Reflection (exerpt from Experiential Youth Ministry Handbook

Of the three components in Praxis, reflection is the most difficult for most people to apply. In the constant hustle of our culture, reflection can seem like a waste of time. Can ministries function without paying attention to the role of reflection? Sure they can, but these programs are missing out on a huge potential for depth and power. Reflection is the piece that involves the individual in ministry. Reflection encourages a student or staff person to consider how he or she can personalize the teaching so that it directly transforms his or her life.
So what is reflection? Reflection is allowing the space and time for an experience to impact a person. It's that simple. The difficult part is trusting the silence and open space. Having faith that it will be effective. This part is scary for a leader. While someone is reflecting there are few, if any, indications that anything is going on. We are tempted to fill in the void with more action or to go on to the next concept to be learned. This fear of open space keeps us bouncing from topic to topic, from activity to activity, never allowing them to sink in. We cram in one lesson after another creating a situation where we know a lot but can’t apply any of it. Reflection is that moment that lets us take a breath and consider how our lives might be impacted and changed by this new information.

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