Post Emurgency Conference Interview
I was privileged to join a few brothers in discussing Christian Smith's fascinating presentation on Emerging Adults.
If This Is Not A Place. . .
If this is not a place where tears are understood, Then where shall I go to cry? And if this is not a place where my spirit can take wings, Then where shall I go to fly? I don't need another place for trying to impress you With just how good and virtuous I am. I don't need another place for always being on top of things; Everybody knows that it's a sham. I don't need another place for always wearing smiles, Even when it's not the way I feel. I don't need another place to mouth the same old platitudes; Everybody knows that it's not real. So if this is not a place where my questions can be asked, Then where shall I go to seek? And if this is not a place where my heart cry can be heard, Where, tell me where, shall I go to speak? So if this is not a place where tears are understood, Where shall I go, where shall I go to fly? -- Ken Medema
THANK YOU!!!!While I was not at The Gathering, I have deduced from this interview that one key to "Emerging Adults" is to connect with the parents of our young people & children. I have been "preaching" this for many years now and spend close to 50% of my time, energy, etc. as a Children's Pastor in reaching & teaching, counseling & guiding, building up & plugging in our parents (or in some cases, grandparents). Kids NEED Godly MEN and women in their everyday lives (note emphasis on "men") more so than any program, event or lesson than I can offer. Way too many children & teens have either: poor parental figure(s) or no parental figure(s)in their lives, let alone Godly ones. The church can and should "be there" for these, but we also can and should seek after their parents who are "lost" for the sake of the family; for the sake & furtherance of the Kingdom!
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