Lately if I haven’t been outside taking 60 foot trees and digging up stumps in my spare time (there is post brewing from this!), I have been preparing for a fall where I will have the privilege of hanging out with some great people and spending some time training folks in youth ministry. I am grateful for the opportunities to be able to stay involved in youth ministry. I am passionate about it and I think I also bring something to the “party” so to speak - so while I am not actively shepherding other people’s kids on a daily basis, God hasn’t put me “out to pasture” quite yet (how is that for mixed metaphors? YEAH!!). This fall will take me to Chambersburg, PA; Kansas City; Twin Cities; Lancaster, PA; Pittsburgh and Toronto - should be quite the adventure (I’ll be leading a few seminars for sonlife, training some original material and facilitating a spiritual retreat).

I have been affiliated with a training organization called SonLife (now we are called Youthfront/Sonlife - or something like that) for some 16 or 17 years and in that time I don’t think I have been more expectant for our future than right now. We are unveiling a new revision of our seminar called Enroute, and I am finding it very invigorating - this new training is a helpful addition to the literature and language that informs youth ministry. I have been getting prepped for facilitating a training this Saturday in Chambersburg, PA - and I sorta wish it was closer to Saturday - cause I think I am ready to go! Even so, I guess if I was pinned down I would probably say I enjoy the process of sharing what I learn a little bit more than the preparation and study… but it is a close call. The next couple days I will continue to review and refine this new 6/7 hour seminar…

If anyone is still making it past these ways… I don’t know what training your youth ministry employs; but obviously I would encourage you to check out Enroute. For the money and time investment; I think that Enroute may be the best value out there!

American Teen, The Movie

I think so.

Any thoughts?

Looks like a helpful movie to get at what school is like for teens; the generalizations and labels that we seem to fall into; and it seems like a hopeful pic, as well. (I love the play off of Breakfast Club!! That was a revelatory movie for me some twenty years ago…)

Sunday had a wonderful start - with no real “have to see” programming - I was able to sleep a bit. The general session with folks from my church, Len, & Matt was terrific. There was a comedian who “kicked” the morning off and I have to admit it had me chuckling! They had a “stage in the round” that was used very effectively throughout the week. And video screens galore to give everyone a feeling of a front row seat. One thing that is really unfortunate meeting in convention centers… there is no slope. So line of sight to the main stage was always tedious at best for this 5 foot 10 inch guy.

Jeff Johnson (with two violins and a bassoon) put together a reflective and meaningful set of worship for getting the session going. The art work that supported the Taize’, Celtic and Traditional hymns and chants was so powerful. The beauty was almost overwhelming. But the pacing/progression of music, prayer, silence and singing definitely drew me into a place where I was able to rest before God.

The general session speaker was Doug Fields (on the big screen Matt and I thought he definitely resembled John Elway - anyone else catch that?). He spoke on envy and did a great contrast between our tendency for envy (like the brothers of Joseph) exemplified by the multi-colored coat and the way that God see’s us exemplified by those dressed in white robes in Revelation 3. A helpful and healthy reminder.

The session closed with Crowder. That is almost enough said, but a couple observations. Can anyone grab a crowd quicker than this guy? Crowder is able to move from fun to intense focus on the things of God effortlessly, authentically and immediately. Remedy live is glorious. The band is TIGHT - every time I see them I go away thinking, not only are they unique and presenting great songs… there musicianship is quite good. Final thought - the NFL Fox theme… great encore!

After a quick bite - Chris, Matt and I got the room set up for Chris’ final seminar. A good crowd who I think enjoyed themselves. It was much more of a “presentation.” Good stuff on “Living, Loving and Leading in the Way of Jesus.” The crowd liked “free stuff” (everyone signed up for free goodies to show up in their in-box).

Enough NYWC - I was at my limit. So… Matt and I watched the NFL for far too long. It was great (Chris joined us after some of his final obligations)… we ate, laughed and I reminded everyone that the Bucs had won (31 to 7) down the street at the Georgia Dome!!

Wonderful day.

Saturday was a wonderful day! It started early as I attended Dave Ambrose’s seminar - “What Monks Can Teach Us.” It was a fun and helpful seminar that looked at both contemplative AND activist approaches to developing our spirituality. It was a good mix of both helpful content and interactive learning experiences.

Next was general session 3. All I can say is wow. Phyliss Tickle was someone I was really looking forward to hearing. Did she ever deliver. Amazing. This 80 (oops 72, thanks Heidi) year old woman came out and shared a “map” of the way in which Christendom has responded to the upheaval and revolutions that have rocked our world every 500 years (from the fall of Jerusalem, the fall of Rome, the great schism, the great reformation and now the great emergence). It was jaw dropping. It deserves a bit or reflection before I post anymore.

After a time of laughter with friends and some new friends. I attended Folmsbee’s super seminar, Story, Signs, and Sacred Rhythms (it was a real introduction to what SonLife is all about). It presents a helpful system or process by which to approach our ministry to youth theologically. It was a great group of folks who seemed to be engaged, asked good questions, and participated enthusiastically. Chris involved Matt and I by letting folks know we could field questions, etc. So, I had a couple of fun conversations with those who were there. (I also got to meet Josh!)

The evening was great! Wonderful conversations, laughter, refreshment, and just a great time with great people. (Riddle, Matt, Darian, Len, Josh, Chris, et. al.)

Today I wrapped up the critical concerns course with Mike King and with Jeff Johnson. It was a wonderful experience overall. Mike shared some great stories about pilgrimage. Probably the most memorable and powerful “take-a-way” for me was his statement, “Jesus in the Incarnation, displaced himself. We need to find ways and be intentional in displacing ourselves. Pilgrimage is a way to help us in this displacement and find a place of transformation.”

Wow.

The convention began with a general session. The technology and excellence of this multi-stage production is phenomenal. In the first session for me the highlight was Flatfoot 56. What a fun “old school punk band” tinged with Irish tendencies.

I was able to connect with a number of friends in the afternoon. Shared a great meal with Folmsbee, Matt and Mike. Then Matt and I caught the Atlanta Hawks vs. Supersonics at Phillips Arena. My first live NBA experience was full - a double overtime game that ended with buzzer beater to break the Hawks hearts. During the fourth period we learned that back at the convention during the second general session, Shane Claiborne’s message was a word-for-word reading of the Sermon on the Mount. I don’t know how you top that sermon?! But, at the same time, I am sure some were left shaking their heads.

A wonderful day complete with good music, insight, meaningful discussions, laughter with real friends, and a beautiful day under the sun.

Later today I head down to Atlanta to begin my time at the National Youth Worker’s Convention. I have been anticipating this time with a prayer from the Book of Common Prayer (1979):

O God of Peace
Who has taught us that in returning
and rest we shall be saved,
in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength;

Amen.

What has struck me from this wonderful trinitarian prayer are the wonderful words that so often we desire yet are so often missing from our 21st century lives… the words like:

Peace.
Rest.
Quietness.
Confidence.
Strength.
Stillness.
Presence.

So, my prayer for NYWC ‘07 is to make these words part of my autobiography…

In less than a week I will be heading to Atlanta. I am looking forward to this time. I will be heading down south on a pilgrimage to gather with Youth Workers from across North America for Youth Specialties - National Youth Worker’s Convention (NYWC).

This will be a special time. As 20 years ago I made the pilgrimage to Atlanta for this very same convention. It will be great to head back, maybe with a bit different perspective (sadly not as wide eyed, but possibly not as arrogant or ignorant to think that I could save the world). I have also attended the NYWC in Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati (I really need to attend on the West side of the Mississippi!).

I am looking forward to a number of things:

enjoying renewed friendships
making some new acquaintances
pre-conference “retreat” led by Mike King and Jeff Johnson
hearing Shane Claiborne
eating some good grub with my partner in crime (or ministry?)
just taking in some of the general sessions
Morning Prayer (Lauds)
Vespers
Enjoying the moments of each day!

If you are also making the pilgrimage to ATL - let me know in the comments below, it would be cool to say, “hey” and maybe share a beverage.

I also hope to be blogging throughout my time in ATL… so “stay tuned!”

My wife and I had a great time in Daytona with the EFCA youth workers and their spouses! The weather was definitely not the expected sunny beach getaway - but it was wonderful nonetheless. Got to stick my feet in the Atlantic and enjoyed the sand between the toes in the brief moments the beach wasn’t getting pelted by sheets of rain or pounded by heavy surf. It was great to get away and I was pleasantly surprised at the response to my presentations on Christian Spirituality.

The Free Church folks welcomed me back to the tribe in gracious and affirming ways. It was very cool to be with them. Some great thinkers, and also a group of folks who are committed to quality youth ministry and longevity in youth ministry. It is encouraging to listen to the dialogue of these folks - there is a wisdom and a depth of care and understanding that is often missing from too many places in the youth ministry world. It was great to be sharpened and challenged by my old tribe.

I spoke on the idea that youth ministry must start within the youth minister. I covered the following topics:

Be the Beloved - before we are anything else we are beloved by God.
Be Real - we must strip off all the fig leaves and embrace our true identity as we are found in God ( I think I deluged the participants with information in this session.)
Be Prayerful - the life of Christ is a life of dependence — which is a life of prayer.
Be a Traveler - finding the heart of the journey to travel up, down, in and out.
Be Present Tense - enter the moment to be fully present to others that we might fulfill our calling as shepherds.

It was a great time, God definitely helped me and hopefully helped others to gain some new perspective and to refresh my faith as I was part of this get-a-way.

One final highlight was ministering with the worship pastor from my church here in western, PA. That was pretty cool. We also went to Sea World together - SHA-MU, SHA-MU!

Any Rebound folks out there? Share a comment.

Mike King, President and CEO wrote a prayer for the new relationship between YouthFront and SonLife. This is pretty fitting I remember 3 or so years ago as SonLife was undergoing massive change and re-culturing we invited others to pray a prayer of blessing with us as we labored on a new day in our history.

So again, as YouthFront and SonLife join together to be one - will you pray with us?

Lord God, we believe that you have initiated a new path for us to take—one that fills us with not only expectation and wonder but also uncertainty and questions. Lead us by your sure hand and steadfast love. May all that we do in this endeavor bring glory to our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

I am so glad to be seeing this day (two organizations with a great history and that I am very fond of) - as Sonlife and YouthFront announce a merger!! Celebrate - and read the press release below.

Press Release Thursday, September 20, 2007—For Immediate Release

Sonlife Ministries Merging with YouthFront

Sonlife Ministries, Inc. has merged with YouthFront, Inc. effective September 1, 2007 in order to “maximize ministry effectiveness” of the two organizations. Formerly a Chicago-based ministry, Sonlife will relocate to Kansas City. For more than six decades, YouthFront has brought young people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ through camps, campus ministries, mission trips, creative programming, and leadership development. For nearly three decades, Sonlife has provided Christ-centered training for students and adult leaders through training seminars, conferences, and creative resources.

YouthFront President Mike King and Sonlife President Chris Folmsbee share a conviction that “the youth ministry community is pregnant with expectation and desire for fresh and innovative approaches to youth ministry that are both creative and also theologically and ecclesiologically sound,” says King. Folmsbee adds, “We see youth ministry paradigms shifting away from an overemphasis on programmatic/event-oriented and information-focused styles toward a more robust and holistic understanding of Christian formation. The need is greater than ever to guide young people in discovering how to live as Christ in all areas of their lives.”

YouthFront will continue its tradition of developing innovative youth ministry around the world through its commitment to the development of youth ministry philosophy, theology, and practice. Sonlife will continue to move forward as a church-assisting organization serving youth workers by facilitating networks; developing and providing training; offering coaching, consultation, and spiritual direction; and creating resources and programs for youth workers and students. Through the new YouthFront organization, all present Sonlife training and development programs for youth workers will continue, including Enroute, Shaping a Missional Community, Shepherding in a Culture of Change, Refresh, and Leadership of the Heart. All training experiences for students will continue, as well, including Merge, Awake and Reveal.

“This merger seems natural because of the alignment we have, not just between Chris Folmsbee and me, but also between the organizations that we have led,” says Mike King. YouthFront sees Sonlife’s innovation of a new wave of youth worker participation in training and formational experiences. Sonlife sees YouthFront as innovating new ways to do youth ministry and spiritual formation of adolescents. Consequently, merging together will allow each organization to realize greater ministry impact. Folmsbee states, “I am expectant that God is going to do amazing things through our coming together. I believe we will look back a few years from now to identify many things God has done to strengthen the church through the development of youth workers and students.”

For questions regarding this merger or to seek more information about the ministry of YouthFront and Sonlife, please contact Andy Garlich at 800-770-4769 or AGarlich@YouthFront.com