July 15, 2007
Guest – The Simba Circle
Program: Making Choices
The Division for Church
in Society, in partnership with the Division for Congregational
Ministries and its Outdoor Ministries team, has developed a remarkable
program which has proven its effectiveness in ministry among young
African-American males, their families and congregations. This
partnership has extended from the
Evangelical
Lutheran
Church
in America into a significant national network of grassroots
organizations, coalitions and Christian judicatories concerned with the
empowerment and development of ethnic and urban communities.
The Simba Circle is
a two-week camping experience that has established a safe place for
healing and restoring the lives of young African-American males (between
the ages of 10 and 18) since 1993.
 The
Simba Circle (TSC) connects basic Christian principles with African
precepts, proverbs and ethical traditions. We demonstrate how
African-Americans have inherited a faith tradition transmitted through
the church and through African culture. The revelation of Jesus Christ
is given shape and form as African culture is explored and African
rituals are shared in the service of the gospel. Candidates are taken
out of the community, given instruction, guided in spiritual disciplines
and returned to the community through ritual action. We are providing a
community for persons who are seeking a more spiritual life. Unchurched
youth see all around them "a climate of civility" as they learn conflict
resolution, self-respect and reciprocity toward others. TSC openly and
consistently models the grace-filled life that our church is called to
announce, giving tangible meaning to the gift and the prize of
reconciliation through the mediating presence of Jesus Christ. |
