tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12484096394199480262024-03-08T12:38:34.739-06:00Jeremy's Book ClubA book club of the ELCA Youth Ministry Network.jmyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778413713637872257noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248409639419948026.post-50870982220489701592007-05-03T21:32:00.000-06:002007-05-03T21:41:52.314-06:00What books do you want to read together?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://personal.lse.ac.uk/kallinik/NEW/books.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://personal.lse.ac.uk/kallinik/NEW/books.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Jeremy's Book Club is now officially on "Summer Break". We will pick up again in late summer or early fall. In the meantime please leave a comment below with suggestions of books you'd like us to read together. I've already had a request for Mark Regnerus' <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Fruit-Religion-American-Teenagers/dp/0195320948/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-1089437-2461505?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1178249948&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;" class="sans">Forbidden Fruit: Sex & Religion in the Lives of American Teenagers.</span></a> What other ideas do you have?jmyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778413713637872257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248409639419948026.post-27470213035584029932007-05-03T21:25:00.000-06:002007-05-03T21:32:37.180-06:00Freedom of a Christian?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.rcgov.com/police/Construction/images/040326_old_jail_cells_jpg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.rcgov.com/police/Construction/images/040326_old_jail_cells_jpg.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Epilogue</span><i style=""><o:p></o:p></i> <div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>To end our discussion of this book I will simply defer to White’s question on page 164. “. . . what does Christian freedom mean for those areas under pressure from postmodernism: morality, truth, knowledge, culture, and several others mentioned through this book?”</blockquote></div><p class="MsoNormal"></p>jmyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778413713637872257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248409639419948026.post-85233518243723350492007-04-22T20:35:00.000-06:002007-04-22T20:38:32.896-06:00Proclamation within the Limits of Language<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.underconsideration.com/speakup/archives/005TheSnake.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.underconsideration.com/speakup/archives/005TheSnake.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Language and Thought, Inquiry & Interpretation, Culture & Irony, History & Hope</span><i style=""><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><blockquote>If postmoderns are skeptical of language, interpretation and tradition then how are we to proclaim the gospel? Read scripture? How are we to be church with postmoderns?</blockquote></p>jmyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778413713637872257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248409639419948026.post-4688916078760889032007-04-14T19:51:00.000-06:002007-04-14T20:11:33.501-06:00The Postmodern Turn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://artsnetwork.ca/images/graffiti-art-we-are-diverse%20web.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://artsnetwork.ca/images/graffiti-art-we-are-diverse%20web.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Postmodern Turn against Reason</span><i style=""><o:p></o:p></i><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>On page 49 White lays out 4 options within Postmodernism. How do you communicate the truth of the gospel to those young people who would fall under nihilism? Relativism? Constructivism? Pragmatism?</blockquote></div><o:p></o:p><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Truth, Power and Morality</span><i style=""><o:p></o:p></i><br /></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>There is so much in this chapter and I could not come up with one question. Therefore, I’ll simply ask you to tell us what you think about the content of this chapter.</blockquote></div><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Self</span><br /></p><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">How do premodernism, modernism, and postmodernism describe “the self”? How might each of these understandings of the self influence the ways in which we approach ministry? Do you think our practices of ministry are influenced by a particular understanding of “the self”?</div></blockquote><p></p>jmyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778413713637872257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248409639419948026.post-82248543198115886872007-04-05T20:14:00.000-06:002007-04-05T20:47:06.382-06:00Why bother with postmodernism?<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Here is how it will work. I will post questions according to the following schedule. You comment to any or all of the questions as you are able. Be sure to check back every now and then so you can reply to one another's postings.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><br />April 6th</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Why read about Postmodernism? AND Premodern and Modern Minds</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" > April 13th</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The Postmodern Turn against Reason; Truth, Power and Morality; AND The Self</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" > April 20th</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Language and Thought; Inquiry and Interpretation; Culture and Irony; History and Hope</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" > April 27th</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Epilogue<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://paulmayers.blogs.com/my_weblog/images/postmodern.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://paulmayers.blogs.com/my_weblog/images/postmodern.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Why Read about Postmodernism?</span></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>White discusses “. . . three main concerns that thoughtful Christians have when they confront postmodernism. . .” (pg. 17). What are these and which one do you think is most critical for those who are in ministry with youth? </blockquote></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Premodern and Modern Minds</span></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>Would you say your church has pre-modern or modern tendencies? Give some examples. What are the benefits or pit-falls of these tendencies? </blockquote></div>jmyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778413713637872257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248409639419948026.post-59317480196555508542007-03-16T09:42:00.000-06:002007-03-16T09:59:16.625-06:00New discussion coming soon!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.brazospress.com/Media/E-CommerceProductCatalog/158743153X.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.brazospress.com/Media/E-CommerceProductCatalog/158743153X.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.brazospress.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=360E9371EE2645E3843D2D91EA7B79AB&nm=Search+by+Topic&amp;amp;type=EcomBB&mod=E%2DCommerce%3A%3AProduct+Catalog&mid=70B7D6357AC74DCE82EF28E7D375E854&AudID=A8B6BE6F2B904BF68E2DD274D0A59D96&tier=3&id=4C4D411739CA4F328A047E90ED4A8DA1&ntier1=&ntier2=&ntier3=&ntier4=&ntier5=">Postmodernism 101</a></span><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> A First Course for the Curious Christian</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">by Heath White</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-size:85%;" >"Don't let the 'first course' language fool you. This is a five-course feast, presented on philosophical platters of gold and literary pitchers of silver. Premodern, modern, and postmodern people need to read this and discover what each offers each other."--Leonard Sweet, author of <em>Postmodern Pilgrims</em> and <em>SoulTsunami</em></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This is a great little book. It is easily accessible and presents postmodernism without the daunting jargon. White does a great job of describing postmodernism, comparing it to premodernism and modernism, and discussing what it might mean for the church. It will be a fun one to discuss.<br /><br />Follow the link <a href="http://www.brazospress.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=360E9371EE2645E3843D2D91EA7B79AB&nm=Search+by+Topic&amp;amp;type=EcomBB&mod=E%2DCommerce%3A%3AProduct+Catalog&mid=70B7D6357AC74DCE82EF28E7D375E854&AudID=A8B6BE6F2B904BF68E2DD274D0A59D96&tier=3&id=4C4D411739CA4F328A047E90ED4A8DA1&ntier1=&ntier2=&ntier3=&ntier4=&ntier5=">Brazos Press</a> to read reviews, endorsements, and to purchase the book. <span style="font-weight: bold;">I will post the first series of discussion questions on Good Friday April 6th. </span>Until then. . . blessed reading!<br /></div><br />God's peace,<br />Jeremyjmyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778413713637872257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248409639419948026.post-80836333718796307022007-03-09T18:41:00.000-06:002007-03-09T18:45:19.041-06:00Follow the Thread<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://static.flickr.com/51/157703009_b9d43b4dcf.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://static.flickr.com/51/157703009_b9d43b4dcf.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Chapter 11: Noticing<o:p></o:p></u></b><br />Please share an example from your ministry experience of each of the four ways we help youth notice God.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Chapter 12: Naming<o:p></o:p></u></b><br />What are the ways you’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ve</span> seen the church “name” God? How are these ways helpful to youth? How might they be detrimental or short-sighted?<o:p> </o:p><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Chapter 13: Nurturing<o:p></o:p></u></b><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Yaconelli</span> is adamant about clearly communicating the fact that contemplative youth ministry does not find its end in contemplation but in authentic action. He says this happens by “following the thread” and that contemplation makes following the thread somewhat easier. How do you follow the thread? How do your ministry and your congregation follow the thread?<o:p> </o:p><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Chapter 14: Beyond Fear<o:p></o:p></u></b><br />Are youth and adults really afraid of one another? How might contemplative youth ministry – or practicing the presence of Jesus - overcome this fear?</p> <br />God's peace,<br />Jeremy Myersjmyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778413713637872257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248409639419948026.post-39366106928832015022007-03-05T11:23:00.000-06:002007-03-05T11:34:19.584-06:00The presence of Jesus in community<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.westernreserveumc.com/images/circle-of-friends.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.westernreserveumc.com/images/circle-of-friends.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Here are some questions on chapters 7-10 in Yaconelli's Contemplative Youth Ministry. You don't have to answer all of them; simply pick and choose. Have fun! I look forward to your contributions.</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chapter 7: Being with Young People</span><br />There are 5 categories or ways of being with young people. Which one comes most naturally for you? Why? Which one is most difficult? Why? Do you see any practical or theological problems with these categories?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chapter 8: Remembering</span><br />Yaconelli offers 2 prayer practices intended to help us remember. What might be the pros and cons of these practices?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chapter 9: Forming the Beloved Community</span><br />What does Yaconelli claim as the benefits of engaging ministry as a community versus as an individual? Relate this to your ministry experience. Where has community empowered ministry? When has isolation threatened it? Has the opposite ever been true in your experience?<br /><br />What do you think about the calling process (pgs. 150-156)? Is it realistic? Worthwhile?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chapter 10: The Liturgy for Discernment</span><br />Can you see this type of "leadership meeting" working in your current ministry setting? Why or why not?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Again, feel free to respond to one or many.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">God's peace,<br />Jeremy<br /></span>jmyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778413713637872257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248409639419948026.post-78021223221247753052007-02-24T20:33:00.000-06:002007-02-24T20:44:09.722-06:00Staying Alive<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.dancevillage.com/images/cinema/staying_alive.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.dancevillage.com/images/cinema/staying_alive.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;">Discussion Questions for </span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Chapters 3-6 in </span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Mark <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Yaconelli's</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Contemplative Youth Ministry<br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Feel free to respond to some or all of these questions. Once you've posted, be sure to leave one another comments.</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></div></div><b style=""><u><br />Chapter 3: Staying Alive<o:p></o:p></u></b><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Yaconelli</span> talks about the deepest hopes we have for youth. What is the deepest hope you have for the youth with whom you work? <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">According to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Yaconelli</span>, what is the primary question youth are asking? Do you agree? If so, how do you hear youth asking this question? If you disagree, then please explain why.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><b style=""><u>Chapter 4: Becoming a Good Receiver<o:p></o:p></u></b><br />What are the two steps to being a good receiver? Summarize each step in one sentence and then give an example of how you have successfully practiced each step and an example of how you've failed at each step.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><b style=""><u>Chapter 5: Allowing God to Love Us<o:p></o:p></u></b><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Yaconelli</span> offers a list of dichotomies in order to better explain the difference between a ministry that grows out of anxiety and one that grows out of love. Which dichotomy do you think is most important for us to be aware of? Why?</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>There are two practices in this chapter which Mark offers as ways to allow God to love us. What are the pros and cons of each practice or prayer exercise?</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Chapter 6: From Prayer to Presence<o:p></o:p></u></b><br />“In my work with numerous youth ministry programs over the past 10 years, I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ve</span> become convinced that the more we engage in contemplative prayer the more we are able to be present to young people.” Why does Mark believe this to be true? Do you agree? Why or why not?</p>jmyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778413713637872257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248409639419948026.post-63706946197068176602007-02-11T23:02:00.000-06:002007-02-12T22:05:33.712-06:00Practicing the Presence of Jesus<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.unf.edu/classes/freshmancore/core1images/jesus-icon-sinai6c.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.unf.edu/classes/freshmancore/core1images/jesus-icon-sinai6c.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.unf.edu/classes/freshmancore/core1images/jesus-icon-sinai6c.jpg"><br /></a> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Introduction: Practicing the Presence of Jesus</p> <p class="MsoNormal">What is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Yaconelli's</span> presupposition about the current state of American youth culture and why "contemplative youth ministry" is so important? Do you agree or disagree with him? Give an example from your own experience with teens that supports your point of view.</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Chapter 1: Teen Angst and Adult Anxiety</p> <p class="MsoNormal">What <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Yaconelli</span> is saying about anxiety in this chapter is somewhat controversial. Not everyone agrees that most youth ministry comes from a place of anxiety. Find, and quote, a sentence or two from this chapter with which you either agree or disagree and explain why.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; font-weight: bold;">Chapter 2: Life Without Expectations</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In this chapter Mark describes a type of "youth ministry conversion" experience where his eyes are opened to a new reality for his ministry with youth. On page 59 he shares some of the questions which were rolling through his head upon reentering his youth ministry after this conversion.<br /><br />Share your answer to these questions in relation to the place where you are working with youth.<o:p></o:p></p> <ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">If God is alive and present, then how is God moving within the ministry? <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">If God is so available, then how is God present to each of these kids?</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Schedule<br /><br /></span>On these dates I will post questions pertaining to these chapters.<br /><ul><li>February 9th and 16th - Introduction, Chapters 1-2</li><li>February 23rd - Chapters 3-6</li><li>March 2nd - Chapters 7-10</li><li>March 9th - Chapters 11-14</li></ul>jmyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778413713637872257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248409639419948026.post-27579632752713605362007-01-27T20:02:00.000-06:002007-02-12T22:12:42.437-06:00new book for discussion<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ymsp.org/images/book.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 195px; height: 296px;" src="http://www.ymsp.org/images/book.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Contemplative Youth Ministry: Practicing the Presence of Jesus</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">by Mark <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Yaconelli</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I had the pleasure of participating in the second phase of the Youth Ministry and Spirituality Project from 2001 - 2004. The type of contemplation Mark and <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">YMSP</span> teach is not the type that leads you into the depths of yourself only to remain there, it is contemplation for the sake of life and the world.<br /><br />I am excited to discuss this book with you. I look forward to hearing your views on it - good and bad. Read a <a href="http://jonnybaker.blogs.com/jonnybaker/2006/03/contemplative_y.html">review</a>, <a href="https://shop.youthspecialties.com/store/product.php?productid=305">buy it</a>, and lets get started. I'll post the first question on the first few chapters on Friday February 9<span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span>.<br /></div><br />God's peace,<br />Jeremyjmyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778413713637872257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248409639419948026.post-27536152349804667452007-01-27T19:33:00.000-06:002007-01-27T20:01:51.102-06:00the family's role in choosing church<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/fsa/8a14000/8a14800/8a14868r.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/fsa/8a14000/8a14800/8a14868r.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Thoughts and Questions on<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Part IV: Nurturing Teen Religious Loyalty in the Family</span><br />from<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Choosing Church </span>by Carol <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lytch</span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">FACTORS</span><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lytch</span> lists 6 factors which are influential in a young person's decision to remain active in church after leaving home.</span></span></div><ol style="text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Parents' expectation that the youth will attend church weekly.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Religion is practiced at home through certain adapted rituals and symbols.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Both parents belong to the same church.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">A "warm" family climate.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Social networks between teens, friends, and the parents of friends.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">The style of parenting practiced in the home.</span></li></ol><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">What do you think about this list? Does it seem to jive with your experiences? How do we help promote these things among families?</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">SHORT-CHANGED</span><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lytch</span> claims that our current youth, or "2<span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">nd</span> Generation Choosers", have been short-changed on religious socialization because their parents, who were the first generation to be able to choose not to go to church, has not raised them with religious language, symbols and rituals. Therefore, much of what happens in our congregations is completely foreign to our youth.<br /><br />Many other studies are claiming that "theology matters" in youth ministry. Teens really want to know what their tradition believes about God and the world. <span style="font-weight: bold;">How can we introduce age-old theological concepts (i.e., grace, the Trinity, the incarnation, etc.) to our youth in ways to do not diminish their truths while still making sense to these "2</span><span style="font-weight: bold;" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">nd</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Gen Choosers"?</span></span></span><br /></div></div></div>jmyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778413713637872257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248409639419948026.post-33455837846654451872007-01-19T14:13:00.000-06:002007-01-19T14:39:38.179-06:00what is their religious type?<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/NR/rdonlyres/E1182E07-8511-4B6B-B866-0026F308E1F4/0/teens.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/NR/rdonlyres/E1182E07-8511-4B6B-B866-0026F308E1F4/0/teens.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Thoughts and questions on</span> </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Part III: Seven Styles of Being Religious . . . or Not</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">from</span> </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Choosing Church</span> by Carol Lytch.</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Here we get at the core of Lytch's book. She discovers 7 different religious types among teens: Conventionals, Classics, Reclaimers, Marginalizers, Customizers, Rejecters, and The Lost.<br /><br />First of all. . . What do you think about these categories? Do they work? Does every teen fit into one (or more) of these categories? How do you feel about "categorizing" our teens? Is it helpful? Is it dangerous? Both?<br /><br />Second, how do you see these "types" in your ministry? Do you see teens switching types at different stages or after certain experiences? Do teens from different "types" interact with one another? If so, in what way?<br /><br />I look forward to your contributions!<br /><br />God's peace,<br />Jeremy<br /></div>jmyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778413713637872257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248409639419948026.post-68550900363451164792007-01-11T18:31:00.000-06:002007-01-11T19:04:28.539-06:00religious experience and socialization<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mennonitemission.net/Resources/Publications/BeyondOurselves/V4N2/images/margins_article1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.mennonitemission.net/Resources/Publications/BeyondOurselves/V4N2/images/margins_article1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Thoughts and questions on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Part II: How Churches Hold Teens</span> from <span style="font-style: italic;">Choosing Church</span> by Carol Lytch.<br /></span> <ol><li>In these chapters Carol Lytch is pointing out that churches that successfully retain or hold their youth are churches that simultaneously socialize the youth into the tradition and create religious experiences for the youth. These religious experiences generally occur when the traditional symbol or ritual is disrupted, reframed n a new yet meaningful way, and then interpreted through one's tradition. Do you agree with this concept?</li><li> How does your ministry foster religious experience? How does your ministry socialize youth into your tradition so they are able to interpret their religious experiences in meaningful ways?</li><li>Lytch (and many others) recognizes the lack of meaningful rites of passage for our youth. She is especially concerned with rites of passage for high school seniors. The rites of passage the church does offer do not usually coincide with high school graduation. My issue with rites of passage is that they generally reinforce American individualism over-against relationships and community. What might be some meaningful rites of passage for our high school seniors that would focus more on community and responsibility and less on autonomy and individualism?</li><li>"<span style="font-style: italic;">. . . churches foster in teens religious loyalty . . . when they both socialize their teens in the symbols, stories, rituals, and practices of their tradition and foster the conditions through which teens feel they encounter God. When congregations do both, teens tend to profess strong allegiance to their faith tradition</span>" (pg. 84). But don't we, as Lutherans, claim to experience God in the symbols, stories, rituals and practices of our tradition? Aren't proclaiming the Word, baptism, and Holy Communion all ways in which we foster the conditions through which teens can encounter God? Are there other, more meaningful ways and places in which our teens experience God?</li></ol>God's Peace.<br />Jeremy Myers<br /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span>jmyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778413713637872257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248409639419948026.post-9396896181135675892007-01-03T14:45:00.000-06:002007-01-03T15:25:09.632-06:00finding their way in<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.paladinpictures.com/httpdocs/uploaded_images/Church%20Window-752853.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.paladinpictures.com/httpdocs/uploaded_images/Church%20Window-752853.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Thoughts and questions on the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 1: How Churches Attract Teens</span> from <span style="font-style: italic;">Choosing Church</span> by Carol Lytch.</span><br /></div><br />Take a few moments to respond to all or some of these questions/ thoughts. Then take some time to respond to the comments left by your colleagues. We will move on to Part 2 on Friday January 12th.<br /><br /><ol style="text-align: justify;"><li>One of Lytch's presuppositions is that their has been a societal shift to individualism and autonomy. This leaves her to conclude that "Teens, as individuals, choose their faith" (p. 5). But is this true? Do we choose our faith?</li><li>On page 9 Lytch says "The tradition was not just imprinted on them. They negotiated with it and explored its boundaries and elasticity. In doing so, teens experiences the religious tradition as vital and life-shaping." How have you experienced the youth your work with negotiated and stretching the tradition in helpful ways? Has the church resisted or engaged these negotiations?</li><li>Also on page 9 Lytch talks about the things that grab the attention of our youth. . . "It is the deeper, more universal things that congregations offer through a variety of means that attract teens: a sense of belonging, a sense of meaning, and opportunities to develop competence." How does this jive with your own experiences? What things do you see attracting young people to your congregation?</li><li>On page 10 Lytch discusses the importance of both socialization and religious experience. Would you say your congregation emphasizes one over the other? If so, which one, how and why? Or, do you integrate the two? If so, how do you do this?</li><li>How are the congregations in Part 1 similar and different from your own congregation?</li><li>Lytch's primary research question was "What most influences what teens believe about God and how they practice their faith?" on page 24. She diagrams the responses she got on the same page. Noticeably, God (Holy Spirit) is not present on the diagram. What role might the spirit play in the faith of a teen and his or her choice of religion, church, etc.</li><li>Pages 27-44 describe the three components of congregations that attract teen participation. Are these short-sighted? Any good youth service agency whether Christian, secular, Jewish, etc. should be able to list these three components as key strategies to what they do. What does the Christian church have to offer along with the three Lytch lists to our youth today?</li><li>Lastly, how are the youth in your congregation involved or isolated from worship?</li></ol><br />Thanks for taking the time. Have fun with these and with one another.<br /><br />God's peace.<br />Jeremyjmyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778413713637872257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248409639419948026.post-64782083889353731452006-12-06T23:15:00.000-06:002006-12-06T23:15:28.067-06:00Welcome.<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.oudeschool.com/3jump1s.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.oudeschool.com/3jump1s.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Away we go...</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Why a book club for the network?</span><br />Because we are all reading many books, usually in isolation. It would be beneficial for each of us to come together, think with one another and an author, then discuss the pros, cons, and ministry implications of the text at hand. The Network is here for you, this is another way it hopes to nourish you in your vocation.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Who the heck is Jeremy?</span><br />I am an assistant professor of youth and family ministry at Augsburg College. Prior to that I've served two congregations for 7 years in youth ministry.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What will we be reading?</span><br />The first book we will take a look at is <a href="https://www.ppcbooks.com/Details.asp?BookID=0664227171"><span style="font-style: italic;">Choosing Church</span></a> by <a href="http://www.ats.edu/main/bios/Lytch.asp">Carol Lytch.</a> Check out a <a href="http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1058/is_11_121/ai_n6100312">review</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Choosing-Church-Makes-Difference-Teens/dp/0664227171/ref=si3_rdr_bb_product/002-0508703-2733628">buy the book</a>, start reading it and we will get started after the new year. My next post is a call for requests. We would like to know which books you are interested in reading and discussing together.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">When and how will we discuss it?</span><br />We will start in early January. I will post our first discussion question and some initial thoughts on each of the four sections of Lytch's book on Fridays during January. So, on January 5th I will begin the discussion on section 1, January 12th - section 2, Jan. 19th - section 3, and Jan. 26th - section 4. Then, once I've posed the question and initiated the discussion, all are welcome to chime in by responding to the discussion question and sharing their own opinions. When we finish with <span style="font-style: italic;">Choosing Church</span> we will move on to our next book.<br /><br />There are no tests. You can jump in and drop out of the conversation at any time. We will handle ourselves as adults in a respectful yet constructively challenging way. I hope you will join us and I hope this will be beneficial to us all - for the sake of our ministry, for the sake of our youth, for the sake of the gospel.<br /><br />God's peace,<br />Jeremy Myersjmyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778413713637872257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248409639419948026.post-37952195487482381802006-12-06T23:14:00.000-06:002006-12-06T23:14:14.452-06:00What Shall We Read?<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.zebracorn.com/reading.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.zebracorn.com/reading.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Know any good books?</span><br /></div>Please respond to this post by making suggestions as to which books you would like this group to read together.jmyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778413713637872257noreply@blogger.com0