Urban Ministry
Keep Praying, Keep Believing
In the work of urban youth ministry, discouragement can feel like an unwelcome companion. We’ve all been there watching young people we’ve invested in make the choice to leave, seeing programs struggle to gain traction, feeling like our efforts are falling short. The statistics can be overwhelming, the challenges systemic, and the victories sometimes few…
Read MoreThe (Whole) Christmas Story
How many times have you heard and told the Christmas Story? The arrival of the baby Jesus prophesied to a young Mary by the Angel Gabriel, announced to a group of shepherds in a field, turned away by an innkeeper, eventually born in a manger, and then visited by wise men or kings (depending on…
Read MoreTrauma-informed care and focus on mental health in youth ministry
The Church has been a central component in the lives of youth for generations, and for good reason. As research shows, a young person’s faith can be a protective factor against negative behaviors and outcomes. However, despite one’s faith and the church, trauma-informed care is often not emphasized enough or even talked about within the…
Read MoreDISCIPLESHIP IN THE AGE OF VIDEO GAMES
If the church continues to ignore and dismiss video gaming, we will miss out on one of the biggest opportunities to reach into the culture and connect with our youth and their families.
Read MoreSTORIES OF LAMENT: THE COLLECTIVE CRIES OF URBAN BLACK LEADERS
We at UYWI held a lament a few weeks ago with some of our black brothers and Sisters. We poured out our lament and many of you watched. Now we are publishing these laments in written form so that you can internalize the message we so bravely gave you. As you read these lament, we ask…
Read MoreGraduation 2.0
Imagine running an entire marathon only to have the finish line disappear before you cross it. Was all of this running and sweating in vain? You earned that finish line, but now you are standing in the street with doubt and disappointment. Life is full of unforgettable moments, and there are certain celebrations we expect…
Read MoreDear American Church, is Diversity in your DNA?
Diversity and inclusion have become a popular topic of discussion across all segments of life. Whether it’s gender equality in school sports, the wage gap, or racial inclusion we still see the lingering side effects of a country built on cultural supremacy and segregation.
Read MoreHow To Have A Transformative Mentoring Conversation With An Urban Teenager
Can a conversation really make a difference? Michael Freeman writes about the power that one conversation can have in the trajectory of a young person’s life. What if you and a conversation could be the bridge for a young person to strive towards success?
Read MoreBeing Asian American in the Midst of COVID-19
In this pandemic of COVID-19, Grace P. Cho sheds light on what the experience has been for those of Asian heritage in America and how leadership, unity and empathy are needed now to stand against fear.
Read MoreI Am Not a Democrat
Can you look past my complexion? This question is a common thought in the minds of Black Americans, from every cultural and ethnic background. Constantly considering the potential of facing discrimination, stereotypes, and the anxiety of someone else’s fear. Hoping that grace or miraculous divine intervention interjects itself in the next racially-charged situation so we…
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