Adoptive Youth Ministry: Integrating Emerging Generations into the Family of Faith Chap Clark Professor of Youth, Family and Culture Fuller Seminary

Belonging – Does anybody care? Individuation and the Three Tasks of Growing Up Identity – Who am I? Autonomy – Do I matter? History of Youth Ministry

The State of Postmodern kids: skills needed for successful adulthood

ongoing adult support and guidance offered The State of Postmodern kids:

skills needed adult support The State of Postmodern kids:

“…These two trends have created a serious problem in our country, indeed a crisis.” Dr. James Comer, Yale University Carnegie Corporation’s Commission on Youth Development and Community Programs, 1989 The State of Postmodern kids:

skills needed adult support The State of Postmodern kids:

Cultural reality? An exponential loss of Social Capital from those who are necessary in the lives of our kids

To live into the gift and promise of the Incarnation John 1:12 The Biblical GOAL of Youth Ministry ADOPTIVE MINISTRY:

Belonging Longing to belong Individuation and the Three Tasks of Growing Up Identity Longing to be nurtured Autonomy Longing to be empowered Why “Adoptive”?

A. Where are kids? B. Assimilation? C. Theology of our life together D. We’re one “family”

14-15 Gentleness Maternal Style Attachment mid-20s Family Safety and Stability Comfort Paternal Style Attachment Hope Communal Attachment What kids need from youth ministry: To live into their Adoption in Christ 1 Th 2:7-8 1 Th 2:11-12 John 15:1-17

When there are holes in the net… Maternal Attachment Community Attachment Family Safety and Stability Youth Professional

When there are holes in the net… Childhood Attachment Community Attachment Family Safety and Stability Youth Professional Family Friend Teacher/ Coach Small Group Ext Family 5 to 1 Project: A Community for Every Kid

III. The Theological Framework for Adoptive Ministry What adoptive youth ministry is NOT: 1. “Adopting” the young 2. Maintaining traditional separation and generational hierarchy 3. Ignoring the need for unique relational strategy and nurture

III. The Theological Framework for Adoptive Ministry What adoptive youth ministry IS: 1.Living into our MUTUAL adoption in Chrst 2. Adults intentionalizing voice, empowerment and inclusion 3. Leadership ROLES are vital while affirming equal status for all

The Theological Framework for Adoptive Ministry A. Adoption recognizes in every church/organization we have insiders and outsiders

The Theological Framework for Adoptive Ministry A. Outsiders and Insiders B. I am adopted into God’s family as a child with other children

The Theological Framework for Adoptive Ministry A. Outsiders and Insiders B. We are siblings C. Jesus has his eye especially on the vulnerable

The Theological Framework for Adoptive Ministry A. Outsiders and Insiders B. We are siblings C. Jesus watches the vulnerable D. Adoption is for all

IV. Application: MICRO: Our own attitudes Modeling With leaders, parents, church With kids

IV. Application: MACRO: Sr./key leadership buy-in Pervasive rhetoric Narrative highlighting when and where adoptive life is present

V. Moving forward consider… Biggest positives currently Who will/does “get” it Where does power interfere? Structure? Action Plan: “City on a hill” then go backwards

Adoptive Youth Ministry: Integrating Emerging Generations into the Family of Faith Chap Clark Professor of Youth, Family and Culture Fuller Seminary