Youthworker.com

Youthworker magazine is a great publication, and the most recent editorial at the front of the magazine (by Chap Clark) was worth the price of the subscription this month. He writes,

Most seasoned youth workers recognize that our luxurious days of social, developmental and psychological naiveté are long gone. At camp, we want to encourage obedience and passion; kids want to talk about their dads. In small groups, we want to teach the Bible; kids want authentic friendships that are safe. At church, we want kids to show up; in life, kids are simply looking to survive.

Somehow this describes a reality that will be central to my doctor of ministry long-term project. How can we be church together in a way that doesn't reinforce this dichotomy, but rather sets free the freeing voice of the gospel in places people already are?