CLICK HERE - for an interesting and thought-provoking read! Colin Piper, from the UK and is the International Director for International Christian Youthworks, an author, speaker and mission mobilizer who travels extensively around the world training missional minded leaders.
An Outsiders View of North American Youth Work: copyright Group Magazine
“If I was American, where would I want to minister?”
I travel a lot so tend to ask myself stupid questions like that. I’m not American. I’m not even close. I’m a Brit, married to an Aussie, and I love rugby too much to want to live your side of the pond. But for argument’s sake, and because I have another two hours mindless driving ahead, let’s ask the question.
If I was American, and had had the chance to go to Europe and seen a country like Slovenia, which is as developed as America but where there are no known evangelical teenagers at all anywhere, I’d probably be asking whether my time could be better spent somewhere else.
If I was American, and had had the chance to go to Africa where youth pastors live on about a $1 a day and still share the gospel with hilarious abandonment and huge fruit, I’d probably be asking whether my resources could be better spent somewhere else.
But then when all is said, done and asked, I’d probably stay put. Not because of lack of compassion, ambition or faith. But simply because I reckon I could achieve far more for the benefit of the global church from America than from anywhere else.
I believe the American church is God’s gift to the global church.
Really, I do. But before you get carried away, I also believe that with gifting comes responsibility. Jesus said “To him to whom much is given, much is expected.” And the American church has been given huge amounts, of both resources and talent. One day you will need to give account for how you used all you were given. So the question is, are you investing it in the kingdom or burying it in your own backyard? Matt 25v14-30
Take a snapshot from a distance, and the American church, including American youth ministry, looks pretty good. The ministry programs impress us Europeans, the TV programs impress the Africans, and the coffee impresses the Australians. But keep the cameras rolling, and doubts set in. Are the programs there for Jesus or Jesus there for the programs? Hang around and watch the world copying what they see on TV, and it isn’t comfortable viewing: Everyone trying to be American, and failing. Perhaps if they had seen more of Jesus, they would have been inspired to have been more like Jesus, and succeeded.
I don’t think the American church is using the gifts and responsibilities our Father has given you to serve the wider church as effectively as you might. But then I don’t think the American church is using the gifts and responsibilities our Father has given you to serve America as you should either. For what they’re worth, here are my thoughts on American youth ministry. Bear with the first bit, and its gross over generalisations. You won’t like it, but hang in there. It gets better.
Your programs are good, but do they really cut it? Ultimately the question needs to be asked, what questions are you asking? Correct me if I’m wrong, I really want to know, so email me: Why exactly are churches hiring youth pastors? Is it because they are asking the question: how are we going to reach the lost? Or is it because they are asking: how are we going to hang on to what we’ve got? Yes, we’re back to the parable of the talents again!
It seems, admittedly to an outsider, that American youth ministry is run by the Christian kids, with the result that it is largely entertainment. Parents panic over their kids, and suggest the church elders hire someone: heck, they’ll even cover the budget through their tithe! The young Bible College graduate arrives, largely inexperienced, but that’s no problem because the kids tell him or her what he or she needs to do, and as long as he or she does it, all is well. If of course he or she doesn’t, the kids quit the church, the parents turn the screws on the elders, or at least the treasurer, and the youth pastor has to look for a new job, a new start, and a new philosophy, which we in Europe call “laissez faire”!
OK I’m a cynical Brit! I know! But go on, deny it. The strength of the American church is a bit like your economy. Yes, it looks good, and is based on a massively strong foundation which isn’t going to collapse over night. But in reality your stock within the wider American non-Christian community is weakening all the time; a bit like your dollar is weakening in the wider global financial community. And it appears to an outsider that your church leaders care as little about America’s unchurched as your political leaders do about your balance of trade deficit!
You’re losing it, guys. And quickly! Come on, be honest! Step outside your office and walk down the road and ask what impact you’re really having on most kids in the community. Then step back into your church sanctuary and ask what long term impact you’re having on the kids even in the church community.
Why were you hired? What questions were asked of you at interview? Do you sometimes feel all anyone cares about is your program, when actually what really matters are your heart, your prayerfulness and your commitment to the Word of God- or bluntly whether you love Jesus passionately?
It’s time to take a longer, wider and deeper look at things. Kids will never get to heaven via a program. Sure your programs can reveal Jesus, but do they? Do they inspire a depth of relationship with Christ, a deeper desire for holiness and a deep compassion for the lost? Too often the only thing of any real depth I’ve seen in American youth ministry is the popcorn carton.
If you really want to bring in the kingdom in your community rather than just build your church and program, then you’d probably be engaged in creative partnerships with other churches locally. If you really want to impact your kids with the gospel, then your program wouldn’t just be discussions on how God can bless me. Rather it would be an open Bible after the regular input at the homeless shelter has raised questions like: What does God make of a gay AIDS victim?
Don’t get me wrong, I love Americans. You have an energy, a passion and a belief which is lacking in Europe. You’ve always had it. It’s why many of your ancestors left Europe. You left the tired, scared, cynics behind to seek out a brave new world, and live out your dreams. But where are today’s dreamers in youth ministry? Why aren’t your colleges training emerging leaders to think outside of the box? Why do you all seem to do the same thing? Why not try something different? You might fail, but so what? Unless you’re failing at something, you probably aren’t pushing the boundaries or -back to the parable of the talents again- probably just playing safe.
Melissa, my beautiful Aussie wife, and I recruit scores of young American emerging leaders every year and send them out to study in the context of the mission field. We do it for two reasons. First of all they are amazing visionary and passionate young people. They are a gift to the global church, and a credit to the good of American youth ministry. Secondly though, they learn so much more on the mission field than in some cosy college somewhere. The best place to learn about propitiation is out there among the lost, the needy and hopeless. We send many of these young leaders back to the US, with a degree and three years mission experience, but by then they are wrecked for many job vacancies. Their world view has been blown wide open, and they make useless baby sitters for the junior high class.
Of course just getting out on mission isn’t the Holy Grail! America already sends hundreds of thousands of kids on short term mission. We are grateful recipients of some great kids every year. However it isn’t just going, but how you go that matters. It’s possible to make even a mission trip… show time!
One of my American colleagues was sitting in Starbucks a while back, sipping his small decaf, when in came a youth group of about twenty teens all wearing matching T shirts reading “We’re going to change the world for Jesus”. Brad was probably jealous that they could all afford the $6 Mocha Frappe Something, but he was equally embarrassed by the group cutting in line, complaining about the day’s work ahead and their treatment of all those around them. When a few days service a year costs little and earns a souvenir T-shirt and praise from the church fellowship after the power point presentation, then it’s probably a waste of time.
This is an “outsider’s view of American youth ministry”, but let me end this rabid section with a reflection from Brad: “Because of our own short-sightedness and our blindness to the obvious consequences of our approach, we the American church are producing a generation of Church kids who are faithless, frustrated, lonely, often selfish and can be described as spiritually numb and angry in their attitudes towards Church, ministers and most sadly, God!”
Phew, I’m glad that’s over, and that you’re still with me. That’s the downside. Let me go on now to tell you why I still believe American youth ministry is a gift of God to the worldwide church.
You have millions of young Christians, many of whom have a better biblical education than most pastors across the wider world. What if they were envisioned to go out and change their world? If I were an American my heart would be in Africa, Europe or Asia, but my ministry would probably be in America. I could either go myself, or inspire hundreds to go!
Then again I’d feel a huge burden to ensure the American church not only fulfilled its potential and delivered on its responsibilities today, but remained able to do so for the decades ahead. I’d want to inspire every American young Christian I had the privilege to serve to reach their peers and demonstrate powerfully and authentically the true living Jesus to the lost of America. I’d be anxious to learn from the salutary tale of the European church, which once saw reformation and revival but then turned in upon itself, became smug, self satisfied and lazy, and now is largely irrelevant to nearly all the continent’s population. History repeats itself when no one listens!
If I was an American this would be my dream!
I’d want to find a context in which to work where the leadership had thought through their responsibilities to their young people, the young people in their community and to the world as a whole.
I’d be far more interested in people than programs and individuals than the numbers. I’ve actually nothing against programs or crowds. But they are only the means and the context to serve the individuals with Jesus. Jesus attracted the crowds but sought out the individuals. I’d measure my ministry not by the programs or the crowds but by how much of Jesus and His heart is still being demonstrated in individuals in ten years time.
I’d want to encourage these individuals to experience the heartache of their Father for their community and the wider world. I’d want to take them to places not just to see or visit, but to engage meaningfully. I’d want them to face the hard questions life throws at them in the raw, not just in the sanitised environment of the Upper Room Lounge, and see how Christ answers those questions.
I’d want to inspire those young people to think differently. I’d want them to grow up believing it is alright to fail. In fact it is how we learn best and ultimately achieve most. I’d want them to see faith is more than receiving a blessing. It is about sacrificial love. I’d be particularly concerned to raise up a new generation of young leaders who think Biblically, creatively and Christ-like.
Practically speaking:
I would want to get to know my community, including the other churches, and seek out those who thought the same way as me. I’d want to partner with anyone I could, seek to serve them, and, together with them, engage my young people in the community.
I would want to get to know my world, and build links with those around the world who shared a heart for the kingdom. I’d want to partner with them, seek to serve them, and get my young people out there serving and learning from them. Oh and partnership doesn’t mean finding an amiable host somewhere around the world for our program. It means serving theirs.
I would want to find safe ways of releasing my young people into service, and creative ways to teach them, so they grow into adulthood with hearts to give sacrificially, and minds to think radically.
Sorry for the infuriating generalisations and blanket statements, but hear my heart. There has never been a more important time to be doing youth ministry in America. God has equipped and resourced you to serve not just America but the world. We, the global church need you. Please do it, for Christ’s sake.
Independent Christian recording artist set to ignite a passion for mission and social action with highly anticipated multimedia concert tour.
NASHVILLE, TN. - May, 18, 2008 - All the way from the United States, Lucas Parry and The GO Concert will be visiting churches, youth ministries and schools throughout August/September 2008, bringing its highly interactive multimedia event to churches, students and young adults educating and inspiring them for mission and social action.
Lucas Parry, an outspoken mission mobilizer, a recording artist and dynamic storyteller from Australia, shares music from his latest CD release ‘ALIVE’ and a contagious message compelling folks to pursue God’s personal mission for their lives. Then via video, he is joined by internationally recognized leaders; Shane Claiborne (author of The Irresistible Revolution), Todd Phillips (Get Uncomfortable) and Bill Hybels (Just Walk Across the Room), fusing these messages with songs, video and plenty of crowd participation to create an electric environment where people not only learn how they can do small things to change the world, but they will also have the opportunity to do so! The GO Concert is a ‘Conference in a concert’!
“The GO Concert was Awesome! Lucas Parry led our congregation on a journey of deep evaluation. Lucas was able to CUSTOMIZE his presentation to meet the needs of this Local body. The Clear message, State of the Art AV, and personal touch allowed our people to respond personally and financially as never before! If you want a new, relevant, and customized Mission Emphasis, I highly recommend this ministry”.
Nick Serban, Lead Pastor Full Life Assembly of God, Franklin TN - www.fulllifeag.com
“If I only had one message to give my students it would be the one that Lucas Parry brought to us. His passion was like a really cool infection that many of students caught and aren’t easily getting over. If you want your teenagers to be missionaries let them experience The GO Concert”
Jeremy Lee, Pastor Go Student Ministries, New Vision Baptist Church, Murfreesboro, TN www.gonewvision.com
Compassion International again has partnered with the tour and this year at each event there will be child sponsorship cards available for people should they decide to get involved. The entire presentation will last for approximately 1hr 15-minutes and can be adjusted slightly to fit schedules.
If you have a mission/outreach or trip you would like to promote alongside the event, The GO Concert is expert in making that happen in a powerful and meaningful way. Whether its fundraising for mission, gathering volunteers or simply raising awareness, The GO Concert will inspire people to get involved like never before!
If this is something that peaks your interest, please visit www.thegoconcert.com/media for video, photos and more references from pastors. Tour dates are as follows:
New Zealand – August 21-28
Australia – August 29 – September 29
For more information on the tour and booking information, visit www.thegoconcert.com or email booking@thegoconcert.com
For more information on Lucas Parry, visit www.lucasparry.com
We here at The GO Concert are excited to let pastors and church leaders know about our event. Why? Because we really believe that this concert inspires people to live active christian lives…. and its not just us saying these things, its pastors and leaders themselves who have seen the concert during our initial launch.
“The GO Concert was Awesome! Lucas Parry led our congregation on a journey of deep evaluation. Lucas was able to CUSTOMIZE his presentation to meet the needs of this Local body. The Clear message, State of the Art AV, and personal touch allowed our people to respond personally and financially as never before! If you want a new, relevant, and customized Mission Emphasis, I highly recommend this ministry”.
Nick Serban, Lead Pastor
Full Life Assembly of God, Franklin TN - www.fulllifeag.com
So, we NEED your help! On the website we’ve created an easy tool for you to use to help spread the word about The GO Concert. Simply, click the “GO Tell A Friend” link on the home page and follow the prompts. Its super easy!! We’ll love ya, and you’ll do your friends a huge favor by letting them know we’re out there.
Changing the world, by inspiring one life at a time!
Last Sunday my wife and I were running way late for church due to a slip of the snooze button, and decided upon exiting our serene housing community that we should check out another local church in town, because by the time we would arrive at our church, the sermon would be well underway (yes we were that late).
So we drove down main street gingerly checking out all the church signs along the way, waiting for a Holy Spirit moment of enlightenment or a bolt from heaven showing us which one to attend. None came so we kept driving and finally we Read More
Last Sunday my wife and I were running way late for church due to a slip of the snooze button, and decided upon exiting our serene housing community that we should check out another local church in town, because by the time we would arrive at our church, the sermon would be well underway (yes we were that late).
So we drove down main street gingerly checking out all the church signs along the way, waiting for a Holy Spirit moment of enlightenment or a bolt from heaven showing us which one to attend. None came so we kept driving and finally we decided we should visit the next one we saw. We did…. and it was good!
However the thing that really disturbed me this week about our little “Sunday stroll” was this: We counted a staggering 28 church signs…… within a 10 minute drive!! Some would say that fantastic!! Church saturation (and remember I live in Spring Hill TN….. the Christian south). About 15 of those were from one particular denomination, the rest were a spatter of non-denom, and others. Most of these churches were brand new church plants….. at least 75% of them. Small, trying to outdo each other, fill a niche, gather a crowd, impact their community in hopes of establishing a thriving church. Most of these are “church plants” from larger, mother-ship congregations in neighboring cities.
I did some math in my head. To plant a church in Suburbia requires a sizable financial commitment…. and most we passed had built out premises, probably with one or two staffers. So assuming that, I think its safe to say that each church would have an average operating budget of around $100,000 a year. 15 of those is 1.5 million dollars. WOW! So my question was…. Why didn’t all the “mother-ship churches” get together and pool their resources and build a dynamic faith community, together in unity in Spring Hill? Rather than each individually building small fledgeling churches, vying for the same people and competing against one another?? Wouldn’t that be more effective? A wiser use of funds…. the community will see churches working together in unity….. and remember scripture teaches that there are “blessings in unity” (Psalm 133:1-3).
I’m sure there are many reasons why these said churches did not work together? My experience with the churches here in the south has shown me that most are so consumed with building their own ministry, that they don’t take the time to look up and see what’s going on around them. Most pastors I know embrace the idea of partnering with other area pastors in ministry….. but the practical outworking of that embrace falls with limp arms. They never attend pastoral get-togethers, partner in outreaches or collaborate in any other ministries. But they all say they WANT to.
So I think this is a challenge to ALL of us. Let us make working together a priority in our ministries….. Let us allow our communities to see Jesus in the way we live and interact with one another. Let us focus on building THE KINGDOM and not our own.
