| In two weeks, I’m taking my 12-year-old son on a trip. We’re leaving his mom and sisters behind—it will be just me and him. The purpose of the trip is to have “the talk.” And honestly, I’m still figuring out exactly what I’m going to tell him (pray for me!). But he’ll be getting more than just his father’s bumbling attempts to educate him about the birds and the bees. He’ll be undergoing a rite of passage of sorts, marking his transition out of boyhood. My father took me on a similar trip when I was his age. Now I’m doing the same for him. Such rites of passage are crucial, especially for boys. If you’ve been reading the studies on the plight of young men in our culture, you know the news is not good. Boys are lagging girls in several crucial areas—and boys in the church are not exempt from these trends. Mark Perkins believes rites of passage can help. He points to Jesus’ initiation in the Jerusalem temple as an example to follow. Read his thoughts on how Rites of Passage Can Help Boys Become Men. One thing all children need to learn is how to pray. Our resource on the topic explores different types and methods of prayer, as well as biblical foundations and practical activities for kids. It will help you make prayer a priority in your classroom and ministry. | 