DYNAMO JULY EMAIL KICK OFF

THE INTRO TO MY LOCAL 'DYNAMO' RESOURCING EMAIL FOR JULY!!
   How do we do what we can to make sure that our ministry and mission with young people does a good job of introducing them to Jesus and helping them hear the invitation to 'follow' and to participate in God's activity in the world to 'reconcile and renew' the whole of creation? Well, laser tag, a band or pizza might draw a crowd...but it's never going to be enough!! Absence of those things can make it almost impossible BUT at the end of the day a choice of substance over style is the challenge!!
   I agree with Youth Worker and academic theologian Andrew Root [Luther Seminary, Minneapolis] when he promotes the idea of 'place sharing' as an intrinsic gospel value and a non manipulative way to grow relationships, tell stories and act out the values and the bringing in of the world lived in God's interest. Know your story, share your insights, seek connections with'the good news' and put in time and energy!!
   'Place sharing' is essentially differentiated from trying to get young people to do or be something but rather to share space and time trying to discover 'who Jesus is' present in your community, relationships, lives and context... what is his call to you as a community and as individuals within it...
   This is an action and a participation in helping young people place their story alongside God's story through Jesus while seeking to engage God's Spirit...
   There's still 'telling' and still your hopes for the relationships... it's just not only about your agenda...
In mid August I am travelling to Melbourne to attend a training day and seek 'accreditation' with Search Institute in their 'Assets' work. This is one important framework for building 'resilience' in young people [an ability to bounce back from life's challenges and to thrive in life's opportunities] and to 'share place' through postive mentoring and role modelling relationships.
Search's 40 Developmental Assets are drawn from global research with millions of young people. They will talk about how the 40 are applicable in different cultures and what varies is often those already strongly present or absent in different contexts.
   I've written about this model before and have put it in front of Youthleaders for many years BUT will share again the latest insights and run some workshops here in the Hunter to share and offer practical examples for how it could enhance our ministry and mission with young people here... and beyond!!
   One simple example would be the positive spin offs available in forming  a team or teams to participate in the upcoming Newcastle/Lake Macquarie "RELAY FOR LIFE." Helping others in need, organising sponsors and successfully 'walking' at this over night fundraiser/support event at Glendale athletic track. Adult leaders mentors can guide the group and the helping experience can bring new light to Scripture and God's values as a participant not just someone exploring propositional faith. See the attached pdf and what you can identify as being offered in such an experience... with some young people the whole idea is an incredibly slow process and you won't always feel there's any impact [there is]!!
Here are two articles taking a different slant but essentially reflecting on the same challenges...
Rachel Held Evans here
A Response here
   As ever I am available to do more on this in any congregation/group/network or local setting in the Hunter [and beyond]... How would this be 'earthed' where you are?