On Christ, the Solid Rock, I Stand

How important is a foundation?

I recently completed Rev. Dr. John W. Oberdeck’s book, EutychusYouth: Applied Theology for Youth Ministry.  Lutheran educators, administrators, youth directors and pastors should place it at the top of their reading lists.

A passage from chapter two, “Theology Makes a Difference” quickly became a favorite:

Do we take the time necessary to review Bible studies and curriculum that we use?  Or do we assume that whatever looks good will work out and if there happens to be a theological problem we can manage the discrepancies as we go along? 

Oberdeck continues by quoting Dr. Steve Arnold – the Director of Campus Ministry at Concordia university, St. Paul, Minnesota:
Now, one can argue that a curriculum can be adapted.  TRUE. But , as one who has spent thirty years and many graduate hours studying curriculum I can tell you that you cannot effectively adapt something that is foundationally different because the foundations in a well written curriculum (and [it] is a very well written curriculum) are woven throughout and become a part of the DNA of every sentence…

What we do in youth ministry is informed by our underlying theology, and if differences based on our theology can’t be observed in our activities, in our curriculum choices, or in our counseling, then there is a cause for concern (30-31).

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
No merit of my own I claim
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

Lutheran Service Book 576

Our resources should also be built on nothing less.