Open Space @ NYWC
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?
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?
Labels: NYWC
6 Comments:
i think you're right...and that the folks at ys are on to something. thanks for posting this mark. i read they were moving this way and saw adam's pictures on fb and sense something is moving. tim schmoyer had mark matlock on the podcast last week and there was something about the risk that intrigued me. you can hear matlock describe it here... http://bit.ly/19Zxjv grateful for your observations and encouragement. we are living in extra-ordinary times...we need to take these opportunities...much like "yac" did many years ago. grateful too for your pushing.
Hey Mark,
Great thoughts. Here's the key point you made
"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."
I am in the midst of this with my students. Giving them more and more permission to live the passions and use the gifts God has given them.
I would like some tips one how it went and how those of us in Atlanta could maximize out time with it. Work out the kinks for us.
Paul Turner
About YS, I don't know. Seems like every time I heard about them over the last few years, they were having something or other to do with Emergent, for which I had/have about as much use as I do for a bucket of mud.
But your assessment of "experts" and the alleged need thereof? That's about right. Over and over again, I have watched allegedly highly-educated people, specialists in their fields, holders of multiple degrees and multiple certifications, demonstrate beyond all doubt that when it comes down to brass tacks, their expertise isn't worth a plugged nickel more than the common sense of most interested laymen.
Most of the time I don't even bother to listen anymore. They're either peddling something that's been shown, over decades, not to work, or they're peddling some recycled old garbage as "new" thinking, or they're just making it up as they go.
Man of the West: I could give you a long history but I will make it a lot easier to say that YS is not affiliated with emergent.
Mark...dude, I have to admit, I was skeptical when I registered. it is SO different! I still have no idea what to expect but really appreciated your post.
looking forward to the experience a our meal in ATL.
Great reading these comments.
Some interesting points for me - having just spent a few days in the evaluations..
Lots of people loved the experience... but lots of people are still asking for the "experts". I'm not sure what to do with that, as I probably prescribe to a couple of things here...
1. The priesthood of all believers. There's a certain posturing that happens within church leadership etc (Mark - you call it misplaced responsibility). This redirects it, but I've realized we also need to do work within our leadership culture to re-focus where we go looking for answers.
2. Blackaby writes about leadership being less of a "Moses & the Mountain" experience - and more of a facilitator and reflector of the voice of the people, exactly that the voice or will of God is found directly in the people of God.
Open Space is a good step forward, but I also wonder about which sideways steps we need to take.
Mark,
I enjoyed this post. I have been reading a lot about the "Open Space" thing that YS is trying at their NYWC's this year. I'd be lying if I said that it didn't confuse me. But I appreciate what you said about you have to experience it for yourself. I am attending the one in Atlanta in a few weeks and am very much looking forward to what this "Open Space" has to offer.
I'm new to your site, but will definitely check back in the future. Thanks again for sharing.
- paulg
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