The reality is that many times in the urban context we are looking for materials that are “easily translatable.” So many times it feels like curriculum for youth may be written from either a “churched” perspective (assuming that there is a Biblical Foundation for our students) or from what feel like a world view that…

Ministry workers spend a lot of time reaching out to people they are called to serve — through mercy ministries, bible studies, teaching, youth groups, church service and the like.  We all enjoy seeing the fruit of our labor and feel fulfilled when people are drawn to Christ through our work.  But sometimes in our…

Her eyes were low and her countenance nervous. Tones were hushed as she pulled me aside to talk. “Today, remember when we were talking about our family? I live with my Grandma. She loves me and all. But, I wanted to tell you that I have been abandoned.” No tears…simply resolve, as this gorgeous 15-year-old…

Reach somewhere into the back of your throat and make a coughing sound. Add this sound to “AZOWN,” and you have the Hebrew word for dream, vision or revelation. If you are anything like me you look at this funny title, add the “ch” sound to the front of the word and think it might…

The faith of teenagers is a picture of contrasts. Teenagers are consistently among the most religiously active Americans, with nearly six out of every 10 teens engaged in some type of group spiritual activity in a typical week. Yet, the spirituality of teenagers is also remarkably diverse and fluid. A new research study from the Barna Group…

While trying to discern what information is being searched for and consumed the most we were able to identify topics that are in need of further exploration.  Our top 10 list of 2010 is not a self-congratulatory pat on the back but rather an attempt to guide our focus for 2011. The following posts we…

The answer, it seems, is yes and no. According to Joseph Kahn of the Boston Globe: “While physical assaults on gay teens may be declining overall — thanks to many factors, including tougher antibullying laws and more support systems for high schoolers who choose to “come out’’ — there’s ample evidence, too, that bullying and…

Michael Smith is your typical middle or high school student, with one exception. He’s one of the millions of students who live in an urban setting. The term urban has taken on many definitions, however most would say that urban areas are made up of many different races, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds. Michael’s also one…