Blog
See You At The Pole
Empowering students to be part of something bigger than themselves by Mike DeVito, National Network of Youth Ministries Jimmy headed to the school flagpole one September morning remembering his youth pastor’s challenge. He was on his way to meet other high students who were coming to pray at the flagpole. “Just wait,” he remembered. “Others are…
Read MoreNew Addition to the Team
Hello Family, For over 20 years, UYWI has been identifying and developing next gen urban leaders to reach urban youth in the hardest parts of our cities and to lead the Church into the future. The future is now and the world is young, urban and multiethnic. Never has the need for bold visionary urban…
Read MoreDisruption Begins Here
by Amy Williams I remember one of my most powerful ministry moments as a youth pastor. The lights were dim. The DJ’s turntable was on fire playing hip hop and reggaeton. The break dancers were killing it. The youth were hyped up. It was quite an atmosphere. I played a Lecrae video and the youth were…
Read MoreBound To Be Free
by D.A. Horton The following article is an excerpt from Bound to Be Free: Escaping Performance to Be Capture by Grace by D.A. Horton. Soon after my conversion to Christianity, I began laboring in the work of ministry…I convinced myself during my initial days of salvation that busyness equaled holiness. If I was idle, I was…
Read MoreJam The Hype Creative Arts Festival
La Mirada, CA (March 1, 2016) – For over 15 years UYWI has been holding the premier urban youth worker conference in the nation. Our conference includes a unique brand of PRACTICAL and INNOVATIVE training that will energize you like none other. Our lineup of speakers, trainers and artists understand the urban context because most have…
Read MoreFighting The Inner Darkness
by Kathy Kang What happens when agents of disruption have their own lives disrupted? What happens with the darkness creeps in or simply takes over our own lives? What does it look like to put on the full armor of God because life is too real? I don’t know about you but 2016 came up…
Read MoreUYWI Acquires Jam The Hype
La Mirada, CA (Feb 25, 2016) – The Urban Youth Workers Institute is proud to announce the acquisition of Jam the Hype, an Internet radio and media outlet for all that is happening in Christian urban culture. Jam the Hype has been known for its quality coverage of Christian urban news, events, and also…
Read MorePowering Stories: Larry Valenzuela
by Larry Valenzuela UYWI is about powering the urban youth worker and we know that part of that is coming together and sharing our stories. Larry Valenzuela is one of those people, here is his story: About a year ago, my perspective on youth ministry began to shift. It started with a group of junior high…
Read MoreHold On and Hold Out
by D.A. Horton Mornings seem to be the most frustrating part of the day for me. No matter how early I wake up, it seems I’m always rushing out the door behind schedule. Come to think of it, there was a time when I was ready to surrender my heart to apathy because of a series…
Read MoreStand in the Place Where You Live
by Christian Mulitauopele UYWI is about powering the urban youth worker and we know that part of that is connecting with other leaders who understand your challenges and share your calling. Christian Mulitauopele is one of those leaders, here’s his story: At an early age, I understood the effects of the gang lifestyle, as they were made…
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