Living in the
Light: Leading Youth to Deeper Spirituality
Written by Walt Marcum.
Published by Abingdon Press, Nashville, 1994.
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What is the aim, purpose, or goal of this particular study?
To provide youth leaders with a basic understanding of adolescent spirituality and the tools for working with youth. To provide youth leaders with the tools for developing spirituality and deepening youths' relationship with God. - How does this resource define spirituality?
What terms does this resource prefer to use?
Spirituality in this resource is defined as relationships with other, God, and ourselves. The goal of spiritual growth in this resource is to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves. Also, spiritual growth is the development of a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ and our neighbors. - Do you see any particular theological perspective or
agenda within this material? If so, what is it?
There is not an overwhelming denominational agenda in this resource. There is a heavy emphasis on developing a personal relationship with others and God. Also, this resource makes it clear that a relationship with God is created through a relationship with Jesus Christ and those around us. There are some references to Spirit or the Spirit of God, but the scope of the Trinity that is presented is somewhat limited. - Which spiritual disciplines, if any, are included in
the resource? (such as fasting, meditation, lectio divina)
Bible Study Active & Dispostional Prayer Worship Spiritual mentoring Journaling Spiritual autobiographies Dreamwork Music Fasting Depth discipleship training Mission and service Small groups Moral values and ethical decision-making Spiritual Life Retreats - For whom is this resource intended? (age
group, interests, etc.) In what settings? (classroom, home,
etc.)
The resource is intended for youth leaders. youth are considered to be 7th – 12th graders. Possible settings for the activities in this resource include Bible Studies, weekly groups, Sunday school, and retreats. - What is included when you purchase this resource?
(books, teaching aids, etc.) What is the cost of this resource?
For $15.00, you receive the book Living in the Light: Leading Youth to Deeper Spirituality. - Is the Bible used as a resource in any of the
sessions? How is it referred to?
The entire first chapter of the book is devoted to using Bible Studies to foster spiritual growth. This chapter addresses the importance of the Bible for spiritual growth and provides nineteen different Bible Study techniques for youth ministry. The Bible is referred to as the clearest revelation of God and of God’s will for our lives. This resource describes the dialogue with the scriptures as necessary for the life of both the Christian community and the individual. The Bible instructs our relationships with God and with one another. These relationships are at the core of spirituality. - What type of learning activities are included in the
lessons? For instance, is there group work as well as individual
reflection time?
Bible Study Active Prayer (speaking to God) Dispositional Prayer (how to listen to God) Worship A large variety of spiritual growth techniques Spiritual Life Retreats - Is
there a teacher for the study? What does the teacher need to know/do
prior to each lesson?
Since this resource is intended for the leaders/teachers of youth, there is no teacher required. The amount of preparation or prior knowledge required by the teacher depends upon the selected activities. - What
is your overall evaluation of the resource? (strengths and weakness,
etc.)
The resource's greatest strength lies in the amount and variety of activities suggested. It appears to be a resource that could be used with youth groups in a variety of settings and contexts. The book itself is well designed and aesthetically pleasing, but some of the photographs are somewhat dated. There is also a great deal of information provided regarding adolescents and how to effectively minister to youths. While the resource thoroughly explores the concept of spirituality, it is limited in its scope of defining spirituality as relationships with God, others, and ourselves. Overall, this resource provides a number of great ideas and activities for exploring spirituality with youth.