The Journey to Adulthood is a youth ministry program of spiritual formation for 6th-12th grades. It uses Bible study, prayer, rites of passage, outreach ministries and both serious and playful activities to underscore its two guiding principles: 

1. Manhood and womanhood are free gifts from God – We do not have to prove ourselves as men or women. We are already created in God’s image, male and female.

2. Adulthood must be earned – We earn our adulthood by learning more about ourselves and our neighbors, and by developing our unique talents so we can participate fully in God’s kingdom. 

There are three 2-year segments of the program: Rite-13, J2A, and YAC. A Rite 13 group forms about every other year. During off years, there is a special group called Quest for 6^th graders.

RITE-13
The first two years (6th & 7th or 7th & 8th graders) focus on celebrating the individuality of each young person and their creative potential. The Rite-13 Liturgy: A celebration of Manhood and Womanhood is a rite of passage that marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. It takes place during the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday morning once or twice a year.

J2A
The middle portion of the program (8th & 9th or 9th and 10th graders), engages youth with the skills and critical thinking involved in adulthood. At the end of their first year, the youth set off on the Urban Adventure—a trip that explores urban ministry and includes a day-long, city-wide scavenger hunt. At the end of their second year, the youth plan and embark on a pilgrimage.

YAC
This is a mentor-based program that helps older teens (11th and 12th graders) discern and carry out a ministry within their church or in the larger community.