Obviously, this is one of the best parts of my job. I often support youth at their games, plays or recitals and see them outside of church. This way I get to know their world and see them at their best doing the things they love.
The Church is not just the Church on Sundays or within the church building. We are a people sent out into the world every Sunday at the benediction, to be bearers of God's reconciliation.
Youth spend countless hours going to church activities and growing up with many other Christians, but many are not actually given significant faith formation.
The result is that many of them think that being nice is the same thing as being Christian. Certainly there is overlap. Dean does not suggest that Christianity necessitates being mean to everyone. But, she does suggest that there is a big difference between seeing God as a positive influence to draw from when one feels like it and seeing God as a living presence shaping one's life.
I do enjoy eating ice cream. But, the real reason I foster relationships with our youth is to show that I really care about their life and their walk with God. A soccer coach may give very specific instructions about how to become a better player. While faith is not as easy to "instruct" there are ways youth leaders can show and share what a sacrificial life is like and mentor youth as they live out their faith.
As for me, I'll start with ice cream.