I think I have to put this book on my short list -- I'd like to know more about their views. The topic touches a nerve, though.
I was a political science major in college, with a particular interest in political economy -- which, of course, pays particular attention to the macro economic factors impacting political events.
I attended an undergraduate political economy seminar attended by elite undergraduate students from around the country. I was completely disheartened that the entire emphasis there was on maintaining or growing the US's "market share" of the global economy.
Twenty+ years later, these same people are most likely our national leaders or advisors -- more than likely none of them particularly interested in reducing global poverty.
Hi Pauli,
Thanks for reading the blog and leaving a comment. I think you would enjoy the book, especially it's frame of reference that combines people serving students and global justice.
As a former youth minister who is still tied in pretty heavily with youth ministers, I think the problem is two-fold (well 3 really, but the third problem is that Americans (western world) is selfish and thinks only of themselves).
First of all, we take young bible college grads who have no life experience and whose college experience is limited to the spiritual Utopia of the Christian College, and put them in charge of the spiritual development of our young people. The personality that tends to be hired, particularly in larger congregations, is strong willed and a little ego centric (how else could they have BS-ed the elders into thinking a 22 year old could handle 200-300 kids with diverse backgrounds when he has no background or perspective). The reason the elders don't mind that this young guy has no perspective or experience is because their intention is merely to see him teach the bible and entertain the kids. They are not overtly concerned with experience.
And that is, of course, problem two.
From above...
"Youth workers are pressurized into maximizing big turn outs at the youth gatherings at their churches, and that doesn't usually come by making kids sensitive to the needs of the poor and the oppressed."
As good Americans, we want to see the American Dream of growth and independence and financial success lived out in our churches as well as our private lives. We want to see our kids happy. Most importantly, we want to see the key stakeholders happy.
If we talk to kids about the reality of global poverty and the "sin" of living in relative wealth, it might not sit well with parents who could just as easily stay home and watch Joel Osteen explain how God wants you to be wealthy. Kids leave troubled and upset by the challenges the world is facing instead of happy of their assured salvation.
Keep in mind, this is semi-autobiographical and part a mixture of stories from friends who have lost jobs or been limited in their ministry efforts because that is not what they were hired to do. Often, reaching out to the poor of their own community was a "distraction" from their job.
Keep challenging us Tony.
Hi Chris, Thanks for the comment - that is some really good insight on both fronts - global student ministry and the system of youth ministry.
It reminds me of the dilemma people like you and I are in - wanting our own children to be happy and yet wanting them to be unhappy enough to live significant lives.
Hope you are doing well!
in my opinion i think campolo is on to something here. he is right--youth workers need to educated themselves a bit outside of the youth ministry context.
cheers! i enjoy your blog. i will add you on my blogroll.
hey jeremy z, thanks for reading and commenting. i didn't realize there was an audio interview with tony c as well. blessings to you!
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