A Post Evangelical View of Youth Ministry Part 2Monday, June 16, 2008
Our team has been dialoging on imonks post that is copied in part 1. Here are some of the points from our dialogue:
Paul: First blush is that this is a way some ministries "could" go, but not how it has to be. There is some good stuff in there, and there is some stuff that sounds really good but is hard to implement. Involving the whole family is a minefield at times. The multi-generational approach is great in theory, but is hard to implement because the ministry down the street will be much more appealing to a consumer mindset (Hey kids, I got some metamucil here for you. It is really good for you and healthy and will make you regular. Don't look down the street, that is just cotton candy). Points 3-6 are much easier to implement and can work in many different models. Points 7-9 are great but generally have to come from a rector or persons higher in the food chain. Paul and Bo then both weigh in point by point through imonks post: 1. It would be very open to the "family centered" model that puts youth ministry firmly in the ministry of parents, and would utilize "youth ministers" only as a supplement and facilitation of that model. Paul: How? I wonder if many parents see youth ministry as close to day care. When they do things together, church doesn't come into their minds. Bo: This is essential to continued growth, but this could also phase out Youth Ministry all together. It makes it hard to see youth ministry as a vocation to young and rising leaders. 2. It would never separate young people from the multi-generational nature of the church, but would instill in them an appreciation for the Christian tradition, and the compromises and gifts of the multi-generational model. Paul: Never is a big word here. Is there no time for getting with people in smaller, more alike groups? If so, how is that attractive to teens who make their parents drop them off a block away so as not to be embarrassed by them? Sounds like a pretty small youth group. Bo: We do this well at Prince of Peace thanks to my wife. We actually have an intergenerational ministry where we get together over the summer especially and incorporate events with all generations together (pool parties, game nights, etc.). It is a real hit. 3. Age segregated Bible study would most likely be de-emphasized, if not eliminated as much as possible. Paul:Again, why shouldn't there be a time for hitting people where they are at? Bo: Why? There is a lot of value in studying the Bible with your own peer group and applying it to your environment. 4. Mentoring and "AA" type community would be the focus of community life, with a conscious effort to work against the consumerist impulses of evangelical youth culture. Paul: Not really sure what this looks like, but why does it have to be the focus rather than just the part? Is everyone ready for that type of community? How do we get people into that kind of intimacy when they are afraid of it? Bo: Ok, but what does that look like? 5. One important emphasis would be participation in broader community ministries and worship opportunities that would emphasize being part of the larger body of Christ, including all traditions. Paul: Love this idea, how do we get participation or even ownership into it? 6. Relationships and ministries with the church among the poor and the persecuted would replace the creation of envy of megachurch facilities and a menu of specialized large events. Paul: Cool. How? I am not sure this has worked yet. Bo: Cool with this. Love to see us go this direction, especially since urban culture is where it is at. 7. A conscious effort to define discipleship in terms of teachable processes will bring about an investment of time and relationships in learning specific disciplines from particular people, and then passing those discipleship processes on to other young people. Paul & Bo: We love this! Lets flesh this out some time and see what happens. 8. The heart of post evangelical youth ministry would be the church's own growth process into a community discovering the church as the movement Jesus started, imitating the best models of the past and connecting to other traditions. Paul: How does this happen in each church/part of the church? Bo: This is essential to the health of the future of the church as we know it. 9. This does not mean the elimination of "youth ministry", but it does mean that any specific ministry will find its definition and direction from the overall character of the community to which it belongs. Whatever activities, actions or processes occur, they will be evaluated by the whole community and not be separate standards derived from "youth ministry" as a self defining para church movement. In conclusion Paul: These points seem to be a re characterization of the church in general, not just youth ministry. It looks like a nice dream that might work for some, but doesn't have to be in order for the church to continue. I am also not sure about what it meant by post evangelical. Is that a cultural idea? Bo: Obviously there is a lot more to be said, but this does get at some of my current thoughts. Curt also weighed in on the discussion. Curt: I do think ministry to the entire family is essential and that we need to see youth ministry as an extension of the ministry that parents should have with their children. It is hard and one of the struggles is that family implements their walks differently, so getting enough folks on the same page at the same time is difficult. I don't think that completely removing age specific teaching is the way to go. Even simply from a developmental perspective in High School and then add Middle School, there are major differences in the way I teach those groups. If then the attempt is to always teach in a multigenerational fashion I think we miss too many strong teaching opportunities. I like the thoughts from imonk, but when I hear the always, and nevers I begin to wonder from what perspective is the author writing. I do think that youth ministries need to not be islands unto themselves. They should share values with the rest of the church, and should work diligently elbow to elbow in multigenerational contexts. Youth ministry should also be intensely intentional within the community. The more we show kids opportunities that allow them to see their own value and how the greater community needs them the more we help them see their value in God's eyes. I think the author from imonk is on to something I am just not going to go hook, line and sinker after it. Labels: Programs +
Total comments on this post (1)
#1 is one of the great paradoxes of youth ministry. It is essential to have parents instilling godly values and worldview into their teens but also important for teens to have place within the body to grow and connect at a place that is familiar for them so they can see how to practically apply them. The most common issue I see is parents who are either unwilling to truly learn or make changes in their home lives with their teens or parents who often create messes that youth pastors have to help work to undo in teens lives and hearts. How do you create something that is attractive for parents to be a part of to grow and learn when they may not be the ideal Christian parents? How can they be motivated to participate in the first place?
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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. |
  On mission in Jamaica  Sarah, Paul and Chris Zoephel most recent posts
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