A monthly message from Fred Lynch. Fred is the founder of GodStyle Productions, a ministry committed to changing youth culture. For more information on Fred, visit his website or check out his latest project, The Epic (the gospel of John translated into rap).
December 2006
The concept of an Urban Disciple isn't anything new. My homie's grandma used to say, "If it's new it ain't true; and if it's true it ain't new!" Although the idea of anything being 'disciplined' in the wild, ever-moving never-sleeping city seems like an oxymoron, the possibility of disciples' making it in the city is as ancient the church itself. Whether living in the ghettos of Jerusalem; the catacombs of Rome; the slums of Europe or the projects of the Americas: Christianity finds a way not only to survive in the city, but thrive and help those in the worst conditions pursue a life that's really worth living. Jesus called it abundant life. Our goal while we stand guard is to help young urban disciples aim their affection toward abundance of 'life' while the whole world is screaming at them to pursue the abundance of 'stuff'. Last month we talked about connecting relationally on a deeper level with shallow students. This month we're going to hit this consumer spirit right in the chest and talk about helping students sabotage the system of consumerism.
Our goal while we stand guard is to help young urban disciples aim their affection toward abundance of 'life' while the whole world is screaming at them to pursue the abundance of 'stuff'.
M.U.D. Reality (Here's what's up)
Consumerism is a strong reality among urban youth. Recent studies show that Black Teens spend 6% more per month than the average U.S. teen on items such as clothing, jewelry, computer software and athletic footwear, in comparison to all U.S. teenagers.1 If we want to pull our teens from this life-robbing trap, it won't happen by us sponsoring an Abercrombie and Fitch burning (although some of our kids might like that). The truth is there is a way to help kids make and own the decision to walk away from the lies of consumerism:
*Help them sabotage the system of consumerism*
M.U.D. Battle (Here's why)
Consumerism depends on raising the value of things higher than the value of relationships and moments. Believe it or not, moments and relationships are the only 'things' that you can actually take with you into eternity! When you think about it like that you can see the valuable position that God has given the youth worker. We have the grand opportunity to create great moments that our kids can walk into; and 'set them up' with relationships that will last forever!
M.U.D. Tip (Here's how)
Help them discover the lies for themselves. Plan activities and opportunities that will force your kids to look for themselves at some of the ways that our society is bankrupt and drunken off of our own lust. Remember we're sabotaging the system so instead of ranting about our excess, expose them to the dark side of overindulgence. For example: plan to do a small group night with no electricity, food or water. Sounds crazy, but it's a great way to show our students how the majority of the world lives. After the gathering of 'roughing it' have your students talk about the experience. Have them explore their own addiction to technology and the ease of life that we're so used to. The goal is to focus on exposing the ease and addiction of 'things' and even how things sometimes get in the way of relationships and moments. Who knows, you might just have a holy moment as you're relating to another student...and that's what it's all about down here in the M.U.D.
1. Teen Research Unlimited, 2003; Mediamark Research Inc. Teenmark 2003
FREDDIE FREEBIE:
I have a great offer that I'd like to help distribute this month. The statistic that I quoted at the beginning of this article came from this report and I'd like to make it available to you. It's a new research report that came out from the Magazine Publishers of America. It's the latest market profile of African Americans. This report is full of valuable information that will help you as you work on your program to reach urban youth. I'd encourage you to check it out and if you like it go to the web site and get more information from MPA. You can find it on my site www.GodStyle.com. Visit the download page and you'll find it along with many other goodies.
Sharing the gospel from 'Street to Street',
Fred Lynch III
GodStyle Productions
Fred Lynch is the founder of GodStyle Productions, a ministry committed to changing youth culture. For more information on Fred, visit his website or check out his latest project, The Epic (the gospel of John translated into rap).
