Hi Polly Pierce

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You posted the following comment:
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Alexander, 

As I was reading your post, all I could think was, "it would be so much fun to sit down with this guy over a cup of coffee and dialog about youth ministry!"

A little bit about myself, and my views: I am new to youth ministry, 18 months to be exact.  Not only am I new at this, but I am also doing children's ministry as well in our church.  I love each of these ministries, and so honored to have the opportunity to do both (I think that is a completely different conversation to be had!). In the past 18 months, I have decided to simply lead with Christ!  

I could write a paper probably on each of your proposed questions...so many thoughts, but just a few I will mention. 
1) relevance vs. non-relevant: depending on your kids, I think it is completely fine to do both. Kids need to have nonsensical fun, as well as guidance and shepherding. Whats wrong with doing both? Technology can be used - especially if people have done the work already for you, i.e. you tube videos, created lesson plans, games, etc. But this doesn't exempt you from still preparing and making it fit your kids. Its when these technologies take over in your ministry, that it becomes a problem. 
2) Where do we put the kids? IN THE SERVICE!!! Yes, lets all face it, every Sunday's service isn't a home run - the adults are even board some time, but that doesn't stop us from sending them to their own room?  If you are worried about kids becoming disengaged during the service, then look to how to engage them - show a video, have them help with projections, include them - they have two hand, two feet and a brain - they can help too!
3) Who's going to lead it? How did you know exactly what I am going through? I am an organized being, who knows how she likes things done, and so usually does it on her own.  But I have found, this doesn't work! I have a youth committee that is awesome. I am working to be transparent with them, letting them know all that is going on.  I have also been challenged by my senior pastor to change my language with them to get them to do more things. I will get back to you on this one. 
4) Evangelize vs safe place/ friends? I like to look at this in a different light - try looking at it as creating disciples or shepherding youth. There is definitely a time for lounging and chilling, but there is also time for instruction. Jesus didn't just sip wine with his disciples all of the time.  In a previous job, the catch phrase was, "teachable moments".  We are called to live in community. 
5) Theology vs. Ethics? How about Jesus? I grew up Baptist, and now work at a Lutheran church - two sides of the spectrum theologically. It has been a challenge, but I believe during this time, God has stretched me in my own faith.  I think there is a time and place for theology, but to intensively focus on it, I would disagree with....I have read a couple blogs about this question as well. There many organizations out there teaching kids good ethics and morals, which is all good. But if we don't teach Jesus, then our kids aren't going to know Jesus. 
6) Certainty vs doubt? I come back to shepherding and walking with our youth. Educate them, but also challenge them. 
7) How do we do that at our church?  I think it is the hardest question to answer.  What works at one church, maynot work at another. SO FRUSTRATING!!! All I can say to this is, Go with God, let him lead the way. Take small steps, lay out a plan of attack, don't be afraid to fail, its not about the program you are doing, but building relationships with the people involved. Pray!

Sorry I was so long winded!!  Peace to you!