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Christianity Today, July, 2009 |

Less Edgy Conferences

Youth Specialties refocuses training events after pushback.

Bobby Ross Jr. | posted 6/23/2009 10:21AM

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"Second, while right now the economy is forcing everyone to look for ways to 'play it safe,' the gospel calls us to build bridges, which is always dangerous work," she said. "Investing in the future requires risk, all the more so while you're banking your future on the imitation of Christ—who is not exactly known for playing it safe."

For his part, Oestreicher said Youth Specialties remains committed to "pushing the envelope," including scheduling for the first time an entire Saturday of open-topic sessions for attendees to discuss interests in small groups.

"There's definitely an opportunity to engage in discussions around topics," he said. "It's not like we're trying to make this a vanilla event that is lowering the bar to the least common denominator so that we can all agree on everything and create some kind of false utopia."

Related Elsewhere:

Christianity Today has a special section on youth on our site, including:

It's Never Been about the Abstinence Pledge Itself | Researchers should ask what causes teens to abstain, not whether a public vow is a magic bullet. (January 23, 2009)

Taking Slackers to Task | Teen twins Alex and Brett Harris call their peers to something more. (October 21, 2008)

Gospel Talk | Entire area Young Life staff out after evangelism mandate. (January 7, 2008)

See our news section and liveblog for more news updates.

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July 2009, Vol. 53, No. 7

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Matt	Posted: June 30, 2009 4:59 PM

To be honest, I'm a little dissappointed. I have always enjoyed the keynote speakers and, honestly, have never found them to be all that controversial. The truth is, when I think of Mike Yaconelli, I think of honesty - regardless of whether it landed him in hot water or was a wise "business" move - my sense is he wouldn't have cared. It's too bad that YS is moving away from their roots....especially for cash. In the past I have come to hear something on the cutting edge, to be challenged to think in new ways about Jesus and Youth Ministry, and to leave with new stuff to chew on. Why pay hundreds for the same old? The last post even brought up the fact that mainline denominations are declining; that in itself tells me that we need to think in new ways, try new things, and integrate our faith into the reality of our lives without compromising the gospel. I hope that this years NYWC is more than just articulating what I already know. Why offer the same safe stuff as OC and NYMC?

tghali

Posted: June 29, 2009 10:21 PM

I've been attending YS Conferences for almost each of my 10 years of student ministry and I have been very grateful for their work. Honestly, last year's conference in Pittsburgh was probably my favorite because I did find it interesting and helpful. I am happy to not being able to attend this year but only because my wife is expecting but Lord willing, I would have attended anyway. There's so much to gain from a variety of things like the seminars and there's a lot of solid thought behind YS. While I find agreement in Kendra's comments, this may be a good year to change things up in a non-controversial way. But let's be honest, whenever Christians get together, they always a find a controversy ;-)

mark oestreicher

Posted: June 25, 2009 4:32 PM

just to clarify a bit: andrew marin was not the cause of these changes. we love andy, and he'll be at the conventions again this year (however, as part of our shift to make the convention more helpful to everyone who attends, andy will be presenting "labs", and will likely be a part of some of the "fishbowl" discussions, where discussion and interaction will be centerpieces of what takes place). likewise, the changes we're making were not born primarily out of pressure, or of financial outcomes. these changes are our attempt to have this event continue to change and grow to meet the needs of the real youth workers who attend. no backing off on our part: we see this as a move forward.

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