What happened in San Diego? The Sanctuary and The Theology Track

This year, in addition to overseeing The Sanctuary at the National Youth Workers Convention, I had the privilege to direct the new Theology Track, including forums and a Theology Cafe.

The Sanctuary is in its fourth year and has become a place a significant aspect of the convention providing a place to rest, contemplate, think, learn and be.  The Sanctuary's aesthetics are curated by Lilly Lewin, who is always finding new and amazing ways to create places that inspire.  This year Renovare sponsored Sanctuary.  Renovare staff member Mickey Cox provided teaching for some of the learning labs along with serving as one of our Soul Care Spiritual Directors for the youth workers at the convention.  Beth Slevcove headed up the Spiritual Directors and is always a wonderful and affirming presence.  Archie Honrado also served as a Spiritual Director and curated the Prayer Room space which is always a contemplative environment for prayer, meditation, rest and reflection.

The Theology Track went very well.  It was awesome to have something for long-time veterans of youth ministry and the YS world to gather around.  Although some were surprised at how many young youth workers attended these theological focused gatherings, I wasn't.  I really do believe that the theological turn in youth ministry is gaining momentum.  It will be harder and harder for "tacticians" and "practitioners" (who don't see or value the necessity of deeper theological reflection to shape and inform their actions, strategies, programs) to dismiss the importance of practical theology in current and emerging youth ministry.  The panelists were awesome.  The Theology Cafe was really cool also because most of the panelists came and hung out with youth workers until late in the evening.  They were accessible and engaged. 

Thanks to Mark Matlock, Tic Long, Adam McClane, and Michelle Fockler for all the YS help to make the Sanctuary and the Theological Track possible.  A big thanks to Renovare, sponsor of the Sanctuary and the generous sponsors of the Theology Track - InterVarsity Press, Sparkhouse, Immerse: A Journal of Faith, Life and Youth Ministry, Youthfront, Asbury Theological Seminary, Fuller Theological Seminary, Luther Seminary, Nazarene Theological Seminary, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and Princeton Theological Seminary.  Thanks to our panel facilitators Erik Leafblad, Dayle Rounds and Bethany Stolle.

My biggest thanks goes to Micah Thomas and Erik Leafblad, fellow Youthfront staff members who helped me with the Sanctuary (Micah) and the Theology Track (Erik).  Here is a picture taken by YouthWorks staffer Eric Iverson of the three of us walking off into the sunset at the end of the convention.

There is one more opportunity to get in on this.  Come to Atlanta, November 18 - 20.

Comments

[Paul]

Thank you SO much for this. It was the best part of the NYWC for me. It was also great meeting you (me and my wife after your run Sunday night). I am s appreciative and hope that these forums help youth ministry mature. Blessings.

[Jeff Keuss]

great to be with you all and inspired by the theological forums. Thanks for your good work on these Mike and such great vision. Blessings to you my friend!

[Mike King]

Wow, thanks Paul for your kind words. I'm glad we ran into each other Sunday night although you had to endure my shirtless being. :)

I believe that we will continue to provide the theology track at YS. I'm looking forward to seeing how it evolves. Let me know if you have any input or ideas on how to make it better.

Peace,

Mike

[Mike King]

Jeff, thanks for bringing your energetic self to these forums. You will be majorly missed in Atlanta.

[adam mclane]

It was huge. I couldn't believe the buzz this created. Thanks for having the vision for it.

[Lyle SmithGraybeal]

Looking forward to spending some time with all this and you in November, Mike!

[Mike King]

Hey Lyle,

I'm so happy that you will be with us in Atlanta.

Peace,

Mike