NEW GENERATION — Seven represent the Kootenay Diocese, including Bishop John, at Generation 2008 in London, Ontario.

Do you know what the four Gs are? How about the seven needs of adolescents? This was just some of the information and expertise available at Generation 2008 in London, Ontario from June 10th-15th 2008. Seven of us were present from Kootenay Diocese, including Bishop John (and a number from the Sorrento Centre too). This national gathering — the first of its kind — offered key note speakers, plenary sessions, a wide array of workshops, experiential learning activities, open space and transforming worship to enrich our understanding of youth ministry and equip, renew and empower us further as youth leaders. It was energizing, encouraging, exciting and enriching. We had a blast!

Over the course of the five days we learned, we played and we explored areas of youth ministry together — whether it was trying out new icebreakers, learning how to play the Jambay drum or revisiting what it is to be a young person growing up in a secular world today. My hope is that some of what we have learned together will be passed on to other youth leaders and Sunday School teachers and anyone who has a passionate concern to affirm, empower and reach out to the youth of today. I encourage my fellow attendees to share their experience through articles in the Highway too! Our young people will never be the church of tomorrow unless we first realize that they are first and foremost the church of Today.

What are the 4 Gs? They are the four Gs of teaching needed to engage a young person.

1. Grab my attention in a way that relates to what you're going to teach me (make me curious, show me this will be fun/unusual and I will want to be involved).
2. Give me something new — teach me in a way that makes sense to me — use props, a story a skit. Don't just spout boring talk. Help me find ways to remember what you are teaching me (acronyms. Mnemonics).
3. Get something out of me so I'm involved in the learning. Give me something fun and interesting to do so I use what you just taught me. If possible have me do it with other people so I hear their ideas too and help me to see how the new stuff you taught me is good to know.
4. Go make a difference. Have me get creative and use my talents with my new knowledge. Encourage me to make the world a better place and invite me to get others excited too (we learn from reflective experience).

There you have it — the 4 Gs of teaching! (from the workshop on "How to teach so kids will learn and Leading more effective worship" with Lisa Calderone-Stewart and Judy Steers). I can't wait for the next Conference!