youthwork after christendom February 24, 2009
Posted by thehutch in Uncategorized.Tags: book, faith, religion, ym 3.0, youth ministry, youthwork
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have finished reading “youthwork after christendom” and enjoyed it. It is not a huge book but is packed with nuggets that are useful for youth ministry and rather than providing a way forward in youth work it provides a few roads that you may wish to travel as you work with the young people.
A historical context of christendom and youthwork is the starting point (very much in a UK context) that then develops into a perspective on spirituality and young people leads into Mission and the directions we can travel in youthwork in the new environment. The 4th chapter dealing with the mission of God and the Homogenous Unit Principle (HUP) were interesting and provided some insight into how this can work in different settings. Some short work on the “process v product” of the ministry was challenging and for some youth bods would be worth the price of the book alone.
The book does not provide a “how to” guide but does ask questions whilst underpinning the need to KNOW THE CONTEXT of your work. Yes, I am shouting that bit – whatever your work/ministry is, it needs to relate to context. There are illustrations littered throughout and it is definitely worth a read.
ym 3.0 and post christendom February 20, 2009
Posted by thehutch in Uncategorized.Tags: youth, youth ministry 3.0, youth specialties, youth work after christendom, youthwork, ysmarko
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Quite a few American youth related blogs seem to be talking about ysmarko’s book youth ministry 3.0, can’t comment on that book as it is on order and not read it yet. However, seems like what bloggers are saying about youth ministry 3.0 resonates a little with what I am reading in “youthwork after christendom“. Am enjoying this book as I travel around and have found myself reading it slowly, in order that I may digest it.
The book’s aim is that “by examining the influences of the past, exploring the stories of those young people who have been partaking in church and by considering the views of those not connected with the church, this book offers insights, theology, practical application and some hope for the future.“ Seems like reading this and youth ministry 3.0 that there could be much overlap and a few challenges ahead.
The Pimlotts’ book will not get as much press and has an English perspective, rather than American, but think that the heartbeat of it is similar – am hoping to do a review as I digest its implications for me and my own ministry.
new YFC director February 12, 2009
Posted by thehutch in Uncategorized.2 comments
so Gavin Calver is the new YFC director – effective from April
tired of the bus ad war February 6, 2009
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still more bus ads – stop the madness please!!!!!!
ethical conduct in youthwork February 5, 2009
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Paul Tilley posts here about the NYA document, Ethical Conduct in Youthwork and asks if we could/should/would adhere to these in Christian Youth Ministry. Read his post and add your thoughts
where has the fun gone? February 4, 2009
Posted by thehutch in Uncategorized.Tags: complaints, fun, london, parents, school, snow
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Was aghast to hear so many complaints yesterday from parents and others about children having a day off school because of the snow. We have a “once in a childhood” event and there seems to be concern voiced over schools not opening, parents having to have a day off work and …….etc.
Surely there needs to be room for enjoyment of this unusual event, a bit of space and some recognition that many children will learn and engage more by exploring the unusually high volume of snow than they would by a few hours in the classroom. There need to be times where we choose to have fun and relax a little. I was overwhelmed by how many people spoke to me in the street, when normally they walk past silently. How much sharing of possessions happened in our local park when normally there is selfishness. This is an event to be savoured not scorned – bring back some fun into the childrens lives, show a little willingness to “break the rules” and go live a little!
As a kid we were forced to school – (well, staff and pupils all lived within walking distance back then!) but when we were there we were on the playing fields having mass snowball fights (with the teachers and some parents) building things and having great fun. If someone was hurt, it was dealt with, there was no fear of litigation but a general camaraderie that enabled lessons to go more smoothly after the snow had melted. Today, that freedom is not necessarily available – so keep the schools closed for a couple of days and have a bit of fun! Please?
leadership versus management in youthwork employment February 3, 2009
Posted by thehutch in Uncategorized.1 comment so far
This is a post that has been on my “wanting to write” list for a while. Now that I have taken a step back from the formal “youthworker” tag, I feel able to write it.
Many of the churches and Christian Organisations that I have had contact with have alluded to the fact that they want/require their youth worker/pastor to be a leader. This is a noble thing and one that should be admired. The difficulty comes when they receive a leader who begins to push the boundaries, challenge the status quo and starts dreaming of all the possibilities under the sun. It is too late, the youthworker is employed and it is only then that realisation hits – it was not a leader who was required, it was a manager. A manager would have kept things moving on, things will have grown but it would all have been within a safe framework, in keeping with organisational requirements, ensuring that would not push the boundaries too hard, would not challenge the status quo and satisfies the “safe harbour” mentality of the adults who ensure the paycheck arrives month by month.
Don’t get me wrong, we need leaders and we need managers and both will and can serve the young people effectively and faithfully. However, each church/organisation will require something quite different and the difficulty is found when recruitment starts, we need to know which gift we require at the point of employment. Get it right and we reduce the chances of having a problematic employment that potentially leaves another youth bod disillusioned and an employer nervous of its next appointment. There are times that we need to be sailing the high seas and times when we need to be in harbour – when making an appointment, you may find it helpful to review which season you are in.
