I’m in LA at the National Youth Worker’s Convention and I want to write a couple random thoughts about a risky move YS just made today and how I believe it is the beginning of something new.
Open Space is exactly what the church needs.
I believe the future of the church is in gatherings that use Open Space, World Cafe and the like.
I won’t try to explain exactly what it is, because you simply have to experience it to understand.
First, Organizations that use Open Space believe in the power and gifts of people. In this case, YS is risking their future, on the very people they serve not because it is flashy, or fancy, or trendy, or spectacular, but because it represents and embodies the very values, and hopes YS has for the church and youth ministry. It appears as if YS believes that the power for shaping the future, is not exclusively found in the hands of experts, (I’d suggest very little is in the hands of experts actually), and that the thousands of people attending the conventions have more collective wisdom, and insight than any of the best speakers, or seminar leaders in the world.
Ironically, this is risky, frankly because many youth pastors (and pastors) don’t believe in themselves as much as YS believes in them. There are people who didn’t attend the conference because they wanted to hear experts.
YS (and the publishing world) is partly to blame for this NEED for experts to give practical advice. For years they have graded their speakers and presenters on how practical they are. Practical advice from experts is deadly.
People need each other. People need community. People need insight from others. this is completely true. We all need guidance. But…
I’m going to be direct here.
People who NEED experts believe a lie. The Lie: That there is a right way to do ministry out there somewhere, I don’t immediately know what it is, and if I can just find the answer, then my ministry will be okay. LIE. That when the experts come in and give you 5 easy and practical steps to…. (whatever) There’s a lot of money made by this kind of thing. There isn’t one way to do ministry. There isn’t A way to do great ministry. There aren’t 5 characteristics that must be true about your youth ministry. Youth Pastor after Youth Pastor that I meet with consulting feel the same thing. That their ministry SHOULD be something else. they come to me to find out what it is. What do I tell them?
Stop worrying about all the stuff you think you should be doing, because someone else does, or thinks you should, etc. Look around the halls of your church. Gather some people together who are committed to the mission of your church and ask, what are you passionate about. Whatever they say, That is what your church should do.
NEEDING EXPERTS is a convenient excuse not to take the responsibility that is yours as the youth pastor. If you NEED experts, it’s because you are unwilling to own the responsibility for the ministry yourself.
Am I being to harsh?
The Open Space YS creates at their conventions is the start of what the church needs to be about.
If you thought it was a waste in LA and skipped it, you missed out.
If you are going to Cinci, or Atlanta don’t miss this. It is kind of thing that will bring about the future of the church.
That is not hyperbole. It is real.
What do you think?
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