See the following excerpt from an article by Jen Bradbury published in May 2013 (See this link for the whole article: http://www.christiancentury.org/article/2013-05/sticky-faith). Bradbury makes an argument for ways youth ministries need to work to help teens build faith that is sustainable over time, rather than focusing on short-term excitement. She says that the key is to keep the focus on Jesus:
"For youth ministries to become truly Christ-centered, though, conversations about the Jesus of scripture cannot be limited to mission trips. Instead, cracking open a Bible and wrestling with its content must become part of a youth ministry’s DNA.
I saw the impact of this when I was teaching the story of the widow’s mite during one of my ministry’s weekly gatherings. Students reacted with shock at the thought of Jesus watching people putting money into the temple treasury. His scrutiny of people’s behavior seemed judgmental to these teens—it directly conflicted with their image of Jesus as a nice man. But after being surprised by Jesus in this story, these teens could no longer ignore him as easily. They were driven deeper into scripture to wrestle with a person who had suddenly become real to them.
In scripture, teens discover that Jesus’ message is neither fire and brimstone nor the string of never-ending niceties that they expect. By examining Jesus’ relationship with his disciples, they realize he wants more than their happiness and demands more than their half-hearted allegiance. He wants their very lives, something that appeals greatly to a generation looking for a leader worth following and a cause worth committing their lives to."
Think about our discussion of where teens might be developmentally, both in the cognitive and social realms. How does Bradbury's assertion relate to the primary developmental tasks of adolescence?
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ReplyDeleteJessica Brown
At this stage youth are able to think about thinking and are able to think logically. It is no surprise then that they can and will question the actions of Jesus. Jesus has now gone from the "Jesus loves me this I know" Jesus of their youth to a Jesus who sees their actions and takes note of them. Ideally, this new knowledge will begin to impact them in their daily lives. In actuality even with the newly acquired picture of Jesus, it is tough for youth in this stage to "be different" they want to fit into their peer groups and be accepted. Some though will find peer groups where following Jesus is the norm and not the "other."
ReplyDeleteStacy D. Houston
So perhaps a question for youth ministry is how we can help youth find that critical group.
DeleteIn addition to agreeing with Bradbury, I look at Erikson, Piaget, and Fowler and think that there is nothing wrong in introducing this Jesus in pre-adolescent groups where they are beginning to question themselves (Erikson), beginning logic(Piaget), and conceptualization (Fowler). By their teens, they will have the information for connecting who they are in reference to Jesus, have more flexible thought and focus. Children today are more advanced because of technologies and more mature issues to deal with. So yes, let them know that Jesus is watching and holding them accountable for their actions, however, it is up to the teacher to know your audience to know if it is the proper time to introduce this story in depth.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn L. Jones
Interesting comment about more maturity. I wonder if this is about changes in cognitive ability, or if it speaks more to the wider range of exposure that children/youth have now.
DeleteI agree with this article, to many times youth leaders and young adult advisers we focus to much on social gatherings and not enough on Gods word. As a child they look at religion and Jesus though the eyes of there parent, grand parents and Sunday school teachers, that was the only spectrum that they were a where of, but the more you grow in life the wiser you should become in your knowledge in faith and in Jesus the great stories about Jesus is fine when you are a child but the older you become as a young adult the deeper your relationship and walk should be. This young adult age is very important, because, it's the time when you can chose if you want to stay in your parents religion or look else where. I close by saying young adults don't need a lot of social event although that's important, but need more studying, teaching and knowledge of God's word and his will for there life.
ReplyDeleteAbove comment comes from Darrin L. Hill
DeleteGood point.
DeleteI agree with Bradbury in the sense that as Christian educators we should not be limiting the way that adolescence learn about living a Christ centered life. We should be walking with them as they drill down further in to the word of God and by building and forming their own personal relationship with him. This will sustain their faith and strengthen their commitment. Jesus wants to be involved in every area of their lives. It is okay for them to be social during this period because according to Eric Erikson, they are questioning "identity vs. role confusion?"
ReplyDeleteThey are already asking "who am I" and "why am I here?" We as Christian educators need to be supportive and have a good knowledge of the different learning styles that may be in the group. We are role models for these young people and they look up to us to help guide them. Technology and social media has taken on a new meaning in the way that young people communicate. As stated in Isaiah 43:19
'behold, I will do a new thing".
Graciously,
Sharon Nichols
Love the metaphor of "drilling down deeper" in the word.
DeleteA significant number of teens and adolescents today are in need of a restoration through a greater understanding of the value of who they are and where they fit in their family and in the world. This article is right on target in addressing issues affecting this young group. Many of them are seeking to gain hope and find their purpose in life. It is our responsibility as adults, along with educators and leaders in the church, to support, encourage, teach and demonstrate through godly actions how to better deal with the issues of life. It’s nice to be liked by our young, but it is even more important for them to receive that tough love when the situation calls for it. Love is the operative word though. When adults use love in their approach to interacting with our young they are more likely to gain their attention and respect. Once you have that, than a relationship of trust follows and the youth will be ready to be led out of that state of confusion and into a better life with Jesus. As Bradbury points out, youth ministries need to be Christ-centered teaching them about the Jesus in scripture. God's word will sustain them throughout life.
ReplyDeleteNaomi B. Powell
Good point about relationship- especially with this age group. They are great judges of character!
DeleteYouth today are faced with many of the same problems that we faced just 10-15 years ago. The question that they are asking are some of the same question we ask. Why are things so difficult? All believers are challenged in their daily walk of faith but, it is our faith in God that strengthens us in the mist of our most difficult moments. In my reading of "Sticky Faith". I see that some ministries have adopted prayer buddies and other measures to get youth more actively involved in the church setting. This lends hope to the future growth of our youth ministries in all churches. But, I wish to make it clear that if our ministries are to attract people from all walks of life including our youth, then parents, teachers, mentors, and pastors must participate in visual displays of "Sticky Faith", when both adults and youth lead worship together. Rudolph W. Smith
ReplyDeleteThis is a great point. Whatever we say our ministry is about needs to be spoken through actions in addition to words.
DeleteIn the adolescence stage of development, teens are in an identity crisis. They are trying to figure out who they are and to what group they belong. As church leaders we want to give the absolute best impression on our youth so that they understand the church is where they belong. According to Bradbury's definition of "Sticky Faith", leaders should be promoting more Christ centered ministries. Therefore, even the children we can not keep in the church learn to build personal relationships with Christ through our ministries. While allotting them with the necessary resources whenever they are ready to commit to the place they belong, in a Christ centered church.
ReplyDeleteTaylor D. Brown
Great point about kids we may "lose"-- perhaps we at least have the opportunity to plant the seeds of relationship.
DeleteI am in total agreement with the points Bradbury expressed in this article. It is so critical that adolescence are taught the word of God. They need to understand that they can depend on Jesus and that he is the one that will get them through. They need to understand that it is by his example they should live their lives. We as parents, teachers and spiritual leaders must afford them the proper teachings. At this age children began to think logic and make decisions about who they are and who they want to be connected to. It is our responsibility to make you they are able to make informed decisions about their choices. As an adolescent I was very much a part of the total worship experience at my church. The Wednesday night bible studies and serving as worship leader in the Friday night youth service. These experiences were very beneficial to my spiritual growth.
ReplyDeleteJanice Mitchell
Good point about decision making. That's where our knowledge of Kohlberg can come in handy.
DeleteBradbury takes an excellent approach to better understanding the task of developing adolescents in the primary stage of their lives. I found the assertion to be so relevant and so accurate, that it honestly and truly made me rethink my entire approach to the way I allow God to use me within my authentic calling to do exactly what I believe that I have been called to do. As a youth, I remember having so many questions to ask without a sounding board to hear me out. I appreciate what I learned in the process of reading the article because it relates so very deeply to what shapes and frames the understanding of our youth's perception and viewpoint of Christ. Often times, the message is one that seems unattainable, when in fact, the basic narrative of the Gospel of Mark (the oldest chronological book of the New Testament) portrays Jesus as a very real teacher that anyone can relate to. Somehow, we've gotten to a place where preaching truly has taken a precedence over teaching even though some the most anointed preachers teach as they preach. The overarching message of Christianity is often viewed as unrealistic, when in fact, it's very realistic. This approach can help anyone at any age grow through their primary development stage and build a realistic, understandable relation with God and all of God's teachings.
ReplyDeleteGreat point about questions! We have to be able to handle the doubt and questions our youth present.
DeleteResponding to the post due 10/4:
ReplyDeleteWe all seem to innately possess the characteristics of good and bad and are thereby able, at a very early stage, to make choices. I see Vygotsky's point in that the babies played an active role in learning. However, I do believe that some bad behaviors are learned from the environment children live in, albeit home, school, or society. From the second video, the older children were obviously functioning at Level I Stages 1 & 2. The seem to be preschoolers (reward is good) without consideration for the next person. The children who seem to be elementary age I saw as Level I, Stage 2 (fairness means treating everyone the same). I will reiterate that I believe all behaviors, good and bad, can also learned behaviors.
Carolyn Jones
It appears that all children are inherently good. They simply have to be taught right from wrong. According to Kohlberg some people do good to avoid punishment while others in hope of a reward. I would even go as far as to say culturally, the environments in which children are raised are very influential in the early life of a child. But that does not mean that the child cannot overcome that particular circumstance with the proper nurturing and care. There has been so much research on brain development that I tend to lean towards Vygotsky's theory that social interaction drives cognitive development. I state this based on 30 years of research and work as a Licensed Senior Childcare Director. I enjoy completing assessments
ReplyDeleteand observations on children from infants to teens.
Sharon Nichols