Throw it and it Will stick, hmmmm????

I heard recently that a person was going to throw theology at their youth until they get the concept of Jesus is and how to explain their point if asked by others. I have two issues with such a statement,

1) Did Jesus ever throw huge theological points at those that are beginning to understand truth? I think not, He called for behaviors to change, as they would grow their level of understanding who God is would as well.

2) Throw ideas and concepts at people without being relational, meaning understanding the level of maturity of those who we teach is like throw heavy wet mud at a brick wall. Most of it will stick, but in a short time period it will assuredly start to break apart and have no firm foundation to keep it to the structure.

So then how can we as youth ministers teach theology and keep it relational, an age old question that sends many into heat debates to settling for complacent teaching. I believe one must know who his audience is and taking an approach that will best communicate God's truth that will allow God's grace to grow within. If we do not humble our methods for the grace of the Spirit's ever changing in young men and women, all we will have spit-fire believer's. (spit-fire - believer's that have knowledge that can only spit what head knowledge they know, they have no clue who Christ is at a intimate knowing). If we are not concern for what Christ was concern for, which is a lifestyle change or better termed... a change of behavior. I was reminded today that most of the New Testament primarily speaks to putting off old behaviors and putting on new behaviors of Christ. Think about it, the Gospels to Revelation is about changing our mindset to that of Christ's, because if we do not change our behavior our words will not mean diddly squat.

Two verses come to mind Romans 12:1-2, Colossi ans 3:1-14. Passages to meditate upon if we want theology to stick withing our young men and women's minds, challenge them to put off and put on Christ, and the understanding and the study of God will become more of a passion for them to discover.

Raw

Raw frustration ought to fuel our passions and desires to drive us to better ourselves and those to whom we ministered to. The reason I state this is quite simple I am frustrated with ministries that cultivate a sense of do's and dont's in their ministries. Do and Dont's (law) are to be guides in this life. From the pages of scripture speaks that the law is not the ends, they are means to an end of transformation to become holy beings that are in direct image of God. The Apostle Paul points this fact out repeatedly about the law does not provide grace, mercy or transformation. If we as ministers are to convey this truth and echo Jesus in being relational why then do we build ourselves standards that God does not even hold us to?

This question is a loaded question and caution is given to where and how it is unloaded. I am intending to ask simply why is hard to live a transformed life and require rules in how that life is transformed? For instance, in youth ministry when a youth misses due to various reasons, but is a devout member and serves with a servants heart, but is question what is wrong, are you doing okay... meaning have you fallen from grace. This is applicable to even those that are not so devout. These statements comes from Pastors, Leaders, Lay people, and peers at all levels within the church. But Why? At times due to our culture of complacent activity within the church it is warranted for rebuke and reproof. I understand this for I have done it, as reflection upon this topic I have abused my freedom. What is the point of discussing this issue, does this absurd of freedom in the Spirit to question others done in love? Or is it done because we have become an institution of do's and dont's? This question has been raised within me for some time, and when I see and hear followers of Christ question what is the importance of fellowship of the brethren due to overcontroling concerns, it saddens my heart. I do not know how to answer this dilemma, but to offer hope that Jesus wants first a transformed heart then the behavior will follow. But then at times followers are do just that are being questioned unreasonably for the sake of the institution.

What are we a institution believers or a living, relational, transforming body of believers?