Navigating Toward Adulthood: A Theology of Ministry with Adolescents by Theresa A. O’Keefe

Abstract

Reviewed by: Navigating Toward Adulthood: A Theology of Ministry with Adolescents by Theresa A. O’Keefe Stephanie DeFeo O’Keefe, Theresa A. Navigating Toward Adulthood: A Theology of Ministry with Adolescents. New York City, NY: Paulist Press, 2018. 184 pages. Paperback. $25.68. ISBN: 9780809153985. Dr. Theresa O’Keefe is an associate professor for youth and young adult faith at Boston College. She has written numerous books, essays, and articles regarding relationships, educational formation, and developmental theory for adolescents and young adults. She ties in these three interests in her book, Navigating Toward Adulthood: A Theology of Ministry with Adolescents. This book emphasizes the importance of understanding development theory interlaced with current societal norms to achieve greater affects when ministering to adolescents. O’Keefe’s book summarizes research conducted on the social development of adolescents and the impacts on ministry. She divides the book into four parts creating a well-organized structure. In the beginning of each chapter, O’Keefe gives a brief synopsis of what she will be discussing in the chapter that follows. Due to the in-depth summarization of research, the book is best read in entirety; however, the section summaries are beneficial to those using only portions of the book to enhance their personal research. These short abstracts also provide clarity because the section and chapter headings reference O’Keefe’s analogy between adolescent development and sailing. Nevertheless, experience of sailing is not a prerequisite for reading this book as O’Keefe provides enough detail to parallel the two topics seamlessly. The allegorical reference paints a beautiful image of the struggles and successes experienced during adolescent maturation. Parts one and two, “Lost at Sea” and “Into Deep Waters,” set the stage for the premise of the book, “navigating toward adulthood.” O’Keefe begins by explaining the social world, its impacts on adolescent mind-set, and development from childhood. She then goes on to discuss the idea that “self-discovery is both mysterious and complex,” giving reason to argue that it is necessary for the adolescent to develop “trustworthy relationships” (5–7). The importance of Christian community supports these ideas O’Keefe presents. This community surrounds the [End Page 242] adolescents allowing them to develop an understanding of God’s presence in their lives and the gift of grace that God gives freely. “Into Deep Waters” articulates the opposing position of cultural society, which directs individuals to believe that “the human person is meant to go at it alone” (19). It also discusses the effects of digital communication, including both speed and volume of connection, on the adolescent’s desire for a sense of belonging. Adolescents must combat the issue of recognizing themselves as a person in relation with other persons, but O’Keefe argues that if they do so in a digital environment it prohibits them from receiving developmental graces, simply because the adolescent fails to recognize them. These sections set the stage for the deeper research on social development with both physical and spiritual relationship development that comes in the second half of the book. Parts three and four, “Joining Others on Board” and “A Diverse Fleet,” bring in additional research on relationship development and the necessary steps for integration with social development. For example, O’Keefe claims that the reliance on digital communications prohibits the development of basic communication skills along with the transition of brain function from the amygdala to the frontal cortex (79–80). This section highlights the significance of adolescents recognizing consequences, whether good or bad, from decisions. This most often occurs in relationships with adults, mainly parental but also non-parental. “A Diverse Fleet” concludes by emphasizing the importance of relationships specifically within the ecclesial community. The relationships enable the adolescent to develop trustworthy relationships with non-parental adults who can provide mentorship. Moving from digital to physical relationships allows the adolescent to develop their inter-personal communication skills, facilitating brain development. Throughout the second half of the book, O’Keefe seeks to bring her research and expertise to a common level of praxis. For instance, she uses multiple Greek words such as “perichórésis” and “theósis,” but she takes the time to instruct the readers by also...