Dissertation: A Contemplative Youth Ministry Retreat Model

This study proved not only to be a lot of work but a great blessing as well! The overall findings suggest that teaching students the classic spiritual disciplines in a retreat setting has positive spiritual results.

A big thanks to all those students and adults who not only contributed to the study but continue to help reach youth with the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Southwest Texas Confererence of the United Methodist Church.

I hope you enjoy this dissertation and appreciate the movement of God's Holy Spirit along the way. I pray that it might help you grow closer to Christ as you explore the spiritual disciplines in retreat among youth.

Grace and Peace,

Rusty Freeman

Abstract

A CONTEMPLATIVE YOUTH MINISTRY RETREAT MODEL
by Russell H. Freeman

    The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a contemplative youth ministry retreat model in the lives of youth through a weeklong camping experience. This study sought to deepen Christian discipleship and increase spiritual well-being among youth by teaching six selected classic spiritual disciplines. This study developed a model by which the disciplines are taught as well as a measure to gauge the continued practice of these disciplines after the summer camp experience.
    The study showed the significance of the contemplative youth ministry curriculum, as a means to spiritual growth, in the number of youth who continued the practice of the disciplines eight weeks after the conclusion of camp. 

© 2007

Russell H. Freeman

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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