Author Biography
The author lived through the social chaos of the 1960s and 1970s as an interesting learning experience. He entered this period as a college chaplain and faculty member in a church-related college where he taught a senior honors course in science, social change and the impacts on the church. He then began doctoral studies in cognitive psychology in a major state university and also was the pastor of an experimental ministry in a nearby Episcopal church. The experiment addressed the issue of passive laity, active clergy. The clergy team was three who held full time secular commitments and served without pay. They agreed to conduct services while training lay-persons to do the bulk of the ministry within the congregation. A majority liked this and cited high morale and commitment. A minority rejected the team ministry and cited the loss of personal relationship with the clergy. Deeper polarization emerged as riots began at the nearby university and as the Episcopal Church began to revise the Book of Common Prayer. A significant minority agreed that In a changing world, the church ought to be a place of quiet and unchanging stability. The supporters of the team ministry generally favored changes, agreed that the church should operate with a minimum of property and a maximum of emphasis on being a community, and maintained a support group for persons in difficulties. These experiences encouraged your author to do additional work in studies of conflict and conflict resolution and to go back to seminary for a Masters in Biblical Theology. Three insights came out of the 1970s that remain true today: (1) Changes in family life and community had given rise to a generation of children with different beliefs and values than their parents, (2) the younger generation are questioning the traditional church and traditional Christians, and (3) change must be carefully introduced and managed lest it disrupt the Christian community. Since 1973, your author has worked as a lead scientist and senior systems analyst in energy and environment. He has continued to serve with congregations in crisis, as well as congregations that are coming alive with enthusiasm and hope for the future. The book, Where have all the Young People Gone and The Study Guide reflect lessons learned.
