A Warm Invite

There is certainly a plethora of terms and theory crammed into Epstein's introduction, which prepares us for a text steeped in theory. I still feel uncertain of some terminology and believe that a more solid understanding will occur after a class dissection and examination of these terms. However, the latest post made me revisit my fieldnotes and conceptualize what I noticed and recorded in regard to Epstein's introduction. My first, formal field observation was conducted on February 15 at 7:00. This was inconvenient for me, but a strategic move to maintain the purity of the church's youth. This is an ideal time for a youth service because during this time on a Friday night temptation and sin run rampant in the streets. Aside from my apparent gripe with the time, I was awestruck by both the facility and number of youth in attendance. Everyone was approaching me and inquiring about why I was here and how I learned about their church. I could easily give a vivid account of the jovial youth, their heavy and costly reliance on technology, and snippets from my skeptical, internal monologue, but I won't for several reasons. What I will share is the lack of "resistance" among these youth. They were not angered, boisterous, rebellious, calloused, etc. They didn't appear judgemental and eagerly approached me; excited that another prospect had stumbled upon their church. The few that I conversed with spoke in a respectful, almost revered tone for their pastor. They also talked highly of other church elders and didn't disclose any grievances they had agaisnt adults. In fact, the way in which I overheard thirteen year olds facetiously conversing with twenty something year olds accentuated this accepting, welcoming subculture. I could not detect any resentment or reservation among these teens. I felt as though they viewed adults not as their enemy, but rather as their ally. This is plausible once I saw how the youth interacted during the sermon. They were empowered and given voice when they were handed the microphone. Two youth read scripture and one even proceeded with a short oration! The minister also acted as though he was having dialogue with a youth, albeit, the youth simply acquiesced by repeatedly nodding his head. Even so, sitting down with a youth, breaking bread with them (nachos and soda), and then closing the conversation with a tight embrace helps persuade the youth that the adults are on their side. They didn't feel excluded from the adult world, but instead included. This involvement in the adult world is a rare occurence and certainly would alter one's feelings towards adults. We can certainly debate whether they are innocently included or included as part of a greater scheme, but this debate and the adults' intent is irrelevant to this issue. What is relevant, however, is how youth are invited into the adult realm and feel appreciated rather than rejected by adults. This welcoming approach is how adults can pull the wool over eyes and mollify resistance. They become our friends, not our foes.