this year at our junior high pastors summit, we invited psychiatrist and adolescent brain specialist, todd clements, to join us. this is part 3 of a 6-part series of the notes from that time. this particular section is the brainstorming session, after our guests left, of the topics we would like to discuss in our remaining time. the notes are a bit cryptic at times, i admit. i’ve cleaned them up a bit from what was useful for those who attended, but it would take too long to fill in all the gaps — so i’m posting them somewhat as is, in hopes that they’ll still be stimulating to some.

A brainstorm of ideas for what we might discuss over the rest of our time together.

Brain Content:
– Discuss “The Primal Teen” and what we each thought of the book itself
– Implications of young volunteers and their involvement in young teen ministry
– Teaching implications – does this impact how and what we teach? Should our small groups be different based on what we have learned?
– Content of discipleship – what are the implications of the building up and winnowing of the brain cells?
– What are the broad implications of all this in young teens?
– Is how and when we transition kids the best based on this? Do we need to work differently with our high school ministries and come up with a scope of learning based on this? Is there as much of a difference between MS and HS as we have made it out to be?
– Parents – how do we communicate this information in a positive way?
– Expectations – is it time to raise or lower the bar – do we need to vary our approach so we are not over or under challenging our approach?
– How do we train our leaders to have right expectations based on this understanding? How would we simplify the book to a point where our leaders could easily grasp?
– imlications of sleep issues
– The “Christian” family
– Depression and how rampant this must be within our groups? Do we really understand this? Do we underestimate depression?
– Jhigh ministry as a framework for college/young adult ministry?
– What about more holistic ministry – exercise, diet, etc… do we need to encourage or structure our ministry differently because of this?
– Slippery Slope – how do we change what we do – hires – programs – etc… that will impact us as a ministry? If we know that 1 in 5 students have a clinical disorder, do we hire a counselor in the SM?
– Brain vs. Evil – Brain theology

WHAT WE VOTED TO TALK ABOUT:
– Depression and Disorders
– Implications for young volunteers
– Teaching
– General Discussions of expectations
– Communication to parents