Youth Minister Manifesto

On of the eve of our first Youth Lead service of the new program year, and as we begin our preparations for this year’s Christmas Pageant, it seems appropriate to provide a systematic theological argument for offering Kids Lead and Youth Lead services throughout the liturgical year at St. Bede’s.

The short version: We’re not interested in being cute or building the kids’ self-esteem or giving the kids something to do during the service. We think they have something crucial to teach adults about Christian faith that only they–as children–can illuminate

Click here for the long version. A taste:

Given the Israelite and Greco-Roman context, Jesus’ teachings regarding children—as will be shown—are quite radical. Indeed, as contemporary American Episcopalians considering Jesus’ teachings on children, we would do well to reflect upon the extent to which we share the negative assumptions regarding children that were common in the Greco-Roman and Israelite communities of Jesus’ time and place—that they are physically and mentally weak, that they speak foolishness, fail to plan thoughtfully; are fundamentally ignorant, capricious, quarrelsome, and lacking in the virtue of reason; and most crucially are in dire need of strong discipline and guidance if they are to attain the ideal of adult male community-member in good standing.