Contemplative practices of spirituality have received strong attention in Western countries in the last few years. In the US, the Youth Ministry and Spirituality Project, headed by Mark Yaconelli, has focused on introducing Christian youth workers to classical spiritual disciplines.
The Upper Room has a long history in providing resource for spiritual growth, and in recent years has expanded its offerings to include young people. It’s a daily devotional magazine for teenagers, Devo’Zine, has been running for over 10 years. A new series of resources, The Way of Pilgrimage, offers 5 six-week experiences of personal and group spiritual practices based on core aspects of the Christian tradition.
I must say up-front that I co-authored one of the books, so I admit my bias that these materials are great! We’re using the resources at my College as part of a year-long discipleship program for young adults.
Each of the five participants’ books consists of 6 weeks of daily exercises – Scripture reading and reflection, prayer, and additional activities. The emphasis is on building spiritual practice rather than on in-depth Bible study. A leader’s guide provide a pattern for a weekly meeting of the pilgrims to share their journey and reflect further on the theme of the week. Both the daily and weekly materials draw on ancient and contemporary sources.
There are sample materials for leaders here.
Posted in: Books, Church Resources.
Tagged: Books · Church Resources
The 3rd Australian Conference on Spirituality and Health will be held 13-15 July in Adelaide. The theme is “Integrating Spirituality in the Practice of Health Care.â€
From the Conference website:
The aim of the biennial conference is to explore the links between spirituality, religion, health and wellbeing. The program will focus on findings of quantitative and qualitative research.
The last ten years have witnessed a dramatic increase in studies of spirituality, health, and well-being. This research has demonstrated robust links between spirituality and health. It is time now to begin moving from research to practice. The theme of the 3rd Biennial Conference on Spirituality and Health will be Integrating Spirituality into the Practice of Health Care. The Conference will be multi-disciplinary, drawing on distinctive perspectives and practices of social scientists, health professionals, chaplains, and clergy.
Previous events were held in 2005 and 2007 and were well-attended with an excellent range of speakers.
More information and registration details here.
Posted in: Events, Health & Well-being.
Tagged: Events · Health & Well-being
Are you interested in understanding and exploring how youth and young adults experience spirituality?
This web and blog site will provide an access point for information, ideas, research, resources and events related to the spirituality of Gen Y and beyond.
While the author has a particular interest in Christian spirituality and the Australian context, the site will offer a global and multi-faith perspective.
This project is linked to the Uniting Church in Australia’s “Next Gens†project.
The author/host, Craig Mitchell is a Lecturer at Parkin-Wesley College in Adelaide, South Australia. The College is part of the Adelaide College of Divinity, an ecumenical body which is also the School of Theology for Flinders University. Craig teaches youth ministry and writes in the area of youth and young adult spirituality. He is currently preparing for PhD studies in the area of new media and young adult spirituality.
Contact Craig at craig.mitchell@flinders.edu.au
Posted in: General.
