Re: question for Youth Workers

[Darren Wright]

Gday Katy Quite seriously, I'd: Seriously suggest to them that they consider to continue with Theological Study at UTC, heck anywhere.  I am beginning to see that there is a need for our Youth Workers to become great Theologians and great Facilitators so they can help the Young people develop their own Theology. Meet and network with as many Ythwkers and Ministers that you can, support is a key thing in our line of work as is having the knowledge of people around with skills that can be helpful. Go to conferences in the UCA, it's sometimes frowned on to go to conferences we run, but seriously thats where networks and friendships are built. Ive been reading a new book lately called "Practicing Passion" by Kenda Creasy Dean, I cannot say how important it is to read that book. Read "The Sacred Life of Us" by Phil Daughtry, another must read book. There are a lot of other tips, including take care of ones self, find a mentor, find a spiritual counsellor, sit in parks lots, read a music or movie or teen magazine or a picture book a month, listen to commercial and government youth radio regularly, listen to young people, they are your educators more than your students. Recognise that young people are already thinking god stuff and that their culture is not evil. Read the bible Sit in a shopping centre every now and then and just watch people walk past, enter into conversation if the opportunity arrises, but sit n watch... yes, become a voyer. Dont be ashamed of asking for help, thats what everyone is there for, we often think we're in this alone... we're not. Check out the Basis of Union... Think laterally, hillsong and 40 days of purpose is not going to solve everything, niether will taize or labyrinths. Realise that you're about connecting with people, not only those inside the church but those who are on the outside of our doors, those who in many cases will always be on the outside of our doors. Never Pay back wrong for wrong Encourage the faint hearted... Heh heh... laugh occasionally Listen to Midnight Oil and U2 because you need to understand some of that stuff to talk to Rob... Pay attention to resources that are available online (need anything just give me a hoi)  joining one or two useful email lists might also be helpful, the youth and multimedia one for example (http://youthmultimedia.blogspot.com/) is full of some very cool, interesting and knowlegable people) Go to NCYC Take Panadol when you do See God in everything Be yourself, young people see straight through you if you don't... and besides, God made you like you are, so there's no point in being someone else. I'll think about other ideas and send them to you when i have written them... what in particular were you after? -- Darren Wright Fool Youth and Family Worker UCA NSW Synod Presbytery of Canberra Region GPO Box 221. Canberra. ACT. 2601. [EMAIL PROTECTED] 02 6248 9311 (office) "The Gospel must be constantly forwarded to a new address, because the recipient is repeatedly changing place of residence." - Helmut Thielicke