a situation of instability and changeability." (From 'Managing the Quarterlife Crisis', Joanne Jowel 2003)

Now it is true that we all face different and unique issues as individuals but it's equally true that we face similar issues at similar stages of life.  The Quarterlife is one such time.  The encouraging truth is that the bible speaks to us whereever we might find ourselves, if only we are willing to listen.  The gospel presents us, in Jesus, with the opportunity to call God, the Creator and Sustainer of life, our Father and to entrust our lives into His capable hands to direct and shape for His glory.  The question is, can we trust that God's glory is for our good?

At QuarterLife we are committed to address the very important issues mentioned in the quote above but within the context of our relationship with God. We're aiming to do this by meeting together weekly around God's Word in homes with a central meeting at church once a month to enjoy a wider fellowship.   Within this context we can nurture deep and meaningful relationships that will allow us to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds" (Hebrews 10:24) as we move through this phase of life together.  As we share our burdens and joys together in community and make sense of them in the light of Scripture, we will clearly see that God's glory is indeed for our good!

If you're interested, please keep your eyes and ears open.  Registration will be towards the end of January.

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