On The Way by Bill Bixby
The Network’s definition that lifts up welcoming as a core value of youth and household ministry, talks about Jesus, a lot. I like that. Of course, some folks think that Lutherans don’t do that nearly enough. I hope that this definition surprises them!
A powerful Christian witness of the second century, Tertullian, spoke about the public image of believers in North Africa this way: “What marks us in the eyes of our enemies is our lovingkindness. ‘Only look,’ our enemies say, ‘look how they love one another.’” By welcoming one another, as Christ welcomes us (Romans 15:7).
I also hope that our conversation about the “Jesus-patterned” welcome surprises and challenges us! The Jesus-patterned welcome is, well, it’s serious. The Network definition captures this because it points to the radical nature of Jesus’ welcome.
Oh, that the same will be said of us, and of our ministry places with young people!
Jesus welcomed others across longstanding social and religious barriers. Jesus welcomed others in a public way, in a communitytransforming way. Jesus welcomed others in a way that called forth a new Israel, and a new creation. That’s a revolutionary welcome— and Jesus paid a steep price for extending that welcome.
On the Way, and in the waters, with you,
Bill Bixby, who has been an ELCA pastor for twenty-two years and a blessed-by-youth minister for even longer, lives and serves in Chicago, IL as Director for Youth Ministry. From 2000 to 2007, Bill served (and sometimes taught at) two ELCA seminaries in a lively project of theological and vocational discovery with teens.
Quite a few young people of our churches already get this, instinctively, and live it out, practically. (Lots of adults do, too.) Our calling, deeply rooted in baptism—the ultimate act of death-overcoming, life-imparting welcome—is to shape communities of such daring hospitality that folks can’t help but notice, and join in.
DID YOU KNOW? We value your membership in the Network. And so do lots of other folks. As a Network member you have access to some tremendous discounts from the following organizations who want to support you and your ministry:
Discounts from resource & service providers:*
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Network Members also receive:
Center for Youth Ministries at Wartburg Seminary Impression Media Group Lutheran Life Coaching TXTSignal Trinity Lutheran College’s Children, Youth and Family Ministry Center The Youth and Family Institute Youth Leadership Center for Youth and Family Ministries Youth Specialties
* For more information on discounts, visit www.elcaymnet.org/discounts 16
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A registration discount for the Network’s annual Extravaganza! Discounted tuition for the Network’s Online Training Initiative (beginning in the fall of 2009) Online access to a National Youth Ministry Network Directory A subscription to “Connect”, our quarterly journal for youth and family ministry The Annual Salary Survey results A free Hertz #1 Gold Club Membership Access to video of keynote speakers from past Extravaganzas