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

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

4. The State of Postmodern kids: skills needed for successful adulthood

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

6. skills needed adult support The State of Postmodern kids:

7. “…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:

8. skills needed adult support The State of Postmodern kids:

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

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

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

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

13. 14-15 Gentleness Maternal Style Attachment 12 19-21 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

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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

24. 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

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