youth
Take & Read: Practical theology
Mary Clark Moschella recommends the best recently published books in her field.
selected by Mary Clark Moschella
Another “Ask the Pastor” session with the confirmation class
Why are there only 12 disciples? Will we be with our families in heaven? Does God think pineapple should go on pizza?
Confirmed and sent out: Fostering encounters with God
Encounters with God happen, and they are known by their liberating effects. How can confirmation class support such encounters?
Why Francis favors reality over ideas
You don’t normally see the names Pope Francis and Robin Williams in the same sentence, but here goes.
Early in his career, the brilliant comedian and actor Robin Williams scored big with a performance called Reality—What a Concept. This wonderful play on words came to mind when I heard a few lines from one of Pope Francis’ talks during his visit to the Philippines earlier this year. They gained little attention, but are critical to understanding how he wants to enliven the church and the world. “Reality,” he told a large group of young people, “is superior to ideas.”
Young life together: Bonhoeffer as youth minister
From 1925 till the war broke out, it is nearly impossible to find a period when Bonhoeffer was not working with children or teens.
by Andrew Root
Faith confirmed
Our granddaughter's uncertainty about confirmation was typical and appropriate. After eight months of class, though, she told me she had decided to declare her faith.
A fool’s awakening
I said something cutting and sneering, and my mother slowly put down her tea. Odd that I would remember that detail.
by Brian Doyle
Sticky faith: What keeps kids connected to church?
We youth ministers have often tried to make our ministries cool enough to compete. But every teen knows that the church is not cool.
by Jen Bradbury
Kenda Creasy Dean on what it means to be almost Christian
What are today’s youth saying about their faith? How does what they profess compare to our historic creeds? What are they saying about the beliefs of their parents?