Extravaganza-Final Take

Well it's over now, and I am on my way back to Grand Rapids. It has been another wonderful experience learning, networking, having fun, worshiping, and making new friends all in the name of Christ and furthering His kingdom.
The other workshops I attended was one led by Lost & Found. It was about creating cross-generational events and opportunities in the congregation. It was discussion based and there was great input from people in what they were doing and why we should do it. There is great value when we consider the mission of the church to be inclusive and separatist. There is great value when a church believes that "youth ministry" is everyone's job. We make baptismal promises don't we? We promise to be a family to the young ones when  they get baptized in our midst. Also, we can learn and grow from one another. I also went to a workshop on re-thinking discipleship with our young people and their parents that was led by Tiger McCluen. And I had a few good conversations with Dr. Rich Melheim about killing Sunday School. These all had to do with a congregational & family approach to youth ministry. Adults. teens, and young ones must share faith together! We must be in conversation together. The journey is ours to do together. I am looking forward to coming back to Mamrelund to expand on these ideas. I am ready to celebrate, tweak, and add. We can celebrate what we do well, tweak what we do pretty well, and add things will benefit our congregation!
But first...I think I will stay home with my kids tomorrow! Thanks for sending me Mamrelund.
Amen.

Extravaganza: Take 2

Wow! Yesterday was a full day. I have enjoyed being on a worship team filled with excellent singers and musicians. We are singing a variety of hymns, folk songs, and praise jams! It is good. The speakers are diverse, and we even have a comedian keeping us laughing. I have networked and connected with many old friends and few new faces. I am picking brains and listening in on good workshops. Here is what I have so far...
1. I had lunch with Lyle Griner from the Peer Ministry group. He is passionate about creating leaders in ministry among our young people. We talked about doing a training in the summer. A great way for young people (any people for that matter) to stay connected to the church, and more importantly Jesus, is to equip them, empower them, and energize them for leadership. There is much more we can do with this!
2. I went to a workshop called "The Jesus Gap." This was an amazing workshop that was research based, identifying what our young people in the ELCA truly know about Jesus. We use many churchy words, and talk about God in general, but if our young people and parents don't know who Jesus is, then we are failing! The results were alarming, but all is not lost! It was a great reminder to never assume people know, and to always, always make our ministries about Jesus! I am looking forward to sharing this when I get back!

OK, that is all for now, but I do have much more to share. Right now I have to go to worship!!!
Amen.