Etrek:
February 9-10 & April 20 & 21
Topic: Re-Imagining Youth Ministry

We live in an exciting time for the church and youth ministry. Never before have there been so many vocational "youth pastors" with youth ministry now the norm in most American churches. Along with this popularization has come a set of standardized expectations. These higher, and often misplaced, expectations are built on a variety of assumptions related to living for Jesus within a dominant, changing culture. Additionally, in recent years a new group classified as "middle adolescence" has arisen that requires a new approach to ministry. These and other factors have led many in youth ministry to ask significant questions about the future of youth ministry, leading to exploration and the development of new ways of thinking about ministry to adolescents and their families. The questions are expansive in scope and demand a response. This course will discuss these issues, ask questions, explore new ideas, and establish new frameworks for youth ministry.