Youth ministry as a learning laboratory
Jeffrey Conklin-Miller asks: How can we open the door to a new laboratory for youth -- a place where we emphasize experience, reflection and play?
Acrostics and mesostics are forms of poetry; acrostics intersect the first letter of each line and mesostics intersect in the middle. Illustration by Jessamyn Rubio
Poetry from the book of Lamentations invites us to find words for our feelings and offers a form to contain that which feels uncontainable and uncontrollable, says a writer.
Parenting right now is chaos, but there is a lot of opportunity to teach our children to love God, says a worship leader.
Parents and professionals are working to provide safe and meaningful formation for youth this summer. Photo courtesy of Episcopal Church in Minnesota
Christian professionals and families partner to experiment with innovative approaches to youth formation in a socially distant environment.
Written by four faith leaders with deep connections to youth ministry, "Delighted" was published in April. In this excerpt, co-author Wesley Ellis reflects on how churches can offer joy and authentic friendships to young people.
In December 2018, Prakash Keeley was enthroned as a "bishop" at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Photos courtesy of Steve Rice
In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a church enthrones a young chorister as “bishop” every December in a medieval practice that illustrates the upside-down spirit of Advent.
Young people struggle with Sabbath, in part because adults model a life of busyness, says the author of “Wrestling With Rest: Inviting Youth to Discover the Gift of Sabbath.”
Fishers mend huge nets used to catch salmon off Alaska's Harvester Island. Holes, torn by sea lions, seals and boat propellers, are repaired by hand. Photos by Gretchen E. Ziegenhals
Taking the time to fix what is torn can build strength and resilience. What would it mean for young people to learn the art of mending early in their lives?
The author and her daughter celebrate her high school graduation. Image courtesy of Grace Ji-Sun Kim
A parent’s desire to guarantee a child’s success prevents the child’s own development -- and is not the way God parents us, says a theologian and mother.
The young adults who work at Village Wrench do not need to have experience fixing bikes. They just need to have a passion for helping the community. Photos courtesy of Village Wrench
Village Wrench in West Greenville, South Carolina, helps meet tangible needs such as bike repair and transportation. But it also offers youth development and a community gathering place.
Demonstrators carry signs during the March on Washington on Aug. 28, 1963. Library of Congress / Photo by Marion S. Trikosko
Remembering the landmark Civil Rights Act that was signed into law 55 years ago in July, a retired educator says our history can teach young people the value of education, mentors, leaders and communication.