The goal of the well

This blog is the result of an idea that came from one of our Johnson County Youth Minister's meetings in which it is an opportunity for the youth ministers of the Johnson County area to share ideas, experiences, thoughts, and ministry life to help aid others in their quest for substantial youth ministry! "The Well" came from the thought that we are all thirsty for good youth ministry. Let this be something that allows us to quench each other's thirsts from our own experiences.

I was reading a book called "Revisiting Relational Youth Ministry: From a Strategy of Influence to a Theology of Incarnation" by Andrew Root (Revisiting Relational Youth Ministry, great book! Gets too much into philosophy and over-analysis for my liking, especially when I don't understand the words often, but has a great message!) today and I came by a passage that I felt was essential to what the goal of my ministry should be. No better place to share it then here, so here it is:

"The goal of ministry is not to bring about (healthy or holy) transformation, for this is solely the work of God. The goal of ministry is to be faithful to the humanity of the adolescent, seeing him or her as other and transcendent, and committing to be place-sharer to his or her person." (p. 192)

Sure, transformation is desired, but being faithful is required. (that rhymed!) Being faithful to their humanity and seeing and recognizing the complete otherness in them that transcends all things and then to share their place as they walk along their path... This is what I hope for. This is my goal. Praying for you all!

Chris Walters
St. Joseph Parish