and this is solely (again my opinion) due to the fact poor holistic theology all around. creating groups that our separate from the body…

i think your coming from (correct me if i’m wrong) but with the evangilcial movement to stir us to have a more social view and outreach to the world…we can now apply the traditional biblical and theological strength to help in the leading…maybe i dont know

i think the problem is this gawdawful mindset we have that we are directing and steering the church, youth ministry anywhere. its not ours to steer…and that is where i think we have lost the voice of God in a lot of areas i believe and listen to the world of marketing and culture to take our cues on how to reach the world….thus why i agree that mainline churches have a wee bit more foundation rooted in History and biblical tradition…again just ideas

1.) I was going to mention something about this but didn’t want to spend the time discussing the nuances of declining mainline church numbers. First of all, it could simply be a “pruning” in order to prepare for growth. Secondly, people like Diana Butler Bass think that the mainline is quite healthy and ready to thrive.

2.) Right, there is no one denomination that carries equal weight across the country, but that doesn’t matter. Youth ministry is a trans-denominational practice. Right now, evangelicalism is influencing mainline youth ministry for the most part. My contention is that we will see mainline churches leading the way for evangelicals soon.

3.) I don’t think worship styles are that big of a deal. I could be naive though.

4.) We’ll see. I haven’t been around long enough to know if this is truly the case. It could be a hindrance.

As I said in the post, I need to flesh out some more why I think this will be the case, but in looking forward, I think it is very possible.

Good thoughts.

1) Denominations across America are struggling not only theologically, but trying to get people in the church doors. For example, the ELCA is very divided right now theologically regarding the Holy Spirit and Homosexual issue and if I recall they had to shut down over 100 churches in the midwest last year.

2) Denominations are too culturally driven. What I mean by this is that the Lutherans own Minnesota. The Presby own the East, West, and South Coast. Southern Baptist definitely own the South. The AnaBaptist are generally in the mid of the US. There is no equal denomination distribution across the US to lead a fluid and combined effort charge.

3) You are basically asking for ecumenical work. How are we going to sort out what youth ministries ditch “confirmation”? How are we going to sort the issue of liturgical worship when the students hate BIG church?

4) In my experience, I have found that old Denominational church that have been in their building since 1902 are NOT willing to change at all. They may talk about it, but change being implement is a distant concept.

That is why I am not for Mainline Church steering the way for youth ministry. Currently their is no unity.
We cannot have fragmented denominations leading the way to a new youth ministry. These Denominations will only bring their problems into the deep problems within youth ministry.