Network Blog

Where has innovation gone?

There once was a time when an entire cottage industry (and in some cases, some big business) had developed around creativity and innovation in youth ministry.  Ok...back then, we just called it youth ministry, but you get the idea.

People were thinking around new and creative ways to communicate the Gospel to young people.  Now, have to be honest here:  It wasn't all good.  Really.  "Chubby Bunnies", while funny to watch, might not have had a lot of spiritual impact...and I'm not at all sure of the ecclesiological meaning behind the game "tapehead."  

Ministry with young people was didactic.  It was straightforward.  We told...they heard...we all went out for pizza.  <Broad, sweeping generalization alert here> There wasn't a lot of theological depth to those things.  These things were the "invitation."  They were the "right to be heard."  It could be (and has been) argued that they were the "bait" in the giant game of  "bait and switch" that we all played.

But just as I don't want to inappropriately romanticize the old days, I don't want to demonize them either.  The heart was in the right place...it was genuine.  Youth ministry wanted real Christ-centered transformation to happen.  And so a lot of time and attention went into being innovative and creative to communicate the truths of the gospel.  

It may not always have been deep, but it was often clever.

Now, we are (rightfully) much more interested in theological reflection than we were.  We aim deeper.  And we know the value of connecting the faith formation in our congregations to the faith formation that is happening in homes.

No one disputes the importance of this.  I've never heard anyone say "gee, I wish our ministry was more shallow."  But having said that, I wonder where the innovation is?  How is this deeper, more theologically aware ministry living itself out?  Lots of new material is being written about why we should be moving in this direction.  What I am not reading is "how" we can creatively think about these things.  What does it look like?  What is the praxis that parallels our theory?

I would like the Network to be the place that this conversation is taking place.  I would love it if we could make this web site a clearinghouse, and a living laboratory for this kind of thinking.  Perhaps it's kind of a free "Criagslist" for resources.  

My theory is this:  Once upon a time youth ministers depended on the resource providers to tell us what we needed to do, and then how to do it.  This was a necessary phase in the development of a ministry practice and discipline.

Now, the practitioners have the history...the education and the expertise to set the agenda and to provide at least a significant portion of the resources.

So let's be the Network.  Let's figure out a way to share this expertise.  And let's give these things to each other.  Let's suppport each other in our work and ministry.

How?

Not sure yet.

Ideas?

I'd love to hear them.  Please post comments below.

More to come, as the conversation continues.

Pax,
Todd.

What is the future of the ELCA?  Of denominations in general?  What does it mean to be a part of our denominational tribe today?  What will it mean in 5, 10 or 20 years?

We are approaching the 1 year anniversary of the decisions made at the Churchwide Assembly last August in Minneapolis.  It has been a challenging year for our church.  For many of us in congregations, the ripple effects from the assembly hit more like tidal waves.  And the state of the economy led to staff cuts in our denominational offices that significantly diminished the capacity for mission...and cost many of our friends their positions.

There was a period of time when I (and I'm just speaking for myself here) really felt like the wheels were coming off of the wagon.  And I kept waiting for things to get better.  Still waiting. 

Since then, I keep hearing of congregations that are leaving...of friends whose jobs are at risk...of congregational conflict...

I started to wonder about the future.  Is there a place for denominations in the future?  Our denomination in particular?  Certainly there is a need...certainly there is a role...

I had some of my hope restored a month or two ago when I heard of the LiftELCA initiative.  A team has been assembled to look at the future of our denomination.  This is the LIFT (Living Into the Future Together) team.  "Their purpose is to develop and recommend options for the future of the ELCA in light of its identity, changes in its environment and its call to God's mission. "

2 things I am grateful for:
1.  I am grateful that someone in our denominational leadership has thought to ask these questions.  Frequently it is those in leadership that are the least aware of, or the least willing to ask the difficult questions. 
2.  I am grateful that the LIFT team has taken an attitude of transparency in their work.  Look at their web site.  It's all there.  Check out their Twitter feed...visit their Facebook page.  Accessibility has been their hallmark, and I am grateful for this.

There is currently a LIFT questionnaire that they are asking members of the ELCA to fill out. 

I care about our denomination.  I care about the work of the church as manifest within our community.  Like everyone else, I have thoughts...I have opinions. 

I am grateful that our church has a group who wants to listen to my (and everyone else's) thoughts about God's misison within our church. 

Please participate.  Please invest.  Please allow the Spirit of God to blow through you and into the rest of our church.  Speak.  And listen.

Pax,
Todd.

Who Are Our Leaders?  Meet Monty Lynse!

Welcome back to our occasional series of articles on "Who Are Our Leaders?"  This time, we introduce:  Monty Lynse (he's the one on the left)

The Vital Stats:
Name:  Monty Lynse
Works at: Faith Inkubators
Job: National Director of Youth and Family Ministry

The part of youth ministry I like best is: sharing stories and tips with other youth workers and pastors. I also love church camp and mission trips.

 

The part of youth ministry I struggle with most is: getting parents to realize that even though they didn’t pay attention in confirmation, they can still be a strong, regular faith mentor in the life of their kid. They just need encouragement, a plan, and the right tools.

 

My favorite ministry resources are: (Homer Alert) Faith Inkubators Head to the Heart confirmation materials. I’ve worked for over a decade on this stuff and wouldn’t have spent the time if I didn’t think it helped churches, kids and parents.

 

 

If I could have a super power it would be: the super-strength to break through many parents’ “drop them off at church” syndrome, because, as overwhelming as it may be, kids need regular faith talk at home. You don’t become fluent in a language by going to class once a week. You become fluent when you are regularly immersed in the language. It’s the same with the language of faith.

 

I take care of myself in ministry by: continually trying to get good ideas from others. I’m smart enough to know that I don’t know it all.

 

I would tell someone just starting in ministry: that it is a fantastic way to live out your faith in a way that impacts kids and parents on a regular basis. It can be frustrating, but extremely fulfilling. It may even be the one job that is so fun, you say to yourself, “They actually PAY me to do this?” every time you get a paycheck.

I appreciate the Network for: community. I appreciate the camaraderie and wisdom that the network provides through its events, communication, and members in general.

Note:  Be sure to click on the "Comments" link below.  More ideas on how to save money at the "E" have been posted there!

Yes, we know that the Extravaganza is an expensive proposition, once you add the registration, the Network membership, hotel, transportation and oh yeah...you probably want to eat, too, right?

Yes, it adds up.  And we know that things are tight this year.  (Which is, of course, one of the reasons we need to get together this year...how do we do ministry...how do we support each other...in a world with an economy that's struggling?  We've got to talk about this stuff.

But that's a different topic.

We know that the event comes at a financial cost.  But please believe us when we tell you that we do everything we possibly can to keep the cost affordable.  Really.

So we've been collecting ideas for how you can save some money to help keep the cost affordable.  These are just a few ideas.  If you have more, please e-mail them to info@elcaymnet.org and we'll be glad to publish them.  Here we go:

1.  If you are flying to Charlotte, be sure to check out our travel discount page.  We've negotiated a discount from Northwest/Delta airlines.  If you book using our code, and the cost of the ticket is over $300, you will receive a discount between 5% and 15%, depending on the city you're flying from and the dates of your trip.  More info is available at our travel discounts page. 

2.  Check an alternative airport.  Prices at your closest airport might look high.  But sometimes being willing to drive a bit to another airport can save you SIGNIFICANT dollars.  We just heard about folks in the Omaha area that were finding $400 tickets.  But they discovered that if they drive a couple of hours to Kansas City, the tickets prices are $200 cheaper.  Not bad!

3.  Check airlines prices often.  2 weeks ago, flights from Minneapolis/St. Paul to Charlotte were something like $220.  Last week they were up to $330.  This week the prices were bac down to $240.  We don't begin to understand ticket prices...they go up and down, seemingly at random.  (We're sure there is a rhyme and a reason...but who knows what it is!)  So check back and check often!

4.  You might want to think about sharing a ride.  Driving will save you money!  Connect with some local colleagues and split the costs of the drive.  You could save significant dollars!  There is a group from the Des Moines area who are all driving together and are stopping on the way to visit and observe some congregation's youth ministries, and to do some service.  How cool is that?  Looking to connect with someone for a ride?  Post your info and find a ride-mate!

5.  Get a roommate!  We can't connect people with roommates, but we have created a roommate board to post requests if you need a roommate.  Go to the board and post your info, or search for a roommate.

6.  Check with your local Thrivent chapter.  Sometimes they can apply some funding towards helping you get to the event.

We're sure there are more ideas out there!  Send them to info@elcaymnet.org and we'll post them!  Or, post a comment below.

See you in Charlotte!

Networked in Christ,
tb

Next in our series of "getting to know folks"...we're really excited to introduce: Rozella Poston! 

Name: Rozella Poston Congregation: Mediator Lutheran Church, Philadelphia, PA Email: rozella.poston@gmail.com Network Leadership Role: "Connect Journal" Leadership Team 1.  The part of youth ministry I like best is: The privilege of walking among young theologians and inviting unsuspecting adults into a world of child-like faith. 2.  The part of youth ministry I struggle with most is: The seemingly limited nature of time and energy that is needed to minister to each youth and family 3.  My favorite ministry resources are: The Bible, pop culture, pastoral care resources 4.  If I could have a super power it would be: The ability to restore lives affected by abuse of any time so that all would experience abundant life in their hearts, minds, bodies and souls 5.  I take care of myself in ministry by: I don't, if I am honest. 6.  I would tell someone just starting in ministry:  Have faith, expand your knowledge, be patient and gracious 7.  I appreciate the Network for: connecting the workers in the vineyard and the visionary role they have in the continued exploration of youth & family ministry.

We're unveiling a new, "occasional" feature.  In an attempt to help folks get to know more about our Network leadership, we're going to introduce people!  It should be kind of fun! 

Today, we're introducing Jamie Travers!

Name:  Jamie Travers Congregation/Organization:  St. Olaf Lutheran Church,          Devils Lake ND and Network Regional Facilitaor E-Mail: jamie@elcaymnet.org 1.  The part of youth ministry I like best is:           Sharing the Gospel with youth and families.  2.  The part of youth ministry I struggle with most is:          Finding enough time for everything 3.  My favorite ministry resources are:          Books and resources about Family ministry. 4.  If I could have a super power it would be: To have perfect aim, because I am not really good at sports, but I think it would be fun to always be able to make a basket or kick a goal or throw a ball or anything for any bit of distance and be able to always connect or hit the target perfectly every time. 5.  I take care of myself in ministry by:          Making sure to spend time in prayer. 6.  I would tell someone just starting in ministry:          to continue growing in faith, to continue to learn about ministry,Bible, theology, etc. and get connected with others \ 7.  I appreciate the Network for: it’s support and resources, especially staying connected with others in ministry.