Parents and youth leaders are “in the business of training kids to live for Jesus the rest of their lives,” Mark DeVries said. He was the featured speaker for Impact `07, a training and inspirational event for parents and youth leaders. It was held Nov. 2-3 at Webster Conference Center, Salina, Kan. DeVries is founder of Youth Ministry Architects and serves on the staff of First Presbyterian Church in Nashville. Visit his Web site
“You have the opportunity to impact the next generation of leaders.”
That is what a 26-year-old seminary student said during Impact `07, the KNCSB retreat for parents and youth leaders. It was held Nov. 2-3 at Webster Conference Center, Salina, Kan.
Matt Maestas led a breakout conference on “Understanding Youth Culture.” “I don’t pretend to have all the information about youth culture,” the Midwestern Seminary student admitted.
Maestas based his remarks on the book, “Youth Culture 101,” by Walt Mueller. He attempted to pinpoint the major influences on youth culture and tell adults how to respond to them.
Today’s students are part of the postmodern culture. Postmodern is hard to define, Maestas admitted, but some of the characteristics are:
Other influences on today’s youth are:
Concerning how adults should respond to these influences, Maestas suggested:
Many aspects of that culture, such as text messaging, seem to be mysterious. “I’m only 26 and I don’t understand texting,” Maestas admitted.
He listed numerous Web resources that will help parents learn about youth culture. However, Maestas gave this precaution: “Please don’t make the mistake your students often do and put your brain in your back pocket when you read and browse these resources. Much like we train our students, we also need to think critically about what authors are saying.”
The LifeWay Christian Resources Web site also offers helpful articles: