Comments on: Why most youth pastors are lousy theologians

By: Liz

Liz — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:07:44 +0000

PS- I also think it’s really important for us to have theological sparring partners- or simply an outlet for continued growth/learning/conversation. This is why I am so grateful for the fellows! And also for Ross Byrd (my partner). I know that for myself, I need to be engaged in that way with others so that I don’t end up transferring that need onto stuff involved with the kids (like lessons/teachings/small groups, etc.). But- I also think we should be talking about that stuff with the kids- just prayerfully/carefully

By: Liz

Liz — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:03:48 +0000

Dan- great post on theology in youth ministry. More reasons why we should get coffee. And you should check out ‘Revisiting Relational Youth Ministry; from a strategy of influence to a theology of incarnation’ by Andrew Root. A favorite of mine because it brings up so many good points and explores the origins of youth ministry as well as the theological roots of Young Life/Youth For Christ, and others. It relates much of Bonhoeffer’s theology to youth ministry, and he writes really clearly, honestly, and personally from his experiences as well as his research.

And I am totally in agreement with this: “What I’m proposing is infusing relevant, applicable, fun, interactive teaching with deep Christian thinking.” Right on. I’m sure I err on both of those sides you spoke of also- but I think it is really important for us to consider how we teach and interact regarding more specific theological ideas. Sometimes I end up building a whole lesson that relies on the assumption that the kids know what a certain term means (like ‘incarnation’ or ‘redemption’ for the middle schoolers) only to find that they aren’t clear on the term. So then, the lesson becomes interacting with/engaging the term in more relatable ways (hopefully). Again, coffee, sir.

By: Austin

Austin — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:24:17 +0000

Great post, Dan! The lack of real Biblical training is one thing that greatly saddens me about many models of church youth groups. It’s difficult because, as you say, there is a deeply ingrained sense that only fairly young people should work with young people, and no one expects much theologically of the leaders.
I’m so appreciative that you care enough about Trinity students that it’s not enough to just draw on what you already know.
Students are capable of a lot more than we give them credit for, and I look forward to seeing the ways you help stretch them!

By: liz

liz — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:35:59 +0000

Yes. Youth ministry is important ministry. Practical theology that pays attention to its audience (i.e., youth) is essential theology. Knowledge that is embodied is one of the ways we show one another the Body of Christ. It is more important to be Godly than hip in reaching people of any age. And remember that the young have much to teach the rest of us about what it means to seek God fervently and honestly.

By: Lora

Lora — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:14:05 +0000

“Now I’m not suggesting that we give seminary classes to high schoolers. We don’t need to start throwing around heavy theological terminology, or even use the word “theology” itself with students.”

I suggest it! Let’s educate “kids” about theology! I wish I had had sound theological training as a teenager. I might have had something actually worthwhile to battle the media BS being shoveled down my throat on a daily basis.

I also wish my pastor had looked at me like I was a viable part of the community, worth addressing, worthing wasting time/energy/money discipling. I do wish the terms were explained so in “big” church I could understand what eschatological vision is, or understand what sexual plights ALL adults seem to be experiencing with regularity.

When you ask a teenager what the gospel is and they’ve been in the church for years, they should be able to give an answer. The reality is “kids” know way more about pop-music, the latest clothing trends and who’s having sex at school because that’s the majority of the information they’re getting from people, that’s what people talk about, and what people ask them about. And because – we act like they’re not interested or incapable of understanding anything beyond just remedial church-language.

Perhaps this seems ridiculous; but when I talk with teenagers and they are grappling with what it looks like to integrate Christ and culture – all I can think is – they want so much more than they’re being given. They want meat; good hearty food that stands up to the shallow McDonald’s religious culture of secular humanism.

Obviously I feel strongly about this – and I am stoked you are blogging about theology in Youth Ministry. Go Dan! I would just say – I think it’s ok to suggest that theology and kids can be compatible and while they may not be presently, we ought to strive to figure out how to bring brilliant theological conversation to our kids. After all, Mary, at 13 – knew enough to welcome God’s plan for her life and to usher forth the Messiah. Right?? Right?

By: Matt S

Matt S — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:54:00 +0000

Amen and amen! One of the best blog posts I’ve read in awhile. Thanks Daniel.