I Was One of “Those” Parents
Last week our two oldest kids started summer school. We had been told by letter and phone call that Krista, our six year-old, was going to be in a particular class. To our delight, it was the same class as …
Archive October 14, 2010
A Church in the Intergenerational HOV Lane A Ministry Case Study
While we have heard from a lot of churches who are in the initial steps of merging onto the road of intergenerational ministry, some wonder, “What do we do after those first few miles?” How do we make intergenerational youth ministry not just an experiment but a long-term part of our DNA? David Fraze explores a case study interview with pastor and author Tod Bolsinger.
Something is Not Right Revisiting our Definition of Family
Have our youth ministry practices and philosophies sold kids and families short by focusing on a too-narrow definition of “family”? Pulling from family ministry guru Diana Garland’s work, Fraze challenges us with some helpful reframing of our understanding of family in Christ and its implications for youth work.
A Reminder of an Often-Forgotten Reality Parents and Adults Matter in the Spiritual Formation of Kids
Continuing our series on intergenerational ministry, Fraze explores Christian Smith and Melinda Lundquist Denton’s work in their Soul Searching research as it relates to the roles parents and other adults play in adolescent faith formation.
The Way of Privilege What You Need to Know About the Issues Facing Affluent Youth
While we often call kids with abundant financial resources “privileged”, there can be a dark underside to growing up with affluence. Recent research on adolescents from wealthy homes uncovers some disturbing trends among these kids. If you work with students and families who have significant means, this article offers several ways to engage affluent culture and help families guard against its dangers.
How God Works in the World Through Kids Connect For Intergenerational Ministry Conference
Tod Bolsinger, senior pastor of San Clemente Presbyterian Church in Southern California, shares insights on intergenerational ministry from the perspective of a senior pastor and parent of adolescents. Tod gave this keynote address at the Connect For: An Intergenerational Approach to Ministry conference hosted by Fuller and FYI (then CYFM) in March 2007.
Through the Zone Creating Rites of Passage in Your Church
How do the kids in your church know when they have become adolescents? How do they know when they have become adults? As we re-think the value and necessity of rites of passage in our ministries, we may help bring clarity to these life stages and help students through the zones of identity confusion.
Reading Between the Lines
Ever wonder what your students, parents, and volunteers are thinking about your ministry? Why not ask? Check out these lists of helpful questions for focus group assessments to help solve the mysteries.
Connecting Emerging Churches with Your Youth Ministry An Interview with Ryan Bolger
What does the future hold for youth ministry as we know it? Kara Powell caught up with author and professor Ryan Bolger to learn from his research and perspective on the shape of youth ministry in the emerging church.
The Boomerang Effect Why some students leave the faith–and why some may come back–in emerging adult years
We all scratch our heads wondering how to respond to the loss of students from church after high school. Research on this pattern, as well as the patterns of those who return to their faith later, may inform our response as churches who have the opportunity to nurture them — both to prevent some from leaving and to welcome back others who have left.