Many of us are starting out on a journey to look at teen ministry differently (see about for more of the theory behind these changes).
Our new way means we are changing our expectations of teens. No longer will we expect or push them act in ways that meet our (adult) goals for them. Instead, we (the adults) will guide them into setting their own discipleship goals and coaching them in using the opportunities available to them to reach those goals.
Many of our teens have and are setting these goals. Each teen is being encouraged to set goals for what they are planning to do to grow as disciples - followers of Jesus.
A quick disclaimer. Please understand that we are not talking about doing things to please God, to get into heaven, or even earn a better place in heaven. We understand that those things are only accomplished by faith in Jesus and his death and resurrection. We are talking about doing things that will assist us in living in a fuller, deeper, more complete relationship with our Lord in the here and now every day life.
We have established a discussion forum - where all of us who have set discipleship goals can share our experiences. We hope this will become a forum for sharing joys, struggles, successes, failures, and more.
This discussion can be found here. Please understand - participation in this discussion is limited to those who are registered as a part of the group. This is not intended to be an exclusive group - but registration does help us to protect our participants. Please write if you would like more information.
