Save

Being-together as a Basic Given: Finding New Ways in Youth Ministry in a Time of Transition

In: Ecclesial Practices
Authors:
Harmen van Wijnen Protestant Theological University, Amsterdam harmenw@planet.nl

Search for other papers by Harmen van Wijnen in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
and
Marcel Barnard Protestant Theological University, Amsterdam VU University, Amsterdam University of Stellenbosch, South Africa

Search for other papers by Marcel Barnard in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Download Citation Get Permissions

Access options

Get access to the full article by using one of the access options below.

Institutional Login

Log in with Open Athens, Shibboleth, or your institutional credentials

Login via Institution

Purchase

Buy instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):

$40.00

Adolescence can be characterised as the process of finding the balance between the questions about identity (‘Who am I?’) and togetherness (‘Who am I with?’). The social environment of adolescents has a significant influence on this process. This environment, however, is in transition: from organisations to open networks with new forms of relationships and connections for adolescents. This transition also influences the field of youth ministry. This article considers the role small groups of adolescents can play in youth ministry in this changing social context. Based on qualitative research conducted amongst five small groups of adolescents, this article argues that togetherness is important through undirected being-together, based on emotional and affectual bonds. The results of this research are related to Maffesoli’s theory of tribalisation: being-together precedes formal organising. Being-together is a basic given and an important factor to consider in youth ministry.

Content Metrics

All Time Past 365 days Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 245 34 2
Full Text Views 234 0 0
PDF Views & Downloads 65 1 0