| I diligently
prepared an exegetical study of some book of the Bible (I confess
I don’t remember which one) and even provided good coffee
and doughnuts. The first week began with 10 participants. The
second week dropped to six. Week three there were four. And yes,
eventually, attendance was down to all but those who “had”
to be there.
During this same period of time, I had been reading a little
book by John Cobb, in which he offered his understanding of
the Christian perspective on a number of controversial contemporary
issues—abortion, animal rights, euthanasia, and so forth.
While I knew that Cobb’s theological perspective was distant
from this particular congregation’s, I began to wonder
if his topics might be a good jumping off point for young adults.
With a little “fear and trembling” and a lot of
“nothing to lose,” I tried a second time to initiate
this young adult group. The results were fascinating. As dramatically
as participation had waned before, it grew this time. There
were heated discussions and differences of opinions expressed
as we progressed through the various topics. But the common
draw was the desire of those young adults to engage in discussion
of meaningful and relevant contemporary issues within the context
of faith and the Church.
I have now exited the category of young adult, hopefully with
some grace, but the need remains urgent within the Church to
address relevant current issues that allow for participation,
dialogue, and even disagreement—especially for young adults.
It is precisely because of this need and opportunity that I
agreed to author Beyond the Outer Limits, part of Congregational
Ministries Publishing’s Real Faith Real Life young adult
Bible study series.
Any quick pass through the “spirituality” section
in your local bookstore evidences the continuing growth of interest
in spirituality and the supernatural. This trend, with the intellectual
and theological desire for the Church to attempt to speak intelligently
and respectfully to people’s supernatural experience,
is the reason for this particular issue of the series.
Consider creating the opportunity for young adults in and
around your congregation to explore their own understanding
of the supernatural in a manner that allows discussion, dialogue,
and even disagreement. This study can assist in that effort,
as it encourages people of faith to explore the mystery and
wonder of their own experiences of God in the context of Christian
expressions of the transcendent and spiritual nature of God.
Discussions and activities invite young adults to draw on the
riches of our Reformed faith, worship, and theological traditions
to address the culture’s need to comprehend something—or
Someone—beyond the outer limits. |
