I have observed too many churches and youth ministries whose methods expose a consistent distrust of God. These
ministries embody a sense of urgency that communicates a God who is either a relentless taskmaster or completely incompetent. This is the "functional
atheism" of which Parker Palmer writes. In youth ministry it appears as an endless parade of duded up Christian rock stars, hyperactive activities, word-heavy programs, and teen devotionals covered in exclamation marks!!!!! There is a tangible sense that God must be dressed up or hidden behind high-energy music and charismatic speakers. Our churches and ministries seem deathly afraid of any kind of downtime. All silence and stillness is eradicated for fear that youth might find God disappointing, boring, or absent. It's as if our church and ministry leaders suspect God has
left the building, and so
they stall with
jabbering words and meaningless activities in hopes the crowd won't become restless.
In contrast, Jesus isn't afraid of reality. He isn't afraid of doubts, or downtime, or disappointment, or boredom - in fact, I might even claim that he finds boredom, disappointment, and doubt critical to spiritual growth!
From Contemplative Youth Ministry: Practicing the Presence of Jesus by Mark Yaconelli (pg. 73)
3 comments:
I was hesitant to agree with this at first under the impression my generation was being attacked. I understand what they are saying though. I have felt that sometimes there are so many games that we play and the only difference between youth group and other places is that youth is generally a safer environment. Did what you read offer any solutions to this issue? It reminds me when we were talking about whether to play fast or slow music for youth. Both sounds like a good idea and that might be applicable for "downtime" in youth group. I enjoy high energy music to remind me that God isn't just sad all the time. The same thing goes for slower songs, it is important to be intimate with God and be in a mood where one is more willing to confess sin or repent or reflect which are equally important to celebration.
You know, I think it's often true. I meanm God can totally be in the fun and games and loudness, but then I recall how often He speaks in just a whisper. How are we to hear that whisper if we fill our lives with noise, activities, over-excitement? There's a time and place for both - loudly and excitedly celebrating Christ, yet quietly listening to and meditating on Him. How are you going to incorporate both in your new position? hmm, glad it's you and not me influencing these people for an eternity...no pressure. ;)
amen :)
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