Ministry with Adolescent and Young Males

A good to move to watch to "understand" the male mind is The Lords of Dogtown. It is a a movie about how skateboarding and extreme sports developed. In fact, it shows how half pipes were first learned in drained swimming pools. A fact is that very few female brains would make this connection: Skateboard - stair rail.

It is also important to connect with young males through things in which they are interested. There is a way to learn the ten commandments by reciting them through a karate kata. Since there are different ways of listing the ten commandments, it is best to look up kata moves or get the help of somebody who knows karate to show actions that seem to relate to the ten commandments. While the girls may think it is stupid, the boys will be having a great time doing karate katas and reciting the ten commandments.

It can be difficult to work with males because their brains are like light switches that are turned on and off. Females, on the other hand, have brains that are like light switches that are always turned on. In other words, females always use both sides of their brain while males only tend to use the right side more often than using both sides. Of course, this is not true for all males and females. Some fall into the other category. This is just the most common observation.

All statements are not true of every male and of every female. However, most females hear better, have more neurological material for verbalizing, and can interpret facial expressions better. In general, males will ask "Where is it?" while females will ask, "What is it?"

The emotional centers in many men are not well connected to the the part of the brain that regulates verbal expression. This can make it difficult for males to interpret stories and plays. This is why it is important that ministry done with males is kinesthetic. They need to be able to touch things and do things. This will help them learn.

Of course, when working with teenagers, a common subject is sex and what happens with their bodies. They may act like the talk is stupid, but they are going to be interested in this information. It is best to have males and females in separate groups to discuss this type of thing.

When working with teenagers, it is important to realize that the female brain tends to empathize while the male brain tends to systemize. These are two very different things that are important for both genders.

Other movies to watch to try to understand the male mind are Life Is A House, Antoine Fisher, Walk the Line, and Seabiscuit.

Resource: ELCA's Extravaganza 2007, Early Bird Workshop Session 1, "Ministry With Adolescent and Young Males"