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Thursday, June 30, 2005

Spiritual Disciplines in Youth Ministry (part 3 of 3)

Episode III: Raising Ancient Adolescents

Marjorie Thompson stated that, “There is a hunger abroad in our time, haunting lives and hearts. Like an empty stomach aching beneath the sleek coat of a seemingly well-fed creature, it reveals that something is missing from the diet of our rational, secular, and affluent culture. Both within and beyond traditional faith communities, a hunger for spiritual depth and integrity is gaining momentum” (pg 1). But why now? What is it about “our time” that is feeding the momentum Thompson speaks of? …

In Light From the East: Theology, Science, and Eastern Orthodox Tradition, Alexi Nesteruk says, “When all outward impressions of things and ideas given to reason are exhausted, interpreted rationally, and explained logically, reason comes to a clear awareness of its own limited nature, such that it cannot exalt itself beyond its own rationality and logical insufficiency” (pg 63-64).

The hallmark of modernity has been reason and logic. Perhaps postmodern thinkers are finding reason to be insufficient and instead desire to (temporarily?) set aside logical analysis of Christ and explore experiencing Christ as a path to depth and understanding.

“Unless we make a point of writing, we miss the discovery aspect of writing. When else do we stop to think about what we feel for someone? Taking the time to identify and express our hearts is profoundly important… Today, even though we are immersed in a world of words, we may never write thoughtfully ourselves. The speed and availability of electronic communication is radically changing how we keep in touch. While we are gaining efficiency, we are losing the regular habit of pausing to consider our lives as we write” (Luann Budd, Journal Keeping: Writing for Spiritual Growth).

Maybe the need Budd has recognized for the discipline of spiritual writing is true in a general sense for our spiritual lives as a whole. As everything becomes more automated and streamlined (and yet somehow more busy and time-consuming) we may find less natural opportunities for spiritual depth in our daily lives. I am aware of the fact that spell-check and the blessed delete button on my laptop give me the ability to write without carefully choosing my thoughts ahead of time.

For this reason, if I desire for my writing to have depth, I must have regular times of re-reading, re-working and re-wording. Similarly, our ministry to adolescents (or children, or young adults, or not-so-young adults, etc.) must also contain regular times for reexamining those things we believe, say we believe or proclaim we believe by our actions. Spiritual Disciplines are important now because we are living in a world of unexamined words and unexamined lives.

I would like to see us commit to raising ancient adolescents. I was talking with Nate Bostian at the intellectual Mecca known as Café Brazil and it was stated that as long as we continue to raise young people without a historical consciousness, then we should continue to expect to battle as Israel did in the time of the judges with generations coming up without knowledge of the Lord or what he has done for us. Spiritual disciplines provide a tool for aiding in the creation of a culture of young people who are connected to life in Christ, connected to life in the community and committed to seeing this continue.

Books Cited in this Post:

Marjorie Thompson - Soul Feast

Alexi Nesteruk - Light From the East: Theology, Science, and Eastern Orthodox Tradition

Luann Budd - Journal Keeping: Writing for Spiritual Growth

Friday, June 24, 2005

Spiritual Disciplines in Youth Ministry (part 2 of 3)

Episode II: Spiritual Disciplines and My Agenda.

The question many youth workers are now asking is can the spiritual disciplines help to bring depth to youth ministry? Do these disciplines help to provide better “mirrors” or at least clean some of the smudges off of our present ones? Prior to jumping headfirst into an answer to this question (which would not be uncharacteristic for a youth minister) a few preliminary definitions and clarifications should be offered.

What are Spiritual Disciplines?
In his book entitled Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, Donald Whitney states “The Spiritual Disciplines are those personal and corporate disciplines that promote spiritual growth. They are the habits of devotion and experiential Christianity that have been practiced by the people of God since Biblical times” (pg 17).

“Christian practices are the means through which Christians seek to respond to God’s invitations of love. They are the habits, disciplines, and patterns of life through which Christians seek communion with Christ and solidarity with others. Just as Paul invites the Ephesians to be “imitators of God,” Christian practices are the way in which Christians seek to imitate the intentions and patterns of Jesus Christ” (Chap Clark and others in Starting Right: Thinking Theologically About Youth Ministry).

“Spiritual disciplines are practices that help us consciously to develop the spiritual dimension of our lives. Like an artist who wishes to develop painting skills, or an athlete who desires a strong and flexible body for the game, a person of faith freely chooses to adopt certain life patterns, habits, and commitments in order to grow spiritually” (Marjorie Thompson, Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life).

As with any word, phrase or handle that gains widespread popularity, the very term “spiritual disciplines” may soon begin to cause groans from those who are tired of hearing reference to what some believe is simply the next fad in pop-Christianity. However, as these definitions suggest, we are simply referring to the practices which become, or fail to become, a part of our life with God. In fact, the shift in emphasis may not be reflecting a search for new content, but rather an acknowledgement of the inadequate depth to which we have taken the current content. “Superficiality is the curse of our age. The doctrine of instant satisfaction is a primary spiritual problem. The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people. The classical Disciplines of the spiritual life call us to move beyond the surface living into the depths. They invite us to explore the inner caverns of the spiritual realm” (Richard Foster, The Celebration of Discipline).

“We seek to come inside or under God’s Spirit – or to have God’s Spirit come inside us to dwell…In this way, Christians are no different than any other group or individual – we’re on a quest, we’re seekers… This search has driven countless men and women into the desert – we know them as the Desert Fathers and Mothers. It has driven others into monasteries and convents. Others have gone to the mission field or into caves or into communes to pursue a deeper communion with God. Some have sought it in community, others in seclusion.

Our age is not different. People are still seeking. The middle school and high school students with whom we work are foremost among those seekers” (Tony Jones, Soul Shaper: Exploring Spirituality and Contemplative Practices in Youth Ministry).

In my first post on this topic I introduced the metaphor of “mirrors”. I love metaphors, but their beauty is also their shortfall. They can mean so many things, they can be stretched and pulled and eventually become so convoluted as to have lost any usefulness. In our lives, these “mirrors” can be people, traditions, practices, ideologies, locations, etc. My hope in discussing these issues is not to define fully what mirrors we need, but rather to simply address one aspect of our development that has been – at least in the circles I’m familiar with – sadly overlooked.

What role can these traditional spiritual disciplines play in youth ministry if they are approached intentionally as a lifestyle rather than haphazard engagements with a foreign entity? Can our youth groups begin to take on a different identity? One where teens are not only introduced to the life of faith and encouraged to run with it, but where they are intentionally and unapologetically formed into something different than that which is all around them.

I’ve known lots of very well intentioned ministers who sought to develop a program where teens would feel comfortable inviting their non-Christian friends. This would be a place to hang out where you’re not pressured or really confronted with anything. As long as you kept the cussing and fighting to a minimum, feel free to play all the ping-pong and playstation you like. I’m very much in favor of meeting these kids on their turf and not expecting them to behave like little monks. But I can’t honestly say, as I have heard from some, that I want to build a relationship with no agenda. I HAVE AN AGENDA! I believe that this agenda is more important than anything else in the world! My agenda is to share the extremely freaking good news that has come to give us a way out of the crap that we are tangled up in!

My personal experience with spiritual disciplines has taught me a lot about living in a fallen world. I am much more capable of being at peace when I am regularly practicing my faith with others. So how does this translate into the world of the youth group?

Links to books referred to in this post:
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life - Donald Whitney

Starting Right: Thinking Theologically About Youth Ministry - Chap Clark

Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life - Marjorie Thompson

Celebration of Discipline - Richard Foster

Soul Shaper: Exploring Spirituality and Contemplative Practices in Youth Ministry - Tony Jones

Monday, June 20, 2005

Spiritual Disciplines in Youth Ministry (part 1 of 3)

Episode I: We Need A Better Mirror

My son is the proud owner of many books. We often walk past him in his room to discover that he has been sitting in the middle of the floor “reading” books…sometimes for what seems like hours. This all began when he was about 1 year old, and even at that young age he seemed to be exhibiting signs of the nerd gene…which I am most proud to have passed on.

The earliest books we bought contained pages with “mirrors” where our young child could begin to discern his own image. I use the word mirror here quite loosely. The semi-reflective, semi-flat, semi-mirror-like substance found in these books leaves much to be desired. In fact, the transparent surface of our microwave provides a considerably more recognizable reflection.

The apostle Paul admitted that his ability to see the “big picture” of God’s kingdom was limited. In fact it was like trying to view one’s reflection in a poor mirror (perhaps he too had purchased one of the wonderful books.) In any case, we learn from Paul – and from our children – that part of growing is the process of learning to see more clearly and the realization that we may never have complete vision.

For this reason, the task of the Church is, in part, to engage in healthy criticism regarding areas and issues where our limited vision may have kept us from fully advancing the Kingdom.

“The ideal of wholeness/beauty infuses Christian theology from Jesus to contemporary theologians. Theologians have reminded us of often forgotten dimensions that contribute to this beautiful wholeness. Karl Barth and others reminded us that the beauty that we seek cannot be fulfilled in our human projects, but in the ‘wholly otherness’ of God;…Latin American liberation theologians…that the wholeness…must include the poor;…Political theologians…that the wholeness…cannot forget the ways our political structures deter beauty;…Feminist theologians…that this beauty must also include the gifts of women; Sally McFague and others have called our attention to how Christian theology should include care for the earth;…African-American theologians point to the beauty revealed through the wounds and blessings of black people…The very scope of Christian theology reveals a rainbow of diverse gifts that God wishes to weave into beautiful wholeness. (David White. “Empowering the Vocation of Youth as Youth: A Theological Vision for Youth Ministry.” In The Journal of Youth Ministry. Spring 2004)

Perhaps to this statement, one could add that wholeness of God is experienced in the classic as well as the contemporary; the ancient as well as the modern…or postmodern. It appears that youth ministry is beginning to entertain the notion that adolescents may be open to, and perhaps would benefit from, the incorporation of the classical spiritual disciplines** which have been a part of Christian life for much of the past 2000 years. Somehow this notion was shuffled into the realm of “forgotten dimensions” during the formation and structuring of church youth ministry.

It may be more accurate to say that spiritual disciplines were limited to prayer, singing, reading the Bible, learning and occasional service activities (and never referred to as disciplines!) Whatever the process, whether intentionally amnesic, blissfully ignorant, or accidentally overlooked, the connection to Christians throughout history, except those written about in the Bible, was severed. The standard has instead been the ability to take the latest trends in popular culture (which eventually became the now prominent juggernaut known as “youth culture”) and find ways to model our youth program in like fashion. While there will always be those who adamantly fight for this way of functioning, perhaps there is a growing number of people who crave more substance...something a little more intentional. So perhaps we should be asking for better mirrors, ones that allow us to gaze more carefully at the person/people we are becoming.

**Richard Foster's book, Celebration of Discipline provides a great definition for and overview of spiritual discplines - you can follow the link to read reviews and order the book.

Tony Jones has written a book, Soul Shaper that discusses how these disciplines might affect the life of a youth minister and youth ministry.

Tuesday, June 14, 2005

What is Spiritual Formation?

Spiritual Formation, simply put (…simple, hmmm), is the process of being formed into the image of Christ.

It should be noted that the term “image of Christ” is different from “image of God.” In Genesis, it is said that mankind was created in the image of God. Our involvement in this process is completely passive – it is the nature of our very being which emanates from the Father.

The process of being formed in the image or likeness of Christ is just that; a process. This process is one of dieing to self and living in Christ, as Paul speaks of, and requires a lifelong journey. It is one in which we allow the witness of Scripture, the counsel of the Holy Spirit, fellowship with the great cloud of Christian witnesses (the Church - both present and historical), engagement in Christian practices with the goal of godliness in mind, and the example of Jesus himself to instruct and transform us into someone new. This process is called Spiritual Formation.

Spiritual disciplines, Christian education, personal and corporate times of worship; these are all important pieces of Spiritual Formation. They are not the only pieces, but they are important ones.

We are all engaged at some level in Spiritual Formation. Perhaps our formation is haphazard or even accidental. If so, it is undoubtedly frustrating – if not to us then to those around us! We should therefore recognize the need for Intentional Spiritual Formation.

This conversation is important and has implications for the whole scope of ministry within the church. What kind of person are we trying to form with our worship? Our education ministry? Our youth and children’s ministries?[1]

How spiritually mature are our congregations? What does our involvement (or lack of) in the areas of social justice and missions say about our level of spiritual maturity?

Spiritual formation plays an integral part in answering these and similar questions because it endeavors to raise the level Christ-identity within the Body. Through intentional formation we become better equipped to handle the changing needs/wants/demands/challenges of society and the people muddling through the societal bog.

Spiritual maturity is sorely needed in many congregations. I listen to the “conversations” that are taking place among both members and leaders and I recognize the style and content – it often sounds just like the drama that our junior high students are constantly involved in. So why are our adults behaving like adolescents? I don’t know the full answer, but I believe that part of the problem lies in our lack of intentional Spiritual Formation.

I really like Walter Brueggemann’s book Prophetic Imagination. One of his major premises in that work is that until the community is engaged in grief and criticism (the healthy, constructive kind) over their situation, the growth is not likely. I hope that the day is approaching when our congregations begin to cry out to God for deliverance.

I want to leave this post with the words of Psalm 15, which I believe are a definition of sorts for spiritual maturity and thus provide important considerations for formation.

Psalm 15

1 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?
2 He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart
3 and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman,
4 who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts,
5 who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.

[1] I’ll be taking a stab at this one in a future post.

Monday, June 13, 2005

Spiritual Formation in Youth Ministry

Okay Matt Tapie...you've convinced me to cross over to the dark side of blogging.

I doubt many people who don't know me will find this blog, but just in case, my name is Bret Wells. I am currently a Youth Minister in Dallas, TX.

I was talking with a friend today about ministry and my interest in developing a Spiritual Formation approach to youth ministry. Matt, who also ministers in the area of Sp. Form. suggested I start a blog with this very topic in mind...

Since I am in Abilene taking a short course on the book of Romans, I don't think it would be wise to spend an insane amount of time spelling out my thoughts at this time. But never fear, my ability to ramble on about this topic is matched only by my skill in consuming large amounts of Mexican food.

As a quick introduction to the issue I'd like to begin the written conversation on a couple basic questions I've been wrestling with over the last 4 or 5 years.

What should we be striving to accomplish in youth ministry if we are going to claim be a legitimate part of the ministry of the Church?

What is Spiritual Formation and how does it relate to adolescence?

Do the classic spiritual disciplines have a place in the life of a youth ministry? In the personal lives of teenagers? Of those who work with teens?

What is changing/ has changed that might precipitate a new approach to Student Minstries? How can we anticipate changing needs so as not to be stuck in a reactive mentality?

I may never get to all of these questions on this blog. I feel like I've made some progress on some of these questions. Others...not so much. However, I am finding that I'm not alone in this conversation. Tony Jones and Mark Yaconelli have both done some great work in this area. I also have a group of friends in the Dallas area that are very interested in helping their respective youth ministries (plus 1 parachurch ministry, Wonder Voyage, which leads hundreds of teens on Pilgrimages each summer) develop an appreciation for spiritual disciplines, contemplative Christian thought and Sp. Form. in general. Thankfully I've even begun to discover several contacts within my own specific corner of the Body, the churches of Christ.

I have drawn deeply from the experiences and ministry wisdom of my Episcopal, Assembly of God, Catholic, etc., friends and hope to continue to do so. However, I do hope that at the same time, the Lord will also direct me toward more conversation partners within Restoration circles.

I also hope that this blog spot will provide opportunities for discussion regarding these topics. But for now...back to Romans.