bloggedy blog: the personal weblog of a music lover and aging punk wannabe

:: Sunday, May 04, 2003 ::

Ron and Josh's big adventure
Received an email Friday from Ron Luce, head of Teen Mania Ministries, telling me all about a new partnership between him and Uber Youth Minister Josh McDowell. Ron began the note by thanking me for my wise counsel regarding "the proposed partnership between us (Teen Mania and Josh McDowell Ministry)." (It's odd, but I don't recall being asked for my advice about this proposed partnership. But apparently I was, and apparently I responded, so, "You're welcome, Ron. Any time.")

The letter continued:
We want you to know that we have made our decision based on the admonition of Paul the apostle, “…whatever you do, you must do all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Sometimes the church is best served when Christians minister in harmony, yet work separately. At other times, joining forces where common goals are clear is the best way to bring honor to God.

Keeping all that in mind, we believe it is time to join forces together, not just between our two ministries, but also within the whole Body of Christ. We believe we need to unite to launch nothing short of a spiritual revolution among our young people. Our two organizations are coming together in order to lock arms with you to see an army of young people raised up to be passionate followers of Christ.

Ron and Josh

So. You say you want a revolution, youth pastor? Well, Ron and Josh have got one for you. Here's more from Ron and Josh. They've even given this revolution a clever title: a CrossCultural Revolution. Read on:

A cultural mindset has infiltrated our homes and churches and is stealing our kids away from us and robbing them of the true faith. It is time for a revolution -- "a fundamental change in the way of thinking," "a complete turnaround from the culture." It is time we create a culture of the cross by leading our kids to experience:

A Transformed Life
A life that has had the sinful record nailed to Christ's cross and has been made alive in him. "…those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

A Crucified Life
A life whose sinful nature has been nailed to the cross and has become a living sacrifice before God. "I have been crucified with Christ. I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:19-20).

A Separated Life
A life that is living cross-grain to the culture, not conforming to its practices but empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life that is pleasing to God. "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person…" (Romans 12:2).

A Mission in Life
A life committed to sharing the Gospel across all cultures. "Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations…" (Matthew 28:19).

It is time for a CrossCulture Revolution. That is what a Josh McDowell and Teen Mania partnership is all about – to help you develop a culture of the cross on the local level.

Jeez. This sounds so much like more of the same. I remember Josh McDowell touring with the Newsboys a few years back on a "Counter the Culture" tour. Teen Mania's "Acquire the Fire" weekend youth events are all about "revolutions." I've taken my share of youth groups to ATF meetings. Oh, yes, they got fired up for a week or two, hyped up from the emotionalism of the event. Even I got a bit fired up. But the fire didn't burn for long.

Why do we need yet another "revolution" in youth ministry? Besides, I've had enough with the battle metaphors in Christianity. Why are we passing this mindset along to the next generations? Why must everything be a revolution, a counterstrike against the prevailing culture? Why must Christians engage in any so-called "culture wars" at all? Why must we adopt the battlefield mindset instead of the missionary mindset? Aren't we called to live as strangers and sojourners in this world, rather than as conquerors?

Sheesh. I must be missing something. Someone, please, tell me what I'm missing that Ron and Josh have got all figured out.

:: Andrew 15:05 + ::
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