one side conversation from day 2 came out of the first session on Faith Development in the Context of Brain Development. We tried to chase down some core understandings and answer the question of of what does a 15 year old disciple look like…here’s a few thoughts…
- inconsistent (& not disingenuous)
- apparent hypocrisy
- desire
- moving away from compartmentalization
- moving outside of their comfort zone (moving them to productive risk)
- every journey of discipleship is unique
- teachability
belonging over believing
two short conversations out of developing this image were helpful and having marko in the room offered some keen insight because good heart and the work from his book youth ministry 3.0.
Belonging trumps Believing and Experience trumps Facts.
first the journey towards community we are on…formerly was grounded in our beliefs that would then impact our behaviors that would ultimately give us a sense of belonging. in current contexts community begins first with a sense of belonging that shapes behaviors and out of that a belief system is shaped.
what would you add to the list or take away?
expereince is valued more than facts in contemporary context.
I agree that belonging and experiences are very important, but we cannot and must not discard belief and facts. Actually we should use experience and belonging to help solidify the facts and help students believe the right things. Belief seems to be an essential response to the gospel message, and more importantly a belief in th right things. Romans 10:9-10 and 1 Cor. 15
that’s useful john. add i would agree. i think maybe using my words, not marko’s of “trumping” might not be helpful. I think what he and we were getting to, is that in our current context belonging and experiences have become primary. mostly because facts and belief were to too sterile. thanks for the grounding thoughts.