Dr. Josh Packard & Master Megan Bissell: The Future of Faith and the Next Generation

Find Josh & Megan's work at Future of Faith!

Summary

Dr. Josh Packard and Master Megan Bissell discuss the future of faith and their work as sociologists. They emphasize the importance of applied sociology and doing work that is useful, not just interesting. They talk about how they became a team and their journey from academia to founding the Springtide Research Institute. They highlight the need for sacred listening and treating every conversation as meaningful. They also discuss the importance of relationship and understanding the spiritual practices of young people. The conversation explores the importance of understanding and guiding young people in their spiritual journeys. It highlights the need for parents and adults to have curiosity and empathy when engaging with young people's spirituality. The conversation emphasizes the role of adults as guides rather than authorities, allowing young people to explore and find their own answers. It also encourages parents to take notes and track their children's spiritual growth over time. The conversation concludes with a reminder that adults don't have to have all the answers and can rely on the Holy Spirit to guide the process.

Keywords

future of faith, sociology, applied sociology, sacred listening, relationship, spiritual practices, young people, spirituality, young people, guidance, curiosity, empathy, exploration, parents, adults, notes, growth, Holy Spirit

Takeaways

Applied sociology focuses on doing work that is useful, not just interesting.
Sacred listening is treating every conversation as meaningful and finding deep listening as a sacred practice.
Relationships are crucial in understanding the spiritual practices of young people.
Young people are repackaging faith practices and finding spiritual moments in nature and other ways.
Understanding the language and experiences of young people is essential in helping them develop meaningful faith practices. Parents and adults should approach young people's spirituality with curiosity and empathy.
Adults should act as guides rather than authorities, allowing young people to explore and find their own answers.
Taking notes and tracking a young person's spiritual growth over time can be valuable.
Adults don't have to have all the answers and can rely on the Holy Spirit to guide the process.

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