Less Facebook; More Face-to-Face

Check out this article from a recent edition of The Australian newspaper.

This article argues that 16-30yr olds are becoming weary with online social networking and are exhibiting signs of a nostalgic longing for simpler times and real contact with their friends.

Personally, I believe that advances in information technology have opened up wonderful new ways for us to connect and relate as humans. As ministers of the Gospel of Christ, I also believe we need to embrace these new avenues of communication/community. However, it is my deep conviction that our humanity is reduced as we reduce the time that we connect with others 'in person'. True community development involves mind, body and spirit.

In terms of Youth Ministry, personal contact must never be superseded by online interactions. Sure, let's use online opportunities - but let's not forget to get out there, share our food, kick a ball, make some music, shake some hands and look some young person in the eye.

In terms of the Christian church - if the future of the church (as some are beginning to suggest) is Virtual - I for one don't want to be a part of it!

Biblical Illiteracy

Interesting thoughts on Biblical Illiteracy in Australia and the Western world by Cheryl Catford (director of EA) here.

The Devotional Bible Study Method

I came across this article which outlines a simple 11 question plan for studying any chapter of Scripture. It's pretty straightforward but comprehensive at the same time. The questions are:-

1. What is the principle subject or theme of the chapter?
2. What is the leading lesson of this chapter?
3. Which is the best verse in this chapter?
4. Who are the principle persons in this chapter?
5. What does the chapter teach concerning Christ?
6. Is there, in this chapter, any example for me to follow?
7. Is there any error for me to avoid?
8. Is there any duty (stated) for me to perform?
9. Is there any promise for me to claim? Also, are there any conditions to the
promise?
10. Is there any prayer for me to echo?
11. Are there verses in other Scripture passages (cross-reference) that will help me to understand this chapter better?

The Bible is not the Destination

Found this interesting quote while reading a blog post by Alan Hirsch.It is from "A Jesus Manifesto for the 21st Century Church" by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola.

"Christians don’t follow a book. Christians follow a person, and this library of divinely inspired books we call “The Holy Bible” best help us follow that person. The Written Word is a map that leads us to The Living Word. Or as Jesus himself put it, “All Scripture testifies of me.” The Bible is not the destination; it’s a compass that points to Christ, heaven’s North Star.
The Bible does not offer a plan or a blueprint for living. The “good news” was not a new set of laws, or a new set of ethical injunctions, or a new and better PLAN. The “good news” was the story of a person’s life, as reflected in The Apostle’s Creed. The Mystery of Faith proclaims this narrative: “Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again.” The meaning of Christianity does not come from allegiance to complex theological doctrines, but a passionate love for a way of living in the world that revolves around following Jesus, who taught that love is what makes life a success . . . not wealth or health or anything else: but love. And God is love."

Reflection/Action Bible Reading

I've recently been involved in the production of a simple Bible engagement tool for secondary school students called "The Ripple Effect". There are several ideas behind the tool, but the one I want to mention here is the concept of Reflection/Action Bible Reading. Part of this program involves small groups of students gathering weekly to read the Scriptures, using the cyclic model represented in the diagram on the left. It is a model that encourages students to read from the Gospels, wrestle with some questions focused on Jesus and his mission, and then prayerfully form a plan of community action based on what they have read.

There is nothing particularly new or sexy about this approach, but it is built on several key principles that I believe are quite profound:-

1. It encourages students to read large chunks of Scripture (several chapters at a time) rather than snippets (a couple of verses). This way they begin to get the flow of the story of God and its ideas and themes begin to become evident to them.

2. It trusts that students can read the Bible and discover the messages from it for themselves. It helps them own the process.

3. It emphasizes the response of practical action to what they have read. This lifts Bible reading out of the purely abstract and devotional realms and into daily reality.

4. It seeks to link Bible reading with genuine community (in this case - the school) transformation.