High School Students Face Faith issues at
Pittsburgh Seminary’s Summer Institute

The Summer Youth Institute at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary hosted its sixth annual session this past July, drawing thirty-six high school scholars from churches across the nation. The scholars tackled significant theological issues, invested themselves in a community outreach, honed their skills for Bible study, worked at playing and communicating effectively in group-building exercises and struggled with contemporary ethical problems, all within an atmosphere of worship and praise. Through the activities, the Institute seeks to give the rising high school seniors an opportunity to grow in faith, engage in academic theological study and explore ministry as a vocation while learning more about theological education.

Chris Douse, of Nashville, Tennessee’s First Presbyterian Church, is one example of the exceptional youth that make up SYI’s scholarly and faithful community every summer. From participating on a pastor nominating committee, to helping lead youth group, to working on service projects with the Student Leadership Institute, Chris is actively invested in the life of his church. His senior pastor Dr. Todd Jones, youth pastor Rev. Mark DeVries, and youth directors Jacquie Wilson, Josh Leim, Erika Emerick and Craig Parrish have all been crucial in encouraging his faith, and helping him to discern his vocation. It was Rev. DeVries who suggested the Summer Youth Institute to Chris, as part of a mentoring dialogue that continues as Chris attends a youth worker’s convention in Nashville this November, and undertakes an internship with First Church’s youth group in the summer of 2003.

When asked about the impact of SYI on his life, Chris shared that, “In May (prior to attending SYI) I was going through a period of daily struggle with my personal faith. I would have described myself as a moral man, but not a Christian. SYI rekindled my fire and gave me a sight of what my future is. It helped me solidify a lot of views and become more secure in the stance of who and what I am. Further, SYI helped me clarify the image of Christ and Christianity, so that for me, it becomes more vibrant everyday.” Fundamental to SYI’s success, in Chris’ view, is “the community of people. Everyone was open to being together and talking about God. You don’t meet people like that everyday, from all over the country. And what’s more there wasn’t discrimination or cliques.” Rather the community’s expressed values of faith, scholarship, integrity and love were well integrated in plenary sessions, mission projects, elective courses, and small group discussions, according to Chris. That certainly helped him cope with the challenges initiated by the intense study undertaken during SYI. “Before, I was pretty close-minded toward other Christian views. Now I really appreciate the different flavors of Christianity. It was tough going at first, talking to people about it. Dr. Partee’s class (Religion & Christianity) was really hard as we struggled through Freud, Gunther, Steiner, Dostoevsky, and missionary accounts from Ethiopia and the Sudan. The material was overwhelming and really stretched my intellect. I was up till the wee hours studying some nights. But it’s carried over into my reading at home and sparked a fire in me to learn more.”

Chris also expressed appreciation for the opportunities SYI gave him to both witness and participate participate in ministry. In one instance Chris shadowed a pastor while she ministered to her parish through a reading comprehension program for children. He reflected, “It changed my view about ministers. Their work isn’t just in the pulpit on Sundays. There are opportunities for ministry to the community every single morning. And when we got to help out with the East End Cooperative Ministry’s festival that was another way—helping those little kids have fun, and encouraging positive community growth as a whole.”

Lastly Chris gave thanks for the relationships he formed with various Institute staff. He took special note of his small group leader Adam Rodgers and program director Rev. Mary Eleanor (Ellie) Johns. Of Adam he said, “This is the first small group I’ve participated in that worked. Other times people haven’t been open to it and we couldn’t achieve the level of trust and confidence that made SYI’s work. Even though there were liberals and conservatives in my group we maintained community. It helped to get out of our comfort zones in neutral territory. Like the first day of Partee’s class when everyone was floored. No matter what your perspective, everyone needed to unpack that. The group was able to talk about commonality as much as differences. Through it all Adam guided us with academic insight and Christian wisdom.” As part of SYI’s intent to maintain relationships with all its alums Rev. Johns recently visited Chris in Nashville. “It was a highlight seeing Ellie. She made it quality time by helping me outline the possibilities for alternate vocations and indicating that all kinds of things are possible when you’re passionate about something. It’s great that she keeps up with everybody, and is dedicated to that mission of sharing about vocation.”

The Summer Youth Institute is delighted to continue its mission in the lives of 186 alums like Chris, from 34 states, and in the churches and communities that have nurtured them. Reflecting on the impact that the program has had on Chris Douse’ life; Rev. DeVries said, “SYI combines faithful discipling with challenging questions of intellect and faith.” If you, or someone you know, might be interested in the Summer Youth Institute visit our site online at: www.pts.edu/summer, or contact us at:

Summer Youth Institute
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
616 N. Highland Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
1-800-451-4194.

MSAPCE Members Attend National Conference

Pictured below are some of the MSAPCE members who attended the national APCE conference in Denver, Colorado held January 29- February 1, 2003.

“Risky Business: the Practice of Spiritual Discernment” is the theme for the annual MSARC/MSAPCE event to be held at Laws Lodge at Louisville Seminary, Louisville, KY. The event is planned for November 12-14. The Keynote speaker will be Rev. Eugenia Gamble.