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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com
Some names and details have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.
The author is represented by The Gates Group of 1403 Walnut Lane, Louisville, Kentucky 40223
Endorsements
In Welcome to Adulting , Jonathan Pokluda spends less time on the trivial and more time on the transformational. He points the way and gives advice on how to live an adult life that honors our Holy God. I love it! JPs not worried about the adult ways of this world but rather the adult matters that are out of this world. Enjoy the ride.
Kyle Idleman , pastor and author of Not a Fan and Grace Is Greater
Jonathan so candidly and beautifully breaks down the myths of life after college and leaves us with a roadmap well return to again and again, no matter how old we are.
Jennie Allen , author of Nothing to Prove ; founder and visionary of the IF:Gathering
I try to only listen to voices that are living what they are saying. JP is one of those. This book isnt just an amazing book but also one that has been fought for and lived out and extracted from years of pursuing Jesus and helping others. I hope it blesses you as much as it did me!
Jefferson Bethke , New York Times bestselling author of Jesus > Religion
In the midst of confusion and half-truths, Welcome to Adulting is a Scripture-soaked survival guide. Read this book and drop your anchor in the blood-bought truth of Jesus.
Nick Hall , founder and chief communicator for PULSE; author of RESET: Jesus Changes Everything
There arent many leaders in America who have the experience working with the next generation like Jonathan Pokluda. Im so grateful hes put pen to paper on helping shape the future for so many who need a guide! Dont miss this book!
Clay Scroggins , lead pastor of North Point Community Church
There is a reason that thousands of young professionals listen when Jonathan Pokluda speaks. He is a worthy guide for all who are navigating the tempestuous seas of young adulthood. I am grateful he has given this book as a gift to the world.
Ben Stuart , pastor of Passion City Church, DC, and author of Single, Dating, Engaged, Married
In a world full of self-help books with pages full of how-tos, its refreshing to see practical wisdom drawn from the deep waters of the Word. Pick up Welcome to Adulting and learn how to live in a way that makes lifes lessons so much sweeter.
Shane Everett , Shane and Shane Music
I have watched JP fight for these chapters over the last decade! Mostly in the pages of his own life. My prayer is that God would use them to bring healing and freedom in your life as he has in mine.
Shane Barnard , Shane and Shane Music
As a new Christian recently graduated from college, I found myself unprepared to deal with many of the monumental, life-altering decisions staring me in the face. In Welcome to Adulting , my good friend JP speaks truth into these challenges in a way that will make an adult life an abundant life.
Brandon Slay , Olympic wrestling champion and executive director of the Pennsylvania RTC
One day with Jonathan Pokluda and you will be changed forever. His love for Christ is undeniable, and he shares it with every person he comes in contact with. This boldness he displays daily is something all believers should experience, and this book captures that so well.
Chad Hedrick , Olympic gold medalist and world champion
JP speaks with clarity, candor, and conviction. You cant help but sense that he has tasted and is daily seeking to feast on the freedom and fullness found in wholehearted pursuit of Jesus Christ. Welcome to Adulting is a unique, refreshing, and invaluable compass to anyone navigating the new waters of adulthood.
Timothy Ateek , executive director of Breakaway Ministries
Honest. Sincere. Real. This is who JP is and this is how he communicates. Combining personal experiences with wisdom from Scripture, this book will serve as a pathway to spiritual maturity. I highly recommend it for anyone serious about their spiritual growth.
Jarrett Stephens , teaching pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church and author of The Mountains Are Calling
Jonathan writes from a place of passion for those moving into adulthood here and now. His insights are accessible and simple, and I would recommend this book to all parents and leaders who are tasked with bringing a new generation into adulthood.
Casey Tygrett , author of Becoming Curious: A Spiritual Practice of Asking Questions
Im constantly amazed with how JP can tactfully show my generation how the good news were so desperately chasing is utterly minuscule compared to the Good News. Welcome to Adulting is a guide that comes from a posture of vulnerable experience and biblical reassurance that Gods way is better .
Grant Skeldon , founder of Initiative Network
Dedication
To my wife, Monica,
for patiently adulting with me.
To Christ-following young adults, you are the future of the church. The future is bright!
To our church, Watermark,
and the leaders there,
thank you
for displaying Christ
to me.
Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
Endorsements
Dedication
Introduction
Section One:
Adulting with Purpose
1. Life: Dont Miss It
2. Purpose: The Reason Youre Here
Section Two:
Adulting Like a Boss
3. Authority: Whos in Charge Here?
4. Work: Career Counseling
5. Money: Its Not All about the Benjamins
Section Three:
Adulting with Friends
6. Community: Your Playmates and Playgrounds
7. Conflict: The Right Way to Be Wrong (and Vice Versa)
8. Dating: Happily Ever After?
9. Worry: The Only Thing We Have to Fear ...
10. Recovery: Leaving the Past Behind
Section Five:
Adulting Forever
11. Eternity: Life in Perspective
Acknowledgments
Notes
About the Author
Back Ads
Back Cover
Introduction
*adulting (noun; mass noun informal): the practice of behaving in a way characteristic of a responsible adult, especially the accomplishment of mundane but necessary tasks.
I had just walked across the stage in my cap and gown in Waco, Texas. Not at Baylor, the Baptist university you might have heard of, but at a small technical college just outside of Waco. My girlfriend came in from out of town. She was sitting beside my proud parents, who drove across the state of Texas to witness the occasion. They had financed the possibility of graduation over the years, and Im confident the event meant much more to them than it did to me. In fact, I was a little distracted from the diploma I was holding, because sitting behind my girlfriend was another girl I had been secretly dating in Waco. And she had driven over with another girl whom I was also interested in. So my mind was stuck on how I was going to keep those two away from my girlfriend while still appropriately expressing appreciation to everyone for coming to my graduation. This mess was a microcosm of my life.