Understanding guys is the first step toward ministering to them.

In order to really meet their needs, youth workers and parents need to fully understand the inner workings of adolescent guys. In Teenage Guys, author Steve Gerali unpacks the areas of development adolescent guys experience, providing illustrations culled from his years as a youth pastor and clincal therapist, as well as practical research findings to equip youth workers (both male and female) to more effectively minister to teenage guys.

Inside you'll get unfl inching, no-holds-barred views of what it means to be a teenage guy in the 21st century, along with helpful suggestions on how to minister to teenage guys and their families, process the issues your own students face, and help them and mentor them through this tumultuous time.

In addition to concepts such as mentoring and rites of passage, Gerali's extensive research also walks readers through:

• COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT—how a guy's mind works; how it moves from concrete functioning to idealism
• SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT—what's unique about the relationship between a guy and his family and friends, as it molds his masculine identity
• EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT—challenges guys are facing today related to depression, suicide, violence, bullying, and substance abuse
• SEXUAL MATURATION—how a guy moves through puberty to maturity; his struggles with pornography, masturbation, homosexuality, and gender confusion
• FAITH FORMATION—how guys accept, challenge, and internalize their beliefs

For men and women who work with teenage guys, this reference guide will open your eyes to what's going on inside and around them. You'll be better equipped to help them walk through adolescence toward becoming mature, confi dent, Christian men.

Download a PDF sample from Teenage Guys.

Adolescent Guys: Never a Dull Moment

Section 1: Male Adolescence

1.1 Understanding Male Adolescence
Storm and Stress of Male Adolescence
Age Ranges Within Adolescence
Developmental Tasks
A Holistic Approach to Adolescence

1.2 What Guys Need

Section 2: The Teenage Guy's Body (Physical Development)

2.1 The Male Body
Adolescent Guys Are Very Body Conscious
Fascination with Function
When Puberty Strikes
Manifestations of Male Puberty

2.2 Secondary Sex Characteristics
The Growth Spurt

2.3 Primary Sex Characteristics
The Time Has Come...
Internal Reproductive Development

Section 3: The Teenage Guy's Sexuality (Sexual Identity Development)

3.1 Guys and Sex
Testosterone: Superhuman Hormone or Poison Potion?
Identity and Messages of Virility
Sex on the Brain
Sex as a Rite of Passage

3.2 Guys and Homosexuality
For Clarity's Sake
Getting on the Same Page
Understand the Dilemma
Coming Out
Acts of Desperation
Destructive Behavior
Helping a Homosexual Teenage Guy

Section 4: The Teenage Guy's Emotions (Emotional Development)

4.1 Emotional Myths that Infl uence Guys
Emotional Development
Myths about Emotions

4.2 Emotionally Abandoned Guys
Being a Father to the Fatherless
Practical Theology

4.3 Anger, Depression, and Suicide
The Triple Jeopardy Effect
Depression
Suicide
Why Do Teenage Guys Attempt and Commit Suicide?

4.4 Aggression and Violence
Raising Cain
Emotional and Psychological Problems

Section 5: The Teenage Guy's Mind (Intellectual Development)

5.1 A Guy's Brain
Brain Growth
Communication and Brain Difference
Spatial Function
Other "Guy Brain" Functions

5.2 From Concrete to Idealism
Stage #1—Concrete
Stage #2—Abstract
Stage #3—Ideal

5.3 Learning Problems
Detecting a Learning Problem
Ministry and Mentoring Tips

Section 6: The Teenage Guy's Family and Friends (Social Development)

6.1 Male Identity Development
Biological Factors
Masculine Identity Theory
Father Wound
Personal Identity

6.2 How Relationships Shape Guys
Task #1—Identity Development
Task #2—Intimacy Development

6.3 Guys and Family
You Can't Choose Your Relatives
Guys and Fathers
Guys and Mothers

6.4 Rites of Passage: Blessing
The Importance of Rites of Passage

Section 7: The Teenage Guy's Spirituality (Faith Formation)

7.1 Spirituality
Spirituality and Masculinity
Spirituality Isn't Male or Female
Faith Formation
Archetypes of Faith Formation
Stages of Spiritual Development
Guys Have Spiritual Needs

Appendix A: More on Guys' Physiology

Appendix B: Physical Problems Adolescent Guys Face

Appendix C: Guys and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Notes