Audio by album uywi_2006

A panel of workers in urban ministries discuss the often-contentious topic of social justice, striving to flesh out its implications - both for ministry and for one's personal life.

A panel of workers in urban ministries discuss the often-contentious topic of social justice, striving to flesh out its implications - both for ministry and for one's personal life.

by Ray Bakke & William “Duce” Branch (The Ambassador)
Talk presented Sat, May 20, 2006 at the Urban Youth Workers Institute Conference 2006.

The Kingdom of God stretches out beyond our prejudices and the walls we have built in the church and is welcoming to everyone. Be challenged in your ministry to love those outside your culture and community by studying the parable of the Wedding Feast.

by Wanda Parker & Lori Ybarra Christian                                                                                                                            &

by Efrem Smith, Eric Knox
Talk presented Thurs, May 18, 2006 at the Urban Youth Workers Institute Conference 2006.

Do you desire to be equipped to lead a healthy, growing, grassroots ministry? This learning lab is designed to provide a theology and practical ministry models for leading urban ministries which seek to be Biblically grounded and socially relevant. Vision, mission, core values, and strategic ministry planning are all explored.

by Edward Bayonet
Talk presented Fri, May 19, 2006 Urban Youth Workers Institute Conference 2006.

In this elective Spec shares the importance of having a quality relevant image and practical ways of accomplishing that… even if you don’t have all the training. He walks through music videos and flyers on the screens and shares what programs he used and how easily things were actually put together.

by Jeffrey DeLeon
Talk presented Sat, May 20, 2006 at the Urban Youth Workers Institute Conference 2006.

Together we will explore the challenges that we face in reaching the minorities in our rapidly changing world. What are the implications of serving in a Postmodern culture? What are some practical ideas that I can apply in my context to reach the minorities in my community?

by Eric Iverson
Talk Presented  Fri, May 19, 2006 Urban Youth Workers Institute Conference 2006.

Come discover and share some of the best practices in urban youth ministry trip planning. Find out about planning meals, funding, parent meetings, studies, and much more. Come away with tools you will need to create life-changing experiences your youth will never forget. It is not as difficult as you think.

by Kazi Joshua
Talk presented Fri, May 19, 2006 at the Urban Youth Workers Institute Conference 2006.

We believe that people of faith can point to the possibility of the Justice of God in the world. This elective will equip participants.

by Dean Borgman
Talk presented Fri, May 19, 2006 Urban Youth Workers Institute Conference 2006.

We discuss our responsibility and needed skills in dealing with young people who may be hostile, angry, hurting, or deeply confused. Recommended resources include Larry Brendtro & Scott Larson’s The Resilience Revolution, The Forty Assets, and more.

by Marvin Daniels
Talk presented Fri, May 19, 2006 at the Urban Youth Workers Institute Conference 2006.

Leisure is not what you think. Most youth workers, ministers and other human service professionals spend very little time on leisure. That is why there is such a deficit in our leadership structures and programmatic effectiveness. This is an informative and experiential seminar where learning is fun.

by Efrem Smith
Talk presented Fri, May 19, 2006 Urban Youth Workers Institute Conference 2006.

A Do Not Miss Experience! Come and dialogue about the church and hip hop music with some leading speakers and artists who can give all of us advice on navigating this sometime touchy subject in the faith community.

by Rudy Carrasco

Talk presented Fri, May 19, 2006 Urban Youth Workers Institute Conference 2006.
When teaching youth about economic justice , we must be careful to teach how to invest as well as how to protest. Most urban youth have little to say about investment in things that can truly change a young person’s circumstance. Come reflect on the protest/invest paradigm.

by Ray Bakke & William “Duce” Branch (The Ambassador)
Talk presented Sat, May 20, 2006 at the Urban Youth Workers Institute Conference 2006.

The Kingdom of God stretches out beyond our prejudices and the walls we have built in the church and is welcoming to everyone. Be challenged in your ministry to love those outside your culture and community by studying the parable of the Wedding Feast.

Having watched urban programs succeed and fail since the 1960’s, we’ll discuss critical principles and current resources, including the Ten Stages of Youth Ministry and the Four Basic Questions. Best practices will be discussed and further resources provided.

Based on a biblical theology of ‘wholeness,’ it is important that Christians doing community development understand how to assess needs, develop programs, sustain funding, train staff, and evaluate efforts. This elective will focus on integrating faith and appropriate program development that addresses the holistic needs of people.

Becoming the right person and recruiting the right people are the keys to being successful as you start a youth ministry. Come and learn about these ministry essentials from over 20 years of ministry experience in youth ministry.

How do we equip our youth to actually help change their “hood” into a “neighborhood?” Participants in this elective will be provided with a theological basis to develop an
effective ministry that is rooted in building capacity in youth and their community.

Learning practical approaches to building local relationships and resources for your ministry.

This elective will expose the challenges youth workers face in the area of sexual lifestyle choices and address the various issues youth workers deal with in serving this community.

In this forum, a cacophony of voices will invite you to consider what it means to embody God’s Kingdom on earth, and what it looks like to begin enacting God’s justice in our neighborhoods and beyond.

This elective will take a sometimes funny look at how we listen or don't listen to each other. We will address some of the hindrances to active and effective listening. Sometimes our inability to listen can affect our effectiveness in ministry. You will learn practical skills to help you hear what someone is trying to comminicate.

Dialogue about creating interdependent and collaborative networks as we work together for God's Kingdom. We will talk about why we should network, how to network, what some of the barriers might be. We will discover our roles in the process.

A Power Point presentation of hip hop’s
progression from music to missions.

Our urban public schools have the highest concentration of urban youth present during school hours than any other venue has during non-school hours. This elective teaches how tap into this great opportunity without crossing or being hindered by the line that is supposed to separate church and state.
 

Preaching to 50 cent will empower you to minister to a rap star, wealthy drug dealer or a brother struggling in the community. You will walk away with the information on how to reach a unique type of audience.

Emerging leaders need mentors and spiritual disciple-makers to invest in their lives like Moses invested in Joshua. As much benefit as he received from his mentor, Joshua
failed to reproduce the investment, and his spiritual legacy did not survive. As indigenous leaders emerge around you, will they find a Moses or will they find a Joshua?
 

This elective will help youth leaders understand how youth think about sex by exposing the do’s and don’ts of abstinence education. It will also give leaders a chance to deal with the issue that challenge the youth culture of today with issue’s of sexual behavior.
 

Can it work in my hood? Well, being that the model is based on biblical principles yes, it can! In this elective we’ll discuss what the principles of evangelism, worship, ministry, fellowship, and discipleship look like in an urban cultural context. We’ll explore how an urban New Testament-style church can impact its community.
 

Viv Grigg wandered into the slums of Manila and began to preach. Then in Sao Paulo, then in Kolkàta, India. Out of that came churches, social and economic change. What is thi~ seed of preaching among the páor that transforms poverty and the poor? Could you have a place in planting seeds like this or in being a seed?
 

In this workshop we will give an update on current immigration reform, as well as look at what we can continue to do to support our brothers and sisters. Caught in the middle of this chaos. Even if positive reform becomes law, we must be aware of the huge challenges we will have to overcome.
 

The Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets gives us the framework for how we build healthy students in our community. Participate in a discussion of practices from people who are both theorists and practitioners implementing positive youth development strategies.
 

How can you continue to lead bold ministries among the challenges of the hood without losing your own heart and soul in the process? In this elective you will gain insights forbalancing life and ministry, Self-care and setting boundaries in singleness and marriage, being a leader of character first, and staying solid at heart.

Are you considering adding technology to your youth program or increasing the capacity of
your computer center? This elective will present what we have learned from
TechMission’s Association of Christian
Community Computer Centers (AC4). The
workshop will feature program models, lesson plans, grants, software/hardware donation, etc.

You are gifted and qualified to~be a daughter of God. This elective will examine who you are as a daughter,. and how you are to be utilized in the ministry of the Kingdom. We will address some of the hindrances to living as we are created to live. Men are welcome to attend as they seek to help empower their female co-laborers in Christ.

Come get the facts as they relate to the
ever changing face of America. We’ll look at the trends and stats that describe major ethnic groups ever growing presence, and the implications for ministry at the start of 21st Century on the West Coast.
 

Busy and no time to go to the mountains for retreat? Retreat is a way of life. A spiritual discipline practiced regularly. Experience a retreat at your own home. Learn how you can put together your own retreat program because only you can understand the rhythm of your soul, your needs and yearnings.
 

Is leading music for your youth group a scary subject? Does it need an upgrade? Properly using music can go a long way in helping your kids draw and stay near to God! Join in the music and get some tools and techniques to help you make music a more meaningful part of.your-youth group’s worship experience.
 

Over the last 20 years, thousands of inner- city churches and ministries have worked together to compile a list of eight principles that have guided their approach to urban ministry and community transformation. In this electives, we will present an overview of these eight principles.
 

Junior Highers are real people! In addition, their lives ARE chaotic. Learn how to develop their potential and live a life that reflects their relationship with Christ. We’ll talk about what creates junior high chaos and how to use chaos to your advantage. Hear practical program ideas.
 

Junior Highers are real people! In addition, their lives ARE chaotic. Learn how to develop their potential and live a life that reflects their relationship with Christ. We’ll talk about what creates junior high chaos and how to use chaos to your advantage. Hear practical program ideas.
 

Urban youth make up various sub-cultures which give us insight into the values, language, and customs of this emerging gener ation. This elective will explore aspects of hip-hop, multi-ethnic young, gangs, and other urban youth subcultures. Theology and practical ministry models designed for engagement will be presented as well.

Sometimes we need to be “reminded and “refreshed” by “revisiting” those foundational principles that govern our roles as a man, husband, a father. It is also our desire to equip you with some fundamentals concerning how to balance both family (our 1st ministry) and our roles as urban youth workers.
 

Exploring the difference between raising good, godly kids and preparing kids to be great and godly adults. Get some practical reality learning ideas that will help prepare your youth to succeed in the adult world.
 

Can a young urban church really become self-sustaining? It’s definitely not an easy journey, but with perseverance it is possible. Come get some practical advice and creative ideas as you hear Crossover’s story of how they’ve grown to 7 full-time staff members in just over 4 years.
 

A prophetic message by John Perkins eventually led to an inner-city Chicago church plant focusing on worship, reconciliation, and neighborhood development. This elective will be a sharing some of the lessons we have learned dealing with issues of holistic urban transformation and howto integrate community development church.
 

The sustainability of an effective urban ministry is fueled by the presence of indigenous leaders in .every area of ministry and leadership. Learn biblical, principles and key best practices that can be utilized to create a ministry culture where young men and women are prepared to become the next generation of church and community leaders in your city.
 

Learn about creating academic goals for your after-school program. Also learn what are some limitations to your after-school program, and how to work around them to move students to higher academics. See a model and discuss practically what you can do for your program.
 

Am I my brother’s keeper? This elective will take a theological, social and economic look at the issue of justice and redistribution. It will explore how and why redistribution can help, hinder or stand mute as a way to build healthy community or address the issues facing urban communities.
 

Mentoring is one of the most effective and least expensive forms of ministry, and is a wonderful tool for reaching-young people - who need adult support. This elective will explore different models of mentoring, som sàriptural principles that make- mentoring
work, and provide some practical guidance on how to start a mentoring program.

Discussing the issues that we are encountering as Islanders and those who ministers to the Islander Community as we work In a collaborate effort to meet the needs of Island-youth and families.

How can the church empower parents to raise godly kids? What can we provide to help families that are unraveling at the
seams? This elective- underscores the importance of ministering to youth
beginning with.. .their parents.

Pornography: never in history has it been so accessible and affordable to children and youth. Learn what is happening online and offline; find out how it affects teenagers and get informed as to what you can do about it. Plus, pick-up some strategies to keep you, your youth, and your co-workers clean in an X-rated culture.
 

How can you be a voice of hope that that helps kids heal and overcome? Learn practical tools for helping kids grow beyond their pain, leading a ministry of affirmation, connecting youth to their identity in Christ, and counseling tips for overcoming low self esteem.
 

Dan Brown’s best-selling novel The Da Vinci Code has sold more copies than the Bible in the last year. With a movie adaptation set to come out this May, are you prepared for the secrets, lies, conspiracies the movie will present? This elective is for anybody — those who haven’t read the book and those who read and liked it.

Whether you are a beginning youth leader, or a veteran youth worker, this elective will serve as a “checklist” of essential ingredients that make for an impacting youth ministry to urban teenagers.

How the earliest Christians discovered how radical the
Kingdom was, and what we learn from that for today.
 

Training female youth workers how to
spiritually mother this generation.

Do you have a vision or dream that will
change the worid? This elective will help 
you learn how to take your idea for a new 
ministry, non profit or business to completion. 
Learn how to articulate your vision, speak to 
potential donOrs and sponsors, craft a program 
or business plan and find the ight people to help you.

The most basic information of starting an afte school 
program. What you need to know to protect yourself and 
your church. Where to get the help you (might) need with 
curriculum, fundraising and programming. Who to talk to 
when you have questions. You can do it! I can help.

In the ever changing worid of youth ministry, it is difficult 
to stay in the game for the long-haul. Is there a way to 
make youth ministry a l~elong career path? This elective 
will take a look at strategies and tools for those who 
desire to take a long journey with their youth, and 
eventually retire as youth ministry veterans.

A look at the life of adolescent girls and 
strategies to help them. Some of the topics we 
will investigate include: dating and sexuality, 
emotional issues, and relational aggression.

Working with young people in tough neighborhoods can be 
tiresome and at times depressing. During this elective 
you will be challenged to find God where most of us 
would not expect to. That is in the ‘Worst” people and 
in the ‘Worst” places. We’ll conclude with Jacob’s 
thought “surely the Lord is in this place, and I was 
not aware of it.”

Do you want to see the violence stop on the 
streets? It starts with transforming the 
heart. Most outward behavior is a symptom of 
deeper issues of pain and brokenness. This 
elective will walk through some practical 
steps to helping students change from the 
inside out.

If you or members of your team are
experiencing physical, mental, or
spiritual fatigue, then this elective
is for you. Thriving in ministry requires
the nurturing of your spirit, soul, and
body. This elective will provide you
with the knowledge to build your ministry
capacity for the challenges that you will
face in the future.

This elective examines four paradigms of
youth ministry presently operating in the
urban context. They are as follows:
1) Traditional Youth Ministry Paradigm,
2) Liberal Youth Ministry Paradigm,
3) Activist Youth Ministry Paradigm, and
4) Prophetic Youth Ministry Paradigm.

Have you ever wondered what the fascination Is
with Tupac, and why his legacy is still strong? This
elective will break down the persona, life, philosophy,
and spiritual relevance of Tupac Shakur. We will be
discussing ways to integrate and respond to Tupac,
hip-hop culture, and the new land scape of urban ministry.

Let’s not forget about our college and young
adult members in our churches now that prom
and high school graduation is over. How to
minister to the challenges and issues of those
in their early twenties to mid- thirties. How to
minister to the group that is too mature for the
teenage youth department, but is still vibrant and youthful.

As urban youth workers, we struggle with the outward
behavior of the young people in our communities on
a daily basis. This elective will help you better
understand how many of these behaviors are
responses to other issues. We will then dialogue
about ways to move them from brokeness to a place
of hope in the Kingdom of God.

You’ve got gang questions? We’ve got gang answers.
Come and participate in a forum type setting with
current or recently ex-gang members to get a more
complete understanding of the gang mentality.

Have you ever seen kids struggling with the same
negative life patterns each week?
Reaching these kids may require looking at more
than just their spirituals needs. Hear from some
practitioners who are touching ids lives comprehensively.

This elective will give urban youth workers ideas and
examples for curriculum that can help them achieve
discipleship training within their ministry throughout
the year. Copies of various studies will be on
display for tyour viewing pleasure.

Understanding the kind of environment that
promotes healthy development of young people
is important. The Search Institute’s 40 Developmental
Assets are concrete, positive experiences and
qualities essential to raising successful young
people. This elective will provide an introductory
understanding of the asset framework.

This elective will give urban youth workers an
understanding of why some young men need to
rebuild their identities, what can be done to help
them take on the giants in their lives, and strategies
to help them become urban disciples.

As communicators of truth, one of our
greatest tasks is to make the Bible come
alive & relevant to teens. Discover how to
share the Word of God in exciting new
ways. Learn new Scriptures and recall
scripture previously memorized. Become
skilled at training students to think,
speak, and act from a Scriptural basis.

Are you feeling burned out or frustrated with
the kids you’re trying to reach? If so, join us
for this interactive workshop where we will
be discovering and practicing some very
concrete ways to provide consistent and
safe boundaries for children and teens.

Should we have rappers on the worship team?
Should we start a hip-hop academy? Do I have
what it takes to witness to hip-hop heads? This
elective will provide timeless principles for
questions like these as well as prepare you
to actively engage in the dynamic world of hip-hop
culture.

This elective will address violence, gangs,
academic failure and other hardcore
destructive behaviors that tear families apart.
You will also be trained to effectively assist
parents in changing this destructive adolescent
behavior.

Part I - Mentoring Program Delivery for
the Most At-Risk Youth
Part 2 - Best Practice Program Principles
for Working with Adjudicated Youth, Teen
Moms and Stay-in-School Programs.
Part 3 -. Program Evaluation: How to
Measure Your Program Effectiveness

Come and explore the parables of Christ to
learn practical things to live out in your
community. Jesus’ stories are as relevant
today as they were in the early days of the
church. You may be amazed at how your
ministry could change as you apply Jesus’
stories to your daily ministry.

Jesus answers this question in part through
teaching through parables. Why would we
celebrate a mustard seed? Why would we pay
people who show up late for work the same
as those who have been working all day?
Let’s imagine how Jesus’ teaching through
parables shape the way we see and do our ministry.

This elective will look at the top 13 reasons why
youth join gangs and the necessary approach any
caring adult can adapt to effectively prevent or
Intervene in a youth’s gang membership.

How do you instill hope and vision for a positive future?
How do we equip our high risk youth towards a
positive future? Is our methodology for ministry able
to withstand the difficulties our young people
experience everyday? How do we show that Christ
is in their midst and with Him they dan withstand
all of the enemies arrows?

Becoming the right person and recruiting the
right people are the keys to being successful as
you start a youth ministry. Come and learn about these
ministry essentials from over 20 years of ministry
experience in youth ministry.

lf you are new to social justice, but want
some initial steps to practicing it in your
community, this is the elective for you.
Social justice is more than doing a service
project, but about creating solutions. Come
and learn how to analyze your community
for the purpose of beginning to practice
social justice in your ministry.

Do you wanna know why a certain approach to
Praise and Worship works or doesn’t work
in your services? This elective will introduce the
basic ‘do’s and don’ts’ of worship, particularly for
an urban setting. You will learn what attitudes help
and hinder the flow of worship.