Illustration by Jessamyn Rubio
A pastor charged with teaching a third-grade VBS class realized she was learning not only from the children but with them, by openheartedly engaging in the activities meant for kids.
Via their avatars, children and teens gather for worship in the sanctuary of The Robloxian Christians.
Founded and pastored by a Tacoma teenager, The Robloxian Christians is a real -- albeit virtual -- church where young people gather to worship, pray and connect. And it has important lessons for those who lead traditional churches and church-related institutions.
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A white youth pastor says it’s important to go beyond diversity when leading youth in the work of racial repair. Admitting failure, fostering careful listening, and paying attention to the local context are all important parts of the process, he writes.
The Rev. Matt Overton clips bushes while Ethyn McLaughlin mows a lawn on a Saturday morning as part of Mowtown Teen Lawn Care's work. Photos by Adam Guggenheim
Jobs, skills and mentoring are just some of the benefits of this lawn care business, operated under the auspices of a Presbyterian church in Vancouver, Washington.
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The church should be at the vanguard of a much-needed revolution in caretaking and the raising of children, says a young mother of four. We own the groundwork, the history and the theology of care.
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Youth want to do more than participate in ready-made service opportunities, and the work of youth ministry should be to help them experience their own agency, writes the director of the Institute for Youth Ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary.
Photo courtesy of Duke Youth Academy
Jesus interrupts violence with peace, and hate with love. The director of Duke Youth Academy says she has been called into the work of interruption, leading conversations with young white people about race, police brutality and injustice.
The Rev. Richard Joyner ties up onions with some of the young people who are learning about growing and selling food as well as healthy eating.
Photo courtesy of Encore.org; videos by Alex Maness
A pastor in rural North Carolina has developed a farming and beekeeping operation that improves the health of local residents while training a new generation.
Teenage pilgrims gather for mid-day prayer in the meeting-room-turned-sanctuary at Youthfront LaCygne in LaCygne, Kansas.
Photos courtesy of Youthfront
Youthfront, a 72-year-old Kansas City youth ministry, is passionate about recovering classic Christian formation in the lives of young people. At Youthfront LaCygne, they’ve created a theological playground, a space for young people to think, reflect, doubt and pray.
Marcos, a student, and instructor Jaki Negreros at work in Newspring's art studio. The organization hopes to encourage teens from the Spring Branch community to think about college and careers in the arts.
Photos by Jeff Fitlow
Newspring, a Christ-centered nonprofit in the Spring Branch section of Houston, helps children and teens visualize a brighter future by nurturing their artistic talents and skills.