“In physics, tension describes the pulling force exerted by each end of a string, cable, chain, or similar one-dimensional continuous object, or by each end of a rod, truss member, or similar three-dimensional object. Tension is the opposite of compression.”

I had a great conversation with someone that I have known of for a long time and admired from afar. After chatting with him today, I have a good sense of why so many of my friends like him and speak very fondly of the type of person he is.

After noting that he had read the blog post Thin last week, we got to talking about a tension he has felt in YL for a long time.

The tension between training and education.

I had mostly thought of those words as synonymous.

He noted that there has always been a tension between getting things done/reaching more kids vs. teaching staff pastoral theology or other worthy theologies.

“There is a tension between training (how to start new schools, build a network, train a committee) and paying attention to the theological foundation to all of that work.”

This tension comes from a few places in YL it seems:

• Training periods are short (one week in most cases) and there is a need to get loads of information to the staff person and get them back to their area doing ministry.
• During times of our history when theology was valued, growth (reaching more kids) was seemingly limited.
• Outside theologians do not speak the language of YL (and we do not speak their language either!)

In physics, tension is the opposite of compression.

“Compression is the application of balanced inward (“pushing”) forces to different points on a material or structure, that is, forces with no net sum or torque directed so as to reduce its size in one or more directions.”^[1]

Can we figure out how to compress training and education in YL to more succinctly  prepare staff theologically to reach more kids?

Can we pepper our training with a bit more theological education?

Is weaving the two together beautiful?  Helpful?

Possible?

Will this rid the tension?

Can peppered in theological training help us be more productive? More confident in our call?

Or do we start a training with a devotional and then move onto the business?

Can training and theological education hold hands? Be married even?

That’s an exciting possibility! (And already existing in many areas of our mission).

Here is the thing about tension: It speaks to us.

Wether it is tension in our shoulders or neck.

Tension in our relationships at home or in the workplace.

Or maybe it tension in our souls.

Will we listen to the tension? Or will we ignore it in hopes that it will go away or get ‘better’ on its own?

May we listen to the tension.

May we find harmony in the tension through dialogue and presence with each other.

In YL, may we move toward the compression of training and education, in the push and pull of our lives and businesses.

K