Theology and Youth Ministry

Since this website is devoted towards theology and youth ministry, I thought we might start at the beginning.  What does theology have to do with youth ministry?  Why do we need it?  What does it have to do with teenagers?  Where, when, and how is it communicated to our youth?  How do youth ministers take time to reflect theologically amidst a busy schedule?  What does "theology" have to do with "program"?  How have you been going about actively reflecting and integrating your theology with the teenagers you work with?--Matt

Comments

[Japheth nthiw'a aka pasi]

theology and youth ministry? the youth are faced with issues that are life threatening: drug abuse, Hiv Aids perdemic, crime, sex and the whole idea of abstinance. only a well ballanced and theologically sound approach can find solution for the young people in the word of God. bringing Gods message in terms that the youth can understand and relate to requires right interpretation and contexualization of the word of God, hence the reason for a need to have a close look into the relationship between theology and the youth ministry. unless we point the youth to God in the language they can understand, they might never hear us, but again we must stick to the truth of scripture and thats the role of theology.

[Patrick Vaughn]

Upon graduating from seminary last may I asked one of my favorite professors, "What is one word of advice you would give to a new pastor?" He simply answered, "Stay a theologian." I think that this is easier said than done for a few reasons. First, the program monster is out to eat up all our time. As a new youth pastor I easily find myself overwhelmed by the details related to planning and "putting on" events and even youth group. Second, it is hard work to translate theological concepts that were talked about with ease around the lunch table at seminary into language that is tangible and meaningful not only for kids but adults as well. Terms like justification, sanctification, "alreay and not yet", witness, etc are practically meaningless without thoughtful interpretation and translation. This task, as I have found, can be so daunting that its easier to put my attention and energy elsewhere. There are also issues of time management and convincing your congregants that theological study is part of your job description. All these and many more seem to serve as road blocks as I try to follow my professor's advice. However, I do believe that he was right. To remain a theologian is to stay on the journey of faith. The simplest definition of theology is the study of God or maybe a more apt definition for Christians is faith seeking understanding. God engages all of who we are minds, soul, heart and body. If I am not engaging God with my mind how am I to expect the youth to do so as well. In practical terms I'm trying to set aside and hour per day that I am studying and thinking theologically. I am trying to alternate between a youth ministry book (i.e. Godbearing Life, Kenda Dean) and a general theology book (i.e. Be My Witnesses, Darrell Guder). The toughest part for me is translation into the lives of the youth. How are you engaging kids minds theologically?

[Matt]

I think we are all engaging our kids theologically. The question for me is how??? No one does ministry without a theology(not even Emergent).

The issue I think is being aware of the theology we are communicating. That obviously requires a great deal of reflection, and like Patrick has said, "Good luck finding time." Most ministries shoot from the hip. And while some MAY be aware of how they are communicating their particular theology from up front, they rarely reflect on what theology they are communicating through their programs, leadership, personal interactions, ministry models, etc. The sad part about this reality is that those items make up a great deal more of our ministry than we like to admit. We need to reflect wholistically on the theology that our entire program communicates. If a stranger were to begin attending our ministry without hearing any talks/messages, what kind of Gospel would they piece together from the rest of our community's life?