Since the series started, several female youth ministry bloggers have contacted me who are willing to participate in the series. So, look for some input from women to appear toward the end of the series.

Thanks ladies! :)

Paul, man you put that so well. I blogged about this two months ago about how the spiritual values and priorities of the parents and church body are usually the same ones reflected in the youth group. It’s frustrating because people may be dissatisfied with what’s going on in the youth ministry without realizing that the same exact thing is true in the church body as a whole. Community students that attend youth group don’t usually have that “baggage,” which is refreshing, but training people to give up their consumerism approach to spirituality feels almost impossible sometimes.

It seems that many in a comfortable, affluent middle class church such as this, have adopted a consumer/optional extra approach to faith. It concerns me deeply as they are failling to transmit authentic faith to the next generation, the faith that is transmitted is ‘me’ centred with little in the way of ‘cost’ involved. For youth workers/pastors stuck in such a context their work is highly strategic and sometimes ‘the voice crying in the wilderness’ but it is also incredibly disheartening, oftentimes discouraging and if their is not the support even disillusioning.

I am looking forward to this!

There will be some theological issues where ever you go, at least that’s been my experience. I think the issue is finding a church that gives freedom in the non-essentials. As Grant English suggested in his post on this series, I first and foremost support the church and its leadership. When theological issues come up between me and the students that differ from the church’s official position, I don’t knock the church by saying they’re wrong and I’m right. Rather, I say, “This is what I believe and why, but the church holds a different position and here’s why…” And then I always suggest we talk with the pastor together for more insight. Now, even though the pastor and I have different views, we’re supporting each other and working together.

If you and the church differ on essential doctrines of faith, though, then yeah, it would be pretty difficult to work there. Hopefully you would’ve read through their doctrinal statement and discussed these issues with the church leadership before taking the position. If not, well, yeah, you’re in for an interesting ride if theology is important to you (and I hope it is). :)

wait…I can’t think of any ethier!