Growing in Grace
News
Learning from the NOW Generation
By Kimberly JenneFor the second year in a row, the Core Practices team is hosting a pre-conference workshop on Thursday, June 4 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.. This year’s focus is on issues related to youth discipleship. Dr. Elizabeth Corrie from Candler School of Theology will lead the discussion on “The Church as Peacemaker in the War on Kids.”
Corrie is assistant professor in the practice of youth education and peacebuilding and director of the Youth Theological Initiative at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, in Atlanta, Georgia. Her research interests include practical theology and conflict transformation. She serves on the advisory board of the Lilly Youth Theology Network, and speaks regularly in churches and schools on topics related to youth, contemporary culture, and the role people of faith can play in building peace.
“I don't think most adults believe me when I say that there is a war on kids,” said Corrie. “The ‘war’ is a complex set of forces that ghettoize, disenfranchise, domesticate and sometimes criminalize our young people. The church has got to be a place of peace building in the midst of that.”
The Thursday evening workshop will be a mix of lecture and table discussion. Dr. Corrie anticipates each person leaving with one to three specific ideas for things to do in their local church.
“The Core Practices team is committed to issues related to discipleship through this quadrennium,” said Kim Jenne, chairperson. “We know that most people make their commitment to Christ before age 18. We think this is an issue for all Christians, not solely youth directors.”
The Core Practices team is committed to resourcing local churches in discipleship processes, as well as establishing multi-entry points for the unchurched and dechurched toward discipleship. If you are interested in moving forward in helping make and grow disciples and need additional resources, please contact Sherry Habben, Director of Connectional Ministries at shabben@moumethodist.org.