Youth ministry and cool

There is an everpresent battle in Youth Ministry.
It's the battle of relevance.
Making sure the message is meeting students where there at.
But there is a tension between contemporary and contemplation.
Between rock and redemption.
Between Christ and Culture.

I love the tension. It's in the midst of this tension I think we find the real Jesus and authentic Christ Followers. Youth Specialties is an organization I have a lot of respect for. They are always seeking to find a balance in this tension. An associated press writer attended their convention recently, and saw this tension in action. You can read about it and watch a short video report here.