Theologically rethinking youth ministry - with Ruth Lukabyo, Bill Salier and Tim Beilharz
Mar 19, 2024
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Exploring the theological perspectives on sin, forgiveness, and entitlement in youth culture through the lens of a newly released book. Addressing the challenges of conveying sin to children and the importance of relational language. Discussing the impact of societal changes on youth ministry and the significance of building welcoming and inclusive church communities.
Teaching children about sin should be bold and relational, emphasizing the need for forgiveness from a biblical perspective.
'Third places' in youth ministry serve as crucial spaces for fostering social well-being and belonging, countering the decline of communal spaces outside of home and work settings.
Deep dives
Teaching Children About Sin and Forgiveness
The exploration delves into the controversial issue of teaching children about sin and the need for forgiveness. It highlights the importance of conveying the concept of sin in a bold and relational manner, rather than softening the language to moralistic or therapeutic terms. The discussion emphasizes the significance of helping children understand their sinful nature and the importance of seeking forgiveness, grounded in a biblical perspective.
The Importance of Third Places for Youth Social Health
The analysis focuses on the concept of 'third places' in youth ministry and their impact on social well-being. It discusses how the decline of communal spaces outside of home and work settings contributes to anxiety, especially among youth. The episode explores the role of churches and youth groups as potential 'third places' that foster a sense of belonging, identity, and social support.
Parental Responsibility in Christian Training
This segment examines historical perspectives on Christian training and underscores the primary role of parents in discipling their children. It references Reverend William Cowper's sermon, which highlights the inadequacy of solely relying on Sunday school teaching without consistent parental Christian formation at home. The discussion raises questions about modern parental engagement in religious education and emphasizes the enduring responsibility of parents in nurturing their children's faith.
Challenges and Strategies in Youth Ministry Evangelism
The dialogue addresses the critical aspect of evangelism in youth ministry, emphasizing the urgency of sharing the gospel message with children and teenagers. It underscores the importance of peer evangelism and equipping young individuals to authentically live out their Christian beliefs in a post-Christian society. The conversation highlights the link between belonging to a supportive Christian community and eventually embracing faith, urging churches to provide welcoming spaces for outreach and relational evangelism.
How do we speak to children about sin? How can we help youth understand themselves as sinful and in indeed of forgiveness?
What to make theologically of the sense of entitlement in youth culture?
Plus how do we think theologically about the important issue of vibe in youth and children's ministry and in regards to how kids engage with church.
And what can we learn from Sunday School history that will help with practice today?
The new book ‘Identity, Church Culture and Discipleship in Youth and Children’s Ministry - Australian Evangelical Perspectives on Youth Ministry’ is being launched this week.
Papers in the book were first presented at the HOUSE conference for youth and children’s ministers in Sydney.
Contributors include Ruth Lukabyo, who leads the Sydney Anglican Youthworks Institute, teaches church history at Youthworks College and his responsible for editing the book.
Bill Salier is a former principal at Youthworks College and now heads up the Anglican GAFCON Theological Educators Network.
Tim Beliharz is on the ministry support team at Youthworks.