If,
while trying to explain the Good News to a teenager, you say,
"Mankind is sinful, but because
of God's loves he offers salvation through Jesus Christ",
don't be too disappointed if he or she doesn't seem overwhelmed
with the "goodness" of that news.
But
if you tell them a story about a father who does his best to
love his child, who gives until it hurts... but that child laughs,
takes off, blows the money and humiliates the father and family...
and then after hitting rock bottom in a spring breakbeach resort
turning tricks in exchange for food, money or a high, the kid
wakes up one morning wondering, "what
the *$#?! have i done to my life?"... calls home
and his Dad says, "Is that you?!
I've missed you so much. I've been trying to find you. I love
you... please come home. All is forgiven...all is forgotten"…Now
that has a chance of truly communicating something they long
to hear.
On
our web site for youth leaders we provide both training and
resources, helping them mature in both their practice and understanding
of ministry with teenagers. Most of the leaders who visit the
site think of the gospel in the "propositional" terms
of the 1st example. And when they try to communicate with teenagers
they use those same statements of fact and are disappointed
when students don't respond the amazing facts theyhave just
explained to them.
In
order to help leaders improve their ability to communicate,
especially with postmodern youth, we are sponsoring a contest
on the site - $300 dollars to best retelling of the parable
of the prodigal son. Then we'll turn the winning story into
a short-form animation for online and CD distribution.
The
"justification"
for the contest, a call for the church to bring back narrative
as communication tool, is online at here.
Who knows it might just remind you why the Christmas season,
with all of its stories and senses, makes you feel so close
to God.
N o r t h o f
t h e B o r d e r
If
you can believe it, January 1st 2004 marks our 8th
anniversary in Mexico. Along with the fireworks,
we'll be celebrating with a 2 month home assignment… catching
up with friends and hoping to convince people that what we're
doing is still worth investing in. During December and January
we'll be traveling out of Florence, SC -- where Tim's parents
live -- hopefully seeing you if you live near the eastern seaboard.
So don't be surprised if you walk into church and there we are.
Can't
wait to see you!
Annette
& Tim
