Comments for Conversations on the Fringe

Comment on The Art of Connecting with Kids on the Fringe by Admin

Admin — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 18:04:30 +0000

Ben –

Thanks for the encouragement. Might consider the book idea.

Comment on The Art of Connecting with Kids on the Fringe by Admin

Admin — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 18:02:33 +0000

Ed –

Thanks for commenting. First, while I agree that all teens are at-risk today I still see that there are groups of teens that are marginalized. Furthermore, God calls us to recognize that and to pursue them, intentionally.

I’m not a fan of labeling anyone but I do see that God, in the Scriptures, uses identifying language to communicate specific people in specific situations. (i.e., the poor, down-trodden, the meek, the sick, the oppressed, widows, etc.)

I think we need to remove the blinders from our collective eyes that cause us to think that everyone has the same opportunities and choices. So, by identifying a group of kids on the “fringe” we communicate that there are kids not connected to God’s community and that God longs for that kind of restoration to occur. We are called to be a part of that activity.

Hope that makes sense.

Comment on The Art of Connecting with Kids on the Fringe by benjaminkerns

benjaminkerns — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:34:23 +0000

what a great series you are embarking on. i can’t wait to see how you fill these topics out. you should probably consider this topic with these bullet points as a rough outline to a best selling book for youth workers!

peace

Comment on The Art of Connecting with Kids on the Fringe by Ed

Ed — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 03:06:34 +0000

First, we need to drop the label “fringe”. Teens are teens.

Until we learn to see them through the eyes of God, we will never reach them. If wecontinue to see them through the eyes of society we will continue to try to manipulate them. Kids will see us for who we are and shut us out

Comment on Goofus and Gallant in Youth Ministry by Admin

Admin — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:58:43 +0000

Me too Drew. I’ve noticed that kids seem to act according to the expectations I have of them and if I expect them to act “goofy” then goofy is usually what I get.

Comment on Goofus and Gallant in Youth Ministry by Andrew

Andrew — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:32:15 +0000

Good little article… I appreciate the challenge. Gives me a new perspective on how I view the “problem kids” in youth ministry.

Comment on Goofus and Gallant in Youth Ministry by Julie

Julie — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:58:22 +0000

When I first started homeschooling my oldest daughter, 6-years ago, we made a poster while reading through the book of Proverbs comparing the Wise Gallant to the Foolish Goofus. And, while it is true that we both sometimes identified with the Foolish Goofus, the intent of the project was to grow in Wisdom. Oh, and my behind the scenes goal was to teach her that her behaviors have affect on people outside of herself.

And, because I have lived it for a decade, I generally see the [reckless, accident-prone, or rule-breaking] teen and wonder if they were prenatally exposed to alcohol…

Comment on Privilege And Oppression In The American Church by Rule Number One: Never, Never, Ever Make the White Women Mad. « pornalysis

Rule Number One: Never, Never, Ever Make the White Women Mad. « pornalysis — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:49:51 +0000

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Comment on Warning Signs You May Be Taking Your Spouse For Granted by Admin

Admin — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:21:21 +0000

Great thoughts Kris. I agree wholeheartedly. I chose not to address those “seasons” during this post due to the fact that many use that exact statement to justify their workaholism and neglect of family. You are right though in saying that there are busy seasons of ministry but I love how you said you are intentional in recouperating and setting aside time to reconnect to significant others.

Comment on Warning Signs You May Be Taking Your Spouse For Granted by Kris Wood

Kris Wood — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 21:39:08 +0000

Excellent insight and thought provoking questions! I think for the most part, these will certainly reveal patterns and can be very helpful. As a slightly different angle, one thing I’ve learned in ministry is that some seasons demand a ton of time and emotional energy. I know that for that “season”, my time is invested where it needs to be. My time with my hubby is limited then, but will be more intentionally focused and planned for. I’ve also learned to plan for time off to recoup after intensive ministry AND add more time to invest in us as a couple. Instead of aiming for balance as defined by “even amounts of time”, I can follow the model of Jesus in the Gospel where He spends time with His Father and when the disciples come looking for Him to meet the needs of the sick, he tells them that they’re going on to other towns. They only way we can say yes to family or yes to ministry is when we know we’ve spent time with God and are living by his leading and not arbitrary “balance” that everyone juggles; free(r) from feeling guilt and embracing peace.