Journal of European Baptist Studies, 2017

the value of pursuing his purposes. In a decade of flux and change, leaving home, pursuing education and a career, finding meaningful relationships, it is easy to become impatient, and to compare one’s ‘success’ with that of others. Rather than lament if desirable circumstances are not forthcoming (for example, marriage is not on the horizon or a career path ricochets rather than rockets off), stability, peace and encouragement come from recognition that who one is in Christ is sure and unrelated to performance. Self-contentment and Self-care With understanding of the imago Dei comes capacity and interest in self- care, another important part of contentment that helps the young adult resist self-commodifying to be accepted by others. 17 Scum seems to be a magnet for many who have had traumatic childhood experiences and/or have made disastrous life decisions at a young age. Coping mechanisms such as dissociation or outbursts of anger might be understandable in a vulnerable child, but need to be discarded as an adult. Telling the story of the pain diminishes its power, demonstrates there is an alternative to secrecy, adjusts understanding, and gives meaning. Peace and contentment come not by repressing the pain, but by recalibrating responses to the tragic events and acquiring appropriate adult coping skills. Bold preaching can acknowledge the struggle to repent and heal, while at the same time announcing a new norm that counters the commodification of the body typical of a consumer culture. Using raw and intense metaphors can describe the anxiety of identity production in a competitive society. Irony without pessimism speaks well to the millennial generation. Preaching can offer assurance that it is in deepening relationships, not a constant search for how we can get God into the picture. It is rather how we understand our picture in terms of God's greater picture.’ 16 Tyler Wigg-Stevenson, Brand Jesus: Christianity in a Consumerist Age (New York: Seabury Books, 2007), p.217. 17 Evelyn L. Parker, ‘Honoring the Body’, in Bass and Briehl, On Our Way, pp. 133-147; see also David P. Setran and Chris A. Kiesling, Spiritual Formation in Emerging Adulthood: A Practical Theology for College and Young Adult Ministry (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2013), pp. 161-183. Blomberg, Contentment 45 new ones, that one can find satisfaction. Story Night replaces a sermon several times a year at Scum. While coached to ensure that the lurid details of their former life do not detract from the beautiful redemption of their current lives, selected congregants who are experiencing significant transformation tell their stories with raw emotion and full disclosure. Recovery groups also allow a safe venue for honest confession and support in healing. Support of Mentors The practice of contentment is also supported by mentors who reflect back one’s self-awareness, and remind the emerging adult that it is not necessary to