Youth Ministry: Follow up to NYWC/Ecclesiology and musing about how to disagree. #nwyc

A couple days ago I put up a post that not everyone agreed with.  I have reread that post several times and I've come to the conclusion that where I erred in my writing was to not draw enough distinction to the actual area of disagreement I had which was my perception of an  underlying theme of "us vs. them" of the night.  Someone in the comment section accused me of  "Shooting our wounded soldiers."   Because I love youth ministry and have deep respect for those who spoke I thought I'd clarify my statements. 

Last Saturday night at the National Youth Workers Convention in San Diego there were two speakers who shared  thoughts about Youth Ministry, health, struggle and the Church.    Both messages taken separately were very helpful and encouraging.  One of the speakers "Doug Fields" has a long career in youth ministry and has spoke at NYWC before and has consistently been one of the most encouraging speakers for youth workers.   The other talk was from Ted and Gayle Haggard and  though they were brand new to YS and have had a difficult road the last many years their message on sin, redemption, grace and the church was helpful.  I am grateful that both Doug and the Haggards were brought to the convention and applaud YS  for the speaker selection. 

My concern with this night was that I perceived both talks when taken together seemed to be presenting an "us vs them" idea between youth ministry and the Church.   As I have said I believe this was not their intended message but when I look at the whole night this is a message that I think could easily have been heard. I said in my last blog that ecclesiological identity is something that we in the Youth Ministry world need to more fully grasp and I worry often that young and new youth workers don't hear enough about the good side of the Church. 

It's difficult to know how to safely disagree in our world.  Often times youth ministers already feel marginalized by the church.  We feel misunderstood and not taken seriously by those who don't understand our calling.  So, when we take perceived shots at each other within our own ranks it can seem a big blow.  But, I still think we need to be able to safely discuss where we don't agree with each other.   None of us who are involved in leadership or have the opportunity to speak at conventions like this are able to disengage our own narrative when we speak.  When I share about the church it comes from a place of my own woundedness and success.  Not everyone agrees with how I perceive things, teach things and do youth ministry.  I am always open for critique and discussion and this blog comes from a place in my soul that says we need a healthy place to disagree. 

So I offer this apology.  To the Haggards and to Doug.  My original blog post could have been written better to draw the distinction that your messages when taken separately were what many youth workers needed to hear.  It is only when I look at the whole night and the building of one upon the other that I felt like there was cause for concern.   I have realized through this that my blog like your stage is a place where ideas need to be carefully presented.  I hope this post clears up concern.  If it doesn't let's keep dialoguing about it.