So… I am a little further along in The God-Hungry Imagination by Sarah Arthur. The book went from being one I was resonating with to one that I think is a must read for any youth worker. Especially youth workers exploring and experimenting with story and the use of it the spiritual formation of adolescents.

Chapter 3, Imagination and Spiritual Formation is worth the price of the book. Arthur does a very good job giving some helpful and creative language that does two things. First, it helps one understand how important of a role imagination has in the spiritual development of people. Secondly, the language Arthur uses is helpful for youth workers to use as we might explain it to others — parents, peers, volunteers, supervisor’s, etc.

Here is a quote that I thought was helpful…

“Remember how I said the imagination is what helps us put things together, which in turn helps us discover meaning? Consequently, a vital role of the imagination in spiritual formation is to help a young person make meaningful connections between the church, the world and her life.” (page 58)

Arthur also does a nice job distinguishing between an actively unhealthy and an actively healthy imagination which I think is important since many of our parents, peers, volunteers, supervisors, etc. are most likely more afraid where an active imagination might lead a teen that they are encouraged by it.

Arthur also provides 5 key areas that are crucial to nurturing a healthy imagination. I’ll hold off on giving them to you since I think you should buy the book and give it a good read anyway…

Although only part-way through the book, (I am maybe a little more than half-way. It is an easy read — I am also writing a book these days so my reading is limited to a few pages per day) I am encouraged how we at YouthFront & Sonlife have and are using story in our ministry initiatives to help aid in the spiritual formation of students and youth workers.

Again, I think you should consider picking up a copy of this book… I will have another post in a day or so. When I am done sharing Arthur’s insight from this book, I will post my own thoughts/questions/concerns/ideas as it relates to the book Maybe by then you’ll have a copy and we can interact around it.