FYT Blog

Incarnational Approaches - Mike Frost at CMS October 2008

An example from Australia

Bless three people every week (one member of the faith community, one non-Christian, one who is either) Blessing could be practical or through affirmation. If you’re found out it doesn’t count.

Eat with three people a week with whom you don’t live. When people eat together they talk. Also - eating is a real equalizer.

Spend time listening to the Spirit of God. Prayer becomes really important in engaging missionally.

Soak yourself in the learning of the person of Jesus. We want to inspire people to become like Him, we need to immerse ourselves in Him.

Continuing the series on values led mission, What about incarnational which i hinted in the previous post has already drifted in it’s meaning; but for me is about incarnating christ in all we do and who we are, it is therefore beyond dualist secluar/sacred divides, and is more concerned with doing the right thing (orthopraxis) than saying the right thing (orthodoxy). As such it will potentially lead us to conflict with asspects of traditional religion that may have drifted, to challenge structures and individuals, to servanthood and humility, it is glocal (global and local) and towards change. What would you add, take away any thoughts?

I want to start a series exploring the values of missional youth work asking how do we consistantly apply these in practice. For example incarnation has drifted from its theological roots and become for many a meaning that is about living in a neighbourhood and little more.

However I want to start with powerlessness, In my own work and understanding powerlessness is an important value and applying this consistantly is a complex task. It is from this value that we question how we think about truth, our approach to young people as more than equals, servanthood to our communities. What else does the issue of powerlessness mean for missional youth work?

A lady told me the other day she had asked her son who is now in his 20’s what kept him going to church when he was younger. His response was to tell her about the bloke at the back who said hello to him every Sunday, called him by name and asked how his footy match had gone and how his national team where doing. 

Is it really that simple?

I’m still reeling after a BIG discussion about the past sins of the church with a friend. A friend who was brought up to fear God, to count sins and essentially feel very confined. I find it very sad that this has been her experience, but its no less true and real for her. Ritual and obligation can so easily stifle the real thing that counts - a relationship with Jesus Christ. If it doesn’t stem from there then what is the foundation on which its built. And essentially I know church is, but some see the views expressed as a way of keeping them down, rather than bringing them freedom. Helping young people realise that God is essentially HUGE and all embracing is so important, that long before we can even begin to deal with areas of our lives that need looking at (and its the Holy Spirit that does that work anyway) that relationship of complete love is one we need to keep stepping into and believing.

I met a Uni student the other day who is reflecting on the “renewal of the mind”  - I think that’s what its about for my friend, followed by a real and lasting encounter with Christ, but that renewal of the mind is a long process and where damage is done from a church that is still learning what it means to live in Christ and in the power of the Spirit people will always be vulnerable to being hurt. I go back to the Oscar Romero quote - we have to be prepared to hold the pain alongside the hope and do our bit.

“If many have distanced themselves from the church, it is precisely
because the church has somewhat estranged itself from humanity.

But a church that can feel as its own all that is human and wants to
incarnate the pain, the hope, the affliction of all who suffer and feel
joy, such a church will be Christ loved.

And that depends on us.”

Oscar Romero, killed in Elsalvador 1980

I read with interest about a UN document that has been published criticising the UK’s media for exploiting children and young people. Following a long term negative press of young people it is hopeful to see negative attitudes towards young people being challenged and the Government being challenged to act and intervene. While the Government has made no statement in response as yet, Beverley Hughes has said that the government will put forward plans to address the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child comments. CYP Now Oct 8th pg 4.

Has the negativity died down? Just because its not in the press doesn’t mean to say there’s not a lot of undoing of the negative attitude to be done. Beverley Hughes comments towards young people have given mixed messages in my opinion. Perhaps this document is quite timely since next year we are meant to be celebrating the year of the child. It was only yesterday when I met someone who mentioned about how Victorian our attitude still is to young people. Here’s hoping something does change for the better and for the long term.

I have been working with a group of young people who have little or no access to benefits or income at present. Having met together for several weeks we have established relationship and presented new experiences to the young people. We are currently seeking funding to supplement the work we have been doing and as part of that request we have asked for £10 a session to be able to use for drinks etc.

I suppose the young people don’t know where it comes from as such, but today after taking 4 young people for a drink to a certain food chain for a drink - and only a drink, my return was greeted by a 5 year old relative pointing to my bag and saying “is that your money sack?” Oops. Quick need to over explain the generosity? Explain its not my money but generous people who give in order to support them and their development and this is part of the process? A quick picture of the Prodigal Son who was happy to share his money around, but had no real friends in the end. Is this what this is?

Somehow I believe not, but it is perhaps a precautionary tale to slow down a bit and to wait for the process of the funding application to come through. Even if it is a few small weeks of painful “do nothing”. The fund we are applying to encourages the young people to complete the process themselves for maximum learning and we will be doing that, but meanwhile caution as to how they see me and what we as a group are about.

My consolation was reconnecting to a young woman at risk who I haven’t seen around for a while, but still there’s a necessary precaution for me in this tale. For young people who have very little its hard not to want to give and sort and help out where we can, caution has to be the help to let them do it for themselves. A strong dilemma in the face of this situation. Its James who says what good is it to your brother to say have faith when he needs food to eat..or in this case just some simple intended kindness.  

Hi, here goes - the first entry on the FYT blog. As a new blogger I have lots to learn and have pondered (as I often do) of where to start.

What I have decided to do is simply jot down a thought or two as they occur.

Observing and listening seems to be the thing. Whether it be papers, on the bus or just walking along…..take for example the other day while on the bus - doing my bit for my footprint etc - 3 young men boarded the bus and sat behind me after what looked like a hard day’s training in construction. Quote one of them reading the Metro paper : “Hey have you seen this - a millionaire has murdered his wife!”. Quote his mate sitting across from him: “You see, its not all about money is it”.  Out of the mouths of babes and all that…..I am left wondering if they will remember the wisdom that they speak when push to comes to shove and pray that they will. Part of building the Kingdom and maintaining a Kingdom stance in the face of all life presents us with is encouraging ourselves and young people to remember what really counts and what is of real value.

The same thing was echoed when I caught up with an old school colleague recently who has realised what is important for her children, after a traumatic year. Regardless of what she gives them in monetary terms, her daughter finds time spent cooking with mum to be the best thing. Simple but true. I have found the same thing in an area where I am currently placed. Cooking seems to have been the way in in building relationship  with this particular group; so much so that when a young person came in to say her mum had asked her to leave because she’s “moving in with her new boyfriend and there won’t be room for me” (or this 16 year olds 2 year toddler) we spent time exploring issues and providing support whilst we put skills to use. Time spent on the simple things is never wasted if its done in the right Spirit.

Hi FYTers,

this site exists for discussion, debate, theological reflection … and anything else you would like to work through on line - within these boundaries!!