With Chris Zoephel | Sacraments

YAMIA is the youth and student ministries arm of the Anglican Mission in the Americas.

You guessed it...another church in Circle, Montana.

Sacraments are actually pretty cool. Here is some reasons why:

1) You can see them. Symbols speak to the heart.

2) They are matter. God likes matter, He became it. Jesus took mud and spit and healed a blind man. Paul's handkerchief...I could go on. The point is this...God can use matter to convey His grace.

3) They are not magic wands. This is especially important when it comes to a sacrament like baptism. Gotta have faith. Gotta repent. And if you were baptized as a child you gotta make it your own.

4) They are Biblical. Just ask Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Francis, Edwards...need I go on?

Now...how do we get kids to appreciate them...

1) They are mystery. It is fine not to have all the answers. We just know that God uses them and is present in them.

2) Share stories with them about God displaying His power through the sacraments.

3) Be creative in having them experience them. Nobody shows up a church and is a pro at liturgy. Change the form (not the faith) and put it in terms that they can understand...can experience...can revere.

Labels: sacraments

Total comments on this post (3)

being from a non-liturgical church I still appreciate these. I think you have hit some good points.

There is power in symbolism... but only when the symbolism is understood, otherwise it is just a religious act with little more meaning to the "doer" than waving just to be friendly.

How do we get creative? How do we continue to introduce the younger generations to something that seems old, strange and "my parents thing?"

posted by STL - April 28, 2008 12:31 PM

not sure why it says i am stl...

sauce

posted by STL - April 28, 2008 12:32 PM

Great questions. I think that bringing it to their level is key...allow them to encounter it in ways that they understand but don't depreciate the sacrament (and the message behind it) itself. That takes the creative work of the local pastor...you in this case. I have lots of ideas on this of course. Maybe I should blog them?

posted by CZoe - April 28, 2008 1:51 PM

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Involved in Youth Ministry for over 10 years, Rev Chris Zoephel has worked with junior highers, senior highers and those who act like these folks both as a paid staff member and as a volunteer in churches and para church organizations. These days most of his time is spent chasing his son around, keeping his office somewhat organized and trying to point others toward Christ. Currently Chris is on staff at Immanuel Anglican Church in Destin, FL as the Pastor of Discipleship (which includes being a youth pastor). Chris also serves as Director of YAMIA for the Anglican Mission in the Americas.