Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
Major/Program
Religious Studies
First Advisor's Name
Whitney Bauman
Second Advisor's Name
Lesley Northup
Third Advisor's Name
Albert Wuaku
Keywords
Presbyterian Church, Youth Conference Ministries, Religious Studies
Date of Defense
3-28-2013
Abstract
The present thesis examines the relationship between Youth Conference Ministries (YCM) and the Presbyterian Church. YCM is a charismatic organization that organizes youth retreats for students in middle school and high school, with the goal of charismatically educating the youth of America. The focus of this thesis is on the Great Escape Southwind, a middle school retreat that caters to the southern portion of United States. My thesis first traces the biblical and historical underpinnings of charismatic Christianity. Next it provides an ethnographic case study of the Great Escape, focusing on its ability to foster spiritual growth of students through an enthusiastic response to the Holy Spirit. Finally it examines the relationship between YCM and the Presbyteries that populate its retreats. Overall this thesis shows how YCM provides a charismatic service to the local Presbyterian Churches, allowing for its adolescent parishioners to remain enthusiastically active as they progress towards adulthood.
Identifier
FI13042319
Recommended Citation
Pearce, Nicholas Edward, "The Great Escape: A Modern Charismatic Movement within the Presbyterian Church" (2013). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 856.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/856
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