After theology: growing up as youth ministers

2007 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-46
Author(s):  
Richard Davis
Keyword(s):  
Common Sense ◽  
Youth Ministry ◽  
Faith Community ◽  
Growing Up ◽  
Youth Ministers

In this paper I critique the claim that 'youth ministry is a part of theology'. I argue that such a position is both misplaced and damaging to the development of the profession. It is a residual belief of our corporate juvenilia. I propose a greater focus on the 'critical common sense' of the faith community arguing that this is distinct from 'theology'. I discuss a number of different approaches to theology arguing that none provides an adequate foundation to practical youth ministry. I then explore the notion of 'critical common sense' through a consideration of perception, and MacIntyre's idea of an 'educated public'.

Cultivating Nonidolatrous Self-Esteem with Youth

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Elizabeth W. Corrie
Keyword(s):  
Jesus Christ ◽  
Youth Ministry ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Youth Ministers ◽  
The Face ◽  
Race 2 ◽  
Implicit And Explicit

Abstract Christian understandings of the personhood and work of Jesus Christ can be used to justify violence by those in power and encourage passivity in the face of oppression. Shifting Christological images that cultivate nonidolatrous self-esteem, however, can teach youth how to build peace and resist injustice. A youth ministry that seeks to contribute to peacebuilding must become intentional about implicit and explicit portrayals of Jesus Christ. This essay explores five facets of Jesus’ personhood and work to reconsider—Jesus’ 1) race; 2) gender; 3) religion; 4) suffering; and 5) return—and suggests ways youth ministers can engage in theologically-rooted, peacebuilding youth ministry.

The data on children’s media use: An interview with Michael Robb

2018 ◽  
Vol 99 (6) ◽  
pp. 20-26
Author(s):  
Rafael Heller
Keyword(s):  
Young Children ◽  
Common Sense ◽  
Media Use ◽  
News Coverage ◽  
Growing Up ◽  
Children's Media ◽  
Interview Research ◽  
The Media ◽  
Media Habits ◽  
Research Director

Since 2003, nonprofit organization Common Sense Media has studied the ways in which kids are growing up in the digital age. In this interview, research director Michael Robb shares recent findings about the media habits of young children, tweens, and teens. While the news coverage of these issues tends to be hyperbolic and alarming, Robb explains, the evidence gives a more balanced picture of kids’ lives today.

Is God like My Father?

2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-131
Author(s):  
Ellen Leslie ◽  
Frances Spaulding
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Abuse ◽  
Personal Narratives ◽  
Faith Community ◽  
Growing Up ◽  
Complex Matrix ◽  
Childhood Memories ◽  
Christian Culture ◽  
Interdisciplinary Scholarship ◽  
Family Abuse ◽  
Scholarly Attention

Through personal narratives, we outline the complexities of researching and understanding domestic abuse in Christian culture. We paint a story based on our childhood memories of growing up with a verbally abusive, emotionally manipulative father and reflect on the obstacles we have encountered as researchers in trying to address domestic abuse within our faith community. Through our narratives, it becomes painfully clear that research on domestic abuse from the victim's perspective is an area that needs increased scholarly attention. Our faith has both enabled abuse in our family and at the same time has helped us cope with the continuing effects of abuse. The stories we share are intended to inspire increased interdisciplinary scholarship on domestic abuse and illustrate how scholarship can lead to new approaches that address the complex matrix of family abuse, religion and parenting.

The History of Protestant Youth Ministry; a Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Ruth Lukabyo
Keyword(s):  
Practical Theology ◽  
Youth Ministry ◽  
Historical Context ◽  
Biblical Studies ◽  
Youth Ministers ◽  
History Of ◽  
Changes Over Time ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Academic Study

Abstract In the academic study of youth ministry, the disciplines of theology, sociology, and biblical studies are well represented, but not the discipline of history. This paper reviews what has been written about the history of Protestant youth ministry and attempts to synthesise changes over time. Then it highlights particular insights taken from the histories that could help those involved in youth ministry to be critical about their thinking and practice and to undertake practical theology. The insights identified are: the impact of historical context on youth ministry; the tension between nurture and conversion; the influence of theology; the relevance of class; and the importance of considering gender. This paper highlights the need for more research in this area and suggests that this research could assist youth ministers in considering their goals in ministry, their methodology, and the effectiveness of different kinds of youth organisations.

Educating youth ministers in the Anglican Diocese of Sydney; John Kidson and the Youthworkers Course

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-25
Author(s):  
Ruth Lukabyo
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Youth Ministry ◽  
Historical Analysis ◽  
Educational Model ◽  
Youth Ministers ◽  
The Bible ◽  
Counter Culture ◽  
The Church

Abstract This study is a historical analysis of the education of youth ministers in the Anglican diocese of Sydney in the 1970s and 1980s. John Kidson ran the Youthworkers Course with the goal of educating professional, specialised youth ministers that could evangelise young people who were influenced by the counter-culture and increasingly disengaged from the church. Kidson used a distinctive educational model that emphasised relational outreach, transformative community, praxis, and the importance of the Bible. His goal was only partially met. He trained youth ministers that were able to communicate with and evangelise non-churched youth, but there were small numbers being trained, and few remained in youth ministry in the long-term. The Youthworkers Course and its strengths and weaknesses can be used as a case study for churches and colleges today as they consider the best way to educate youth ministers.

Shame in Youth Ministry: A Typology to Inform Praxis

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally Nash
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Practical Theology ◽  
Youth Ministry ◽  
Qualitative Research Methods ◽  
Separate Analysis ◽  
Youth Workers ◽  
Youth Ministers

This article offers an overview of a typology of shame in relation to youth ministry. The typology was developed by drawing on practical theology and qualitative research methods and was completed for the author’s ordination training as an Anglican priest. The data presented in the article is taken from a separate analysis of responses from youth ministers and youth workers. The six domains of the typology are personal, relational, communal, structural, theological and historical. Implications of the typology for youth ministry praxis are discussed.

scholarly journals Models and Methods for Confirmation Catechesis in Catholic Youth Ministry

Religions ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 417
Author(s):  
Arthur Canales
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Catholic Church ◽  
Youth Ministry ◽  
The United States ◽  
Important Work ◽  
Youth Ministers ◽  
The Catholic Church

This article will briefly address the origins of confirmation and the current approaches to adolescent confirmation. Moreover, the article discusses the two predominant models of confirmation in the Catholic Church in the United States and the predominant methods for adolescent confirmation in Catholic parishes and in youth ministry settings. Finally, the article delineates three proposed methods for confirmation catechesis in Catholic youth ministry. The hope is that these three methods will help Catholic youth ministers and/or confirmation coordinators in their important work of providing confirmation catechesis with teenagers.

Professional Boundaries in the Practice of Youth Ministry: An Ethnographic Study of the Limits of Relationships.

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Hart
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Social Science ◽  
Youth Ministry ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Professional Boundaries ◽  
Youth Ministers ◽  
Social Science Literature ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
The Uk

Although much has been discussed in secular social science literature on the use of professional boundaries in limiting interactions between practitioners and young people, there last been little empirical research into professional boundaries in a youth ministry context. Here it is argued, through the use of an ethnographic study of youth clubs in the UK, that a youth ministry context offers unique challenges and opportunities for the use of professional boundaries, in particular where missiological and incarnational influences seek to delimit the scope and influence of youth ministers’ interactions with young people.

scholarly journals Ministry to US Catholic LGBTQ Youth: A Call for More Openness and Affirmation

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur David Canales
Keyword(s):  
Pastoral Care ◽  
Youth Ministry ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Lgbtq Youth ◽  
Youth Ministers ◽  
The Us ◽  
Ministry Practice ◽  
Catholic Bishops

This article evaluates the current Catholic youth ministry practice to, with, and for Catholic LGBTQ youth. The methodology utilized is both descriptive and prescriptive, and calls into question the lack of ministerial presence afforded to Catholic LGBTQ youth. The essay briefly examines the official ecclesiastical documents on homosexuality and their relevance for LGBTQ youth. Next it assesses the major US ecclesial youth ministry document, Renewing the Vision, and calls for its renewal and revision.  In particular the article offers concrete recommendations for the two areas of Catholic youth ministry—advocacy and pastoral care—that would have the most positive impact for LGBTQ youth and Catholic youth ministry. Finally, the article calls for the US Catholic bishops, youth ministers, and parents to be more open and affirming with LGBTQ youth and provides some practical suggestions.  

Paul’s paideia: Creating a strong sense of self

2010 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 94-103
Author(s):  
Andy Stirrup
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Young People ◽  
Personal Identity ◽  
Youth Ministry ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Strong Sense ◽  
Youth Ministers ◽  
The Social ◽  
The World

While youth ministers may argue over which ministry model is best or works best, one thing that all are agreed on is that the teenage years are tremendously important in terms of building a sense of personal identity. There are different ways in which young people can go about constructing a sense of who I am and where I fit, but not all of them are sturdy enough and sufficient enough to see them through the sometimes turbulent years of adolescence and to offer a secure platform from which to engage generously with the world. Written to provoke those who teach youth ministry to think about the models we assume within our teaching. This essay draws on the social sciences to look at two different ways in which we might think about ourselves and then turns to Paul’s letter to the Philippians to consider a robust and satisfying alternative.

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