Pamela Ebstyne King & Steven Argue: Joy on Purpose

This lecture was delivered by Dr. Pamela Ebstyne King and Dr. Steven Argue of Fuller Theological Seminary on October 5, 2016 as part of the Joy and Adolescent Faith & Flourishing free monthly Lunch & Lecture Series.

Lecture Abstract:
Joy vs. Happiness. Given that feelings of happiness are fleeting and the complexities of youth culture today, joy does not happen on accident. We contend it occurs on purpose. Joy is dependent on knowing what matters most in life and making a meaningful contribution to something beyond the self. Purpose is forged through encountering God’s grace and discovering one’s role in God’s ongoing work in this world. Stories define us. When we know our story and our role in the story—we discover our purpose. God’s ongoing story of creation, redemption and perfection is the ultimate story. Drawing on their backgrounds in ministry, theology, psychology, and education, Pam and Steve, offer insights and practical suggestions for enabling youth ministers to nurture a sense of purpose through discovering one’s place in God’s story. Faith lived on purpose is flourishing.

Steven Argue, Ph.D. [Michigan State University], is the Assistant Professor of Youth, Family, and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary and Applied Research Strategist for the Fuller Youth Institute [Pasadena, CA]. Steve researches, writes, and speaks on topics surrounding adolescent and emerging adult spirituality. He has worked in academic, church, and parachurch contexts, and uses his experience and research to coach churches on youth ministry, emerging adulthood, spiritual formation, teaching and learning, and internship strategies. Prior to coming to Fuller, Steve led the kids and student ministry teams, and served on the lead team for Mars Hill Bible Church [Grand Rapids, MI].

Pamela Ebstyne King, Ph.D. is the Peter L. Benson Associate Professor of Applied Developmental Science in the Thrive Center for Human Development in the School of Psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary, is ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA), and researches and teaches in the areas of human thriving and positive youth development, spiritual and moral development, and theological perspectives of development. Pam is co-author of The Reciprocating Self: A Theological Perspective of Development and co-editor of the Handbook of Spiritual Development in Childhood and Adolescence. Her research has been published in various journals such as Developmental Psychology, Applied Developmental Science, Journal of Early Adolescence, and The Journal of Psychology and Theology.

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This lecture is now available on Livestream for playback: http://livestream.com/yaledivinityschool/YMI