Alya Iwas

Adult Identity Formation Model in the Syriac Orthodox Church: Adult Identity Formation Model in the Syriac Orthodox Church Cultural Context in St.ephraim Church, Burbank, California Alya Iwas

THE BASIC PRINCIPLE OF THIS PROJECT IS THAT THE YOUNG ADULTS ARE ABSENT FROM CHURCHES TODAY, ESPECIALLY IN THE SYRIAC ORTHODOX CHURCH (SOC). THE CHURCH IS MADE OF PEOPLE OF EVERY AGE, AND WITHOUT THE YOUNG ADULTS THE CHURCH CANNOT BE WHOLE. THIS PROJECT PROVIDES A YOUNG ADULT MINISTERY PROGRAM THAT HAS ENABLED THESE YOUNG PEOPLE TO BECOME ACTIVE IN THE CHURCH AND GROW SPIRITUALY. THIS PROJECT GREW OUT OF THE COMMITMENT THAT i MADE WHEN i WAS CHOSEN TO BE A YOUTH WORKER. THE EIGHT MODELS OF SPIRITUAL FORMATION CREATED BY ARTHUR DAVID CANALES WERE FOUND TO BE USEFUL FOR DESIGNING A SPIRITUAL FORMATION RETREAT AND FOUR LESSONPLANS FOR IDENTITY THAT NURTURES SYRIAC SPIRITUAL IDENTITY IN THE ST. EPHRAIM CONGREGATION IN GENERATIVE WAYS. THIS MODEL ENCOURAGES YOUNG ADULTS TO INTENTIONALLY PARTICIPATE IN THEIR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY BY ENGAGING IN ACTIVITY WHICH BEST SUITS THEIR OWN SKILLS, BACKGROUND AND INTEREST.