I had the privilege of meeting with Corey Magstadt who runs a ministry to serve young adults in the community of Chaska, Minnesota. Corey seeks to minister to emerging adults and their parents through his Launch ministry. After years of running support groups for parents, he wrote a resource called, “You are Not Alone.”
Parenting emerging adults while rewarding is sometimes a difficult job. Parents often feel isolated because their words might embarrass either themselves or their adult children. This is especially true in the church where parents often feel as if they have failed. Corey writes, “Sadly, our churches often forget that one of the primary roles of the body of Christ is to be a hospital for sick and broken people.”
A desperate need exists for safe places for parents to share their experiences. Corey envisions small groups that meet on a regular basis to share a part of this journey. I believe that groups could be led by churches, educational institutions, non-profits, or other social organizations who have a passion for emerging adults and their parents.
The book includes a discussion guide for each lesson. Each week begins in a similar fashion including time for each individual to share. Then a different topic is discussed revolving around the specific needs of emerging adults and the transition of their role as parents. A Facilitator’s Guide is available which provides practical advice to launching your own group. It includes supplemental information for each of the 12 sessions.
Corey is the founder of Launch Ministry, a faith-based non-profit organization established to expose emerging adults between 18-25 years old to opportunities that will promote healthy, productive transitions into adulthood. Launch Ministry assists young people in a holistic transition by providing them with tools to develop life skills, opportunities to lead and serve, and by promoting spiritual and character formation. Corey lives in Cologne, MN with his wife Lori, and their children.
You can purchase You are not alone– Particpant’s Guide here.
You can purchase You are not alone- Facilatator’s Guide here.
