05.28.08 | 
4 Comments A quick thought that needs to be thought out some more:
I have witnessed an interesting trend lately, though only anecdotally, so it might not mean anything: many of my youth ministry friends who grew up in conservative evangelicalism are turning to mainline churches (i.e. big centralized denominations: Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, etc.). In thinking through the differences between evangelicalism and mainline churches I am beginning to think that the mainline church is better poised theologically to lead the way into a new way of thinking about and practicing youth ministry (and I’ve detailed elsewhere on this blog some of my thoughts why a change is needed). With their sacramental theology, emphasis on community and work of the Holy Spirit (through things like infant baptism), typically smaller congregations, and other things individual mainline churches might be in a place to adopt an ecclesiology that forges a new path for youth ministry. If the denominational headquarters will catch on to the things happening in the grassroots churches, I think we will see innovation and leadership in youth ministry coming from the mainline, not evangelicalism.
Tags: mainline
I think I understand where you are coming from here. However I disagree on the idea that US denominationalism, not US Evangelicalism, will lead the way to a new improved youth ministry for the 21st century. Here is why:
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.
@Jeremy
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.
we really need to think this out more i would agree with you both. the really interesting thing from my experience in working with two of the largest churches (souther baptist) in oklahoma (don’t make me drop names matt) and then working with some more mainline smaller churches over seas and with the church i am currently working with…i find the only students who really have a distaste for (sorry distaste is very strong) for ‘big church’ are with mega church, southern baptist churches.
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
holy crap check this out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0h7qyzeX40