While it may seem to some that adolescence hasn’t changed much for girls in recent years, research and media trends indicate at least three areas we’ve identified as needing our renewed attention as youth workers. In this article we share ideas for responding to three “mores” that bring new twists to some perhaps-familiar issues: more sexy, more pressure, and more violence.
While it may seem an oxymoron, resting in the city is not only possible, but imperative for urban youth workers. Read on as Kim Williams explores the “prayer of rest” as a method for encountering God in the city, suburbs, or wherever you find yourself in ministry.
Do you ever wonder about the personal impact of ministry stress? Do you ever suspect that the risks of your ministry might outweigh the ability you have to survive or be resilient in the midst of them? This report looks at the findings from a recent FYI study of urban youth workers from around the country, with implications for youth workers in every environment.
Are kids getting more or less violent? Given the amount of media attention attracted by episodes of youth violence, it’s hard to get a handle on what research might be saying or what ministry interventions might be working to lower violence. With the help of the Fuller Youth Initiative research team, this article takes an in-depth look at the key questions youth workers and parents have about youth violence, and a few encouraging responses from youth workers who are making a difference.
This article is an excerpt from a chapter in the new book The Gospel Remix: Reaching the Hip Hop Generation, by Fuller Seminary’s Ralph Watkins. Pastor-Professor-DJ Watkins explores ministry implications for reaching out to hip hoppers by facing hard questions church leaders are asking about hip hop culture, and applies these insights to cross-cultural outreach to kids in general.
- Intergenerational Ministry Conference audio
- Urban Youth Worker Stress study insights
- Youth Violence research
- Hip Hop and evangelism
Tod Bolsinger, senior pastor of San Clemente Presbyterian Church in Southern California, shares insights on intergenerational ministry from the perspective of a senior pastor and parent of adolescents. Tod gave this keynote address at the Connect For: An Intergenerational Approach to Ministry conference hosted by Fuller and FYI (then CYFM) in March 2007.
Brad Griffin and Dr. Linda Wagener lead a workshop discussing the fragmentation of the church that has resulted from trends in both the church and culture over the past 50 years. Workshop participants share practical ideas for re-engaging congregations and facilitating cross-generational ministry opportunities. This workshop was part of the Connect For: An Intergenerational Approach to Ministry conference hosted by Fuller and FYI (formerly CYFM) in March 2007.
Dr. Kara Powell and Dr. Pam King lead a workshop discussing the incorporation of an assets-based ministry framework across the ministries of the church. This workshop was part of the Connect For: An Intergenerational Approach to Ministry conference hosted by Fuller and FYI (then CYFM) in March 2007.
Chap Clark calls the Church to reconsider what we’re doing to kids and families by perpetuating “youth ministry as usual.” In his inaugural professorial lecture at Fuller Seminary in March 2007, Chap argues for a new model of ministering to youth by assimilating them into the life of the congregation.
