Practicing Discernment with Youth | A Transformative Youth Ministry Approach (White)

Localized Youth Ministry

"Over the last half-century," says David White, "congregational youth ministry has undergone a separation from its own sense of place. The expectations, imaginations, and practices of youth ministry are more likely to originate in denominational headquarters than they are within the unique and particular setting of a congregation."

So in this resource White instead calls for congregations to engage their own young people in practices of discernment that involve the gifts and problems of their particular place. He models how to do this through historic discernment practices of Christian communities such as: Ignatian contemplative practices; Quaker clearness counsels; consensus decision making; and silence.

About the Author

David F. White is visiting professor of youth and education, and director of research for the Youth Theological Initiative at the Candler School of Theology, Emory University, in Atlanta, Georgia. He earned his M.Div. from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, and his Ph.D. from Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, California.

Paperback: 209 pages (6 x 9 in.)
ISBN 978-0-8298-1631-0
2005