Just left the National Jr. High Conference for the Church of the Brethren, over 600 kids and their advisors at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA for 40 hours of worship, fellowship, recreation, learning sessions, food, and a small amount of sleep. It was my first jr. high event, and it was amazing! A few observations.
Kids in Jr. High these days have gone through things by age 14 that noone should have to go through in a lifetime. Our song leader, Ken Medema (amazing in his own right!), invited these kids to share stories about change and transformation in their lives. Some of the stories had happy endings, some don't yet have endings. But from personal struggles to family situations to faith challenges to school and neighborhood stuff, these kids collectively have seen it all and somehow have the courage to stand before their peers and advisors and speak these stories. Incredible stories, amazing kids. (you can hear the stories and the songs Ken wrote on the spot soon at www.kenmedema.com)
Speaking of Ken, these worship experiences reminded me that we don't have to "give" the body that gathers everything in order to have powerful worship, but we do need to invite something of significance. Ken's song-leading was one example of this type of invitation. Songs of substance with a unique balance of simplicity and depth. Actors Ted and Company (Jeff) provided an amazing overview of the Old Testament the first night and the New Testament the second night. In the midst of the laughter and the moments of tears, these guys effectively shared the gospel story's very essence in two comparably short segments. The power is a testimony to the script and actors, but mostly it's a testimony to The Story (the bible story). It has power that comes through when treated with respect and excellence, without the need to "control" it.
As an adult at the conference, I also enjoyed some of the side conversations with other adults. I leave this event feeling like there is both a longing for and a movement toward refreshed and transformed ways of participating together in the Gospel story, sharing God's love in the world, being the church. No idea what it will ultimately look like, but with the courage, passion and energy of youth, and the openness to new ways from those of us who are a bit more on the graying side of things, we just may find ourselves Transformed from the Inside Out!
