Discussion Guide
TOKENISM OF YOUNG ADULTS
MOVING FROM ANXIOUS RELATIONSHIPS TOWARD COCREATING COMMUNITIES
Rev. Baird Linke & Rev. Kristen Glass Perez
From the beginning, the story of God’s people and the story of the Christian church is a space of dynamic change, co-creation, and active partnership…Why, then, would we expect a current church to be forged without the active co-creation of young adults?
SETTING THE TABLE
Take a moment to get present in this moment together or with yourself. Take a breath in and out. In and out. Notice how you are really feeling. Go around the group or by yourself and offer a one-word check in to share where you are at and the energy you are bringing to this discussion. No additional questions are needed, but it helps to know where people are at. Give thanks and gratitude to everyone for sharing and for showing up in whatever state they are in.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
- How would you describe the tokenism of young adults in your congregation or a congregation you have been a part of?
- Where have you witnessed or experienced tokenism inside of the church?
- Where is it that tokenism, colonialism and racism intersect in an attempt to disrupt the Divine?
- Baird stated, “When the church is worried about staying relevant but anxious about change, tokenism is a convenient coping mechanism.” What do you see as healthy coping mechanisms to counter the unhealthy ways that the church (and perhaps your own congregation) copes?
- Kristen stated “Power comes with one’s status or role; credibility comes from the community. Power is given, credibility is earned. Relationship trumps doctrine, at every level. When you go where you are invited, you are building capacity for credibility.” Reflect on your relationships, how are you building capacity for credibility or not among young adults in your context?
CLOSING
What is the “low-hanging fruit” step you could take for yourself and/or your congregation in response to this discussion today?
A low hanging fruit is something you could easily do this coming week.
Given this theme and your context; what is one “moonshot” you could imagine?
A moon shot is a giant leap into relationship and connection that would require monumental effort but be totally amazing.