Abstract
Since the recognition of youth as a social category, several approaches to youth ministry developed. One of the approaches, namely the inclusive congregational approach to youth ministry, will be critically reflected on in this article. The aim of this article is to indicate what the implications of this approach are for congregational ministry. It is argued that the inclusive congregational approach to youth ministry could lead to certain creative tensions in youth ministry as an integral part of congregational ministry. Therefore the article identifies and discusses specific creative tensions that could be present in youth ministry where the inclusive congregational approach to youth ministry is taken as the point of departure. Creative tension is here understood as a source of creative energy that informs and guides ministry. Although the different tensions may cause uneasiness, with the spontaneous response to release them, it is argued that it should rather be kept intact in order to inform and maintain a creative process of ministry.
Highlights
The first section of the article offers a concise explanation of the theological foundations of the inclusive congregational approach to youth ministry, followed by a summary of the main critique against it
The implications of the inclusive congregational approach to youth ministry are described as certain creative tensions that could be in service of the ministry, rather than stumbling blocks or hindrances
The aim of the article is to indicate what the implications are of implementing the inclusive congregational approach to youth ministry
Summary
The first section of the article offers a concise explanation of the theological foundations of the inclusive congregational approach to youth ministry, followed by a summary of the main critique against it. The implications of the inclusive congregational approach to youth ministry are described as certain creative tensions that could be in service of the ministry, rather than stumbling blocks or hindrances. If the aim of youth ministry is spiritual formation, it should be a communal and intergenerational process, where different age groups, seek and discern God’s will together. Events could be of great value, it should not be the ultimate goal of youth ministry, but should be in service of the theological vision of the ministry. Youth ministry should be understood and implemented as a process that is theologically grounded and motivated and does not merely consist of events to entertain the youth. It is argued that youth ministry takes place between human and divine action as we join the active God in the world as his representatives with the youth
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