Christian Youth Work in Theory and Practice

Sally Nash

Description

Churches today face unique challenges as they seek to help young people engage with the Christian faith and youth workers, whether employed or volunteer, play a key role in supporting this process. This book provides a comprehensive overview of Christian youth work, drawing together practice, theory and theology in a format which is both engaging and informative.

Informations

• Publié par: Hymns Ancient & Modern
• Date de parution: 03 juin 2014
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9780334052128
• Langue: English

Extrait

Christian Youth Work in Theory and Practice A Handbook Edited by

Sally Nash and Jo Whitehead

© The editors and contributors Published in 2014 by SCM Press Editorial office 3rd Floor Invicta House 108–114 Golden Lane, London EC1Y 0TG SCM Press is an imprint of Hymns Ancient & Modern Ltd (a registered charity) 13A Hellesdon Park Road Norwich NR6 5DR, UK www.scmpress.co.uk All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher, SCM Press. The Authors have asserted their right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, to be identified as the Authors of this Work Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, New International Version, copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Hodder & Stoughton Ltd, a member of Hodder Headline Ltd.The Message, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. British Library Cataloguing in Publication data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library 978 0334 04643 1 Typeset by Regent Typesetting Printed and bound by CPI Group (UK) Ltd, Croydon

To John (Sally’s nephew), Tim and Sam (Jo’s stepsons). Thanks for fun, good times and continually reminding us what it’s like to be a young person today.

Acknowledgements The Contributors Introduction

Contents

1. Being a Christian Youth Worker: Finding Ourselves by Losing Ourselves Nick Shepherd Response: Graeme Thompson 2. Being a Reflective Practitioner and Lifelong Learner: Pursuing Wisdom and Fruitfulness Sally Nash Response: Fuzz Kitto 3. Youth Culture: A Theoretical Examination for the Sake of Ministry with Young People Andrew Root Response: Simon Hall 4. Theological Inquiry in Christian Youth Work Jeremy Thomson Response: Graham Stanton 5. Christian Youth Work and the Kingdom of God Graeme McMeekin Response: Reggie Nel 6. Inclusive Youth Work Andrew Smith Response: Paul Fenton 7. Adolescent Identity Development Amy Jacober Response: Becca Dean 8. Appropriate Relationships: ‘Like a Friend’ Sam Richards Response: Ali Campbell 9. The Church Matt Brain Response: Bård Norheim 10. Spiritual Practices and Faith Formation Jo Whitehead Response: Bert Roebben 11. Holistic Pastoral Care Karen Jones Response: Jon Jolly 12. Mission Terry Linhart Response: Alastair Jones 13. Education and Curriculum Simon Davies Response: Allan Clyne

14. Working with Families Colin Bennett Response: Lizzie Hackney

15. Ethical Dilemmas and Practice Paul Nash Response: Anna Thompson

16. Leadership and Management Liz Dumain Response: Len Kageler

Acknowledgements

We are very grateful to each one of our authors, who have journeyed with us in completing this book. The pattern of a chapter and a response to that chapter is one that requires vulnerability and a willingness to be open to others. We have tried hard to commission authors who represent a wide range of settings and traditions, from youth ministry educators to youth workers. This is an international book that focuses on Christian youth work and youth ministry in the western world, and authors are from the UK, USA, Australia, South Africa and mainland Europe. Sally worked with the authors of Chapters 1–7, which focus on some of the more theoretical and theological themes providing an underpinning knowledge base for Christian youth workers. Jo worked with the authors of Chapters 8–16, which are more context focused and practice oriented. We each then worked with the whole text in a final editing residential. This is the fourth book we have worked on together in some way as well as editing each other’s contributions to the Grove Youth Series. We appreciate our complementary gifts and experiences and generally have an enjoyable harmonious time working together on such projects. An edited book is very much an act of collaborative ministry, and we are also grateful to Natalie Watson, our editor at SCM, for her enthusiasm for this project and her swift replies to all sorts of emails about technical issues. Pete Ward offered some initial comments on our proposal and helped us develop a more complete book. There will also be many unacknowledged collaborators, those who have sown seeds of ideas in us and our authors and who patiently listened and talked as the ideas turned into the chapters you find in this book. Our husbands, Paul Nash and Paul Stuttle, have been unstinting in their support and encouragement for this project and have plied us with cups of tea and glasses of wine as we have written and edited.

The Contributors

Colin Bennettis Vice-Principal (Development) at Moorlands College in Dorset. He became a Christian while training as a youth and community worker. He and his wife Yvonne worked in Birmingham and Sheffield before moving to Moorlands. While busy with church, community and college, he is also a keen Coventry City supporter.

Matt Brainhas worked in parishes and schools all over Australia. He is the Archdeacon for Chaplaincy, Youth, Student and Children’s Ministry, the Director of Parish Support, Chaplaincy and Mission in the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn and a lecturer at St Mark’s National Theological Centre and Charles Sturt University.

Ali Campbellmarried to Lisa, and they have two daughters. When not drinking coffee, reading or is spending time with his family, Ali works in the South East of England to equip and encourage children’s and youth leaders in their work with young people.

Allan Clyneis a PhD student at Strathclyde University, where he is researching the relationship between Christianity and youth work. He has been an informal educator in a variety of environments including the Church, the voluntary sector and school. He is married to Martine, and in his free time he enjoys watching films, listening to music and walking in the Scottish highlands.

Simon Daviesin Eynsham, West Oxfordshire. In previous (and current) lives he is a techie, lives professional mentor, lecturer, picture framer, cyclist, leader and manager, musician, youth and community worker, husband and father. He is interested in theology, philosophy, education, community and technology. He has nearly 20 years of experience in youth work and ministry, many in training and educating Christian youth workers. He currently works as Head of Academic Frameworks for the Institute of Children Youth and Mission.

Becca Deanis a research student at Durham University, with a particular interest in how churches can empower young people in spiritual development. Alongside her research Becca works part time as youth and children’s coordinator at St John’s Neville’s Cross. Becca’s first book isBe Live Pray (Scripture Union, 2010), and she is a keen writer and avid blogger at beccaislearning.com.

Liz Dumainis Youth for Christ Local Ministries Director. Part of the UK YFC leadership, she heads up a team responsible for developing and supporting local youth work. A published author and regular speaker, Liz is studying for an MA in contemporary ministry and apologetics. Passionate about seeing people explore God fully, you are likely to find her reading or engaging with culture at an arts centre or coffee shop.

Paul Fentonbecame Principal of Oasis College, London, in 2010. His career has involved posts as youth pastor, schools worker, chaplain, inclusion director, local authority training manager, lecturer and a freelance consultancy. Paul maintains a research interest in education and child and adolescent development, and is author ofSomeone to Lean On: Accompanying Young People on the Journey of Faith(Scripture Union, 1998).

Lizzie Hackneya community-engagement worker with an Anglican church in Stoke-on-Trent. She is lives in Dovedale House, an inter-generational retreat centre in the Peak District, where she and her husband are support and development workers. A PhD student at Durham University, she is researching church-based work and young people’s spirituality.

Simon Hallis a pastor in Leeds, where – among more regular pastor-y things – he oversees a youth work project and manages an arts centre. He was previously Principal of Oasis College in London.

Amy Elizabeth Jacoberis a youth worker, professor, speaker and author. She spends her year teaching at both college and seminary. She serves on the mission-wide committee for Young Life’s Capernaum ministry. She is the author ofThe Adolescent Journey(InterVarsity Press, 2011) and other books. When you can’t find her doing ministry, she is spending time with her husband, two daughters and an oversized dog.

Jon Jollythe Children’s and Youth Team Leader for the Arun Community Church in Littlehampton, is West Sussex. He is a qualified youth worker with over 14 years’ experience and loves to see churches engaging with their local area. Jon is married with two daughters.

Alastair Jonesis the CEO of Frontier Youth Trust (www.fyt.org). FYT does mission working with young people at risk towards justice, equality and community. He has been involved in youth work for over 20 years. He was previously the Salvation Army’s national Youth Worker Development Manager (ALOVE UK).

Karen Jonesthe Ministry and Missions department at Huntington University, Indiana, where she chairs has prepared undergraduate students for ministry leadership for the past 16 years. Prior to serving as a professor, Karen was a youth minister in churches in Missouri and Texas for more than 15 years.

Len Kageleris Professor of Youth and Family Studies at Nyack College, with a campus near and in New York City. He is a youth ministry volunteer at his local church. He has written 11 books for youth workers or parents, most recentlyYouth Ministry in a Multi-Faith Society(InterVarsity Press, 2013).

Fuzz Kittoan international youth work consultant, mission planning and emerging church/fresh is expression consultant, working in 27 countries and based in Sydney. He started full-time youth work in 1973 and has been a denominational youth director, speaker, trainer and lecturer in youth ministry.

Terry LinhartProfessor of Youth Ministry and Adolescent Studies at Bethel College, Indiana. He is teaches and writes on topics related to global youth ministry, including the bookGlobal Youth Ministry: Reaching Adolescents Around the World(Zondervan, 2011). For more, visitwww.terrylinhart.com or connect via @TerryLinhart on Twitter.

Graeme McMeekinis originally from Northern Ireland and has spent some time as a church-based youth worker and local authority youth justice worker. He is currently the Vice-Principal (Academic) and Youth and Community Work with Applied Theology Programme Leader at the International Christian College in Glasgow.

Paul Nashis a tutor at Midlands Institute for Children, Youth and Mission (CYM) and Senior Chaplain at Birmingham Children’s Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, where he is also a vice chair of the clinical ethics committee. His publications includeSupporting Dying Children and Their Families (SPCK, 2011) andWhat Theology for Youth Work?(Grove Books, 2007).His research interests include spiritual care for sick children, theological reflection and paediatric chaplaincy. He is the co-founder and convenor of the Paediatric Chaplaincy Network (www.paediatric-chaplaincy-network.org) and established the Grove Youth series of books (www.grovebooks.co.uk).

Sally Nashwas one of the team who established CYM (www.childrenyouthmission.org) and is the Director of the Midlands Centre based at St John’s College, Nottingham. She is also an Anglican priest in the Diocese of Birmingham. She writes and researches in the fields of work with young people, ministry and spirituality and publications includeYouth Ministry: A Multi-faceted Approach2011), (SPCK, Tools for Reflective Ministry(SPCK, 2009) andThe Faith of Generation Y(Church House Publishing, 2010). Her doctorate was in urban youth work. She is a trustee of Frontier Youth Trust. She blogs at www.markerpostsandshelters.wordpress.com.

Reggie Nelis a senior lecturer in missiology at the University of South Africa and a part-time minister at Uniting Reformed Church in Riverlea, Johannesburg. He teaches and researches in the areas of missional ecclesiologies, children and youth ministry, anti-racism and reconciliation, social networking and missiology. Bård Norheimis an ordained pastor in the Church of Norway (Evangelical–Lutheran), has worked as a youth minister in congregations and Christian organizations in Norway, and as a missionary to Estonia. Currently he is Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Head of Department of Theology at NLA University College, Bergen, and a volunteer youth minister working with youth leaders and confirmands in the congregation where his wife serves as a pastor. Sam Richardsis Director of Oxford CYM and has been training Christian youth workers for more than 20

years. As a youth worker and Director of Oxford Youth Works, she worked mostly with unchurched young people. She enjoys spending time with friends, reading, being outdoors, chocolate and laughter and belongs to the mayBe community, an emerging church in Oxford. Bert Roebbenis Professor of Religious Education at the Faculty of Humanities and Theology, Dortmund University. His research interests include the theology of religious education and youth ministry, religious diversity and education, and practical theology. He is the President ofwww.iasym.net Andrew Root is the Olson Baalson Associate Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary, St Paul, Minnesota. He writes and researches in areas of theology and youth ministry. A prolific author, his most recent book is calledThe Relational Pastor(InterVarsity Press, 2013).

Nick Shepherdis the Chief Executive of the Institute for Children, Youth and Mission. He has over 20 years’ experience in Christian youth work, from face-to-face work through to policy development and strategy. Nick holds a PhD from King’s College London, where he undertook research into young people’s participation in Christian youth work. His current research interests include the use of action research to investigate ‘theologies of practice’ in youth ministry. Nick is editor of theJournal of Youth and Theologyand lives in South London.

Andrew Smithis the Director of Interfaith Relations for the Anglican Bishop of Birmingham. Since 2000 he has been pioneering a model of work with Muslim and Christian teenagers. He is the founder and Chair of Directors of The Feast, a charity formed to bring together Christian and Muslim young people. He has written a number of books and articles on Christian–Muslim relations and youth work and is a regular speaker on interfaith issues.

Graham Stantonwas the founding principal of Youthworks College, Sydney, where he taught systematic theology and youth ministry. He is an ordained minister in the Anglican Church, Diocese of Sydney and has worked in youth ministry for over 20 years.

Jeremy Thomsonin engineering, student and church ministry, bookselling and counselling, worked before discovering the joys of theological education. He has taught on several academic programmes, published theological and biblical materials and is currently Principal Lecturer in Theology at Oasis College, London. He is Chair of the Mennonite Centre Trust.

Anna Thompsonworks supporting urban ministry practitioners for the Eden Network in the UK and also as a freelance facilitator, writer and teacher. She is in the final stages of a doctorate in practical theology researching perceptions of transformation in urban communities and lives in Openshaw, East Manchester.

Graeme Thompson has been in youth work for over 25 years as a volunteer, social worker, and since 1997 with the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, where he consults with churches, resources and trains leaders. He completed his PhD in 2012, examining the retention and faith of young people from the perspective of covenant theology.

Jo Whiteheadis Assistant Director of Midlands CYM, where she teaches youth and community work and practical theology. She is an experienced youth and community worker, church leader, facilitator and writer and is currently undertaking doctoral research into whole-person learning. Her publications includeYouthwork After Christendom (Paternoster, 2008),Skills for Collaborative Ministry (SPCK, 2008), andFacilitation Skills for Ministry(SPCK, 2013).