Developmental Urban Youth Ministry

Urban Youth Workers Institute Presents:
Reload A One-Day Training Experience
2005-2006

Presenter: Noel Castellanos

The following are important developmental assets to relevant and responsive youth ministry programing:

"Productive Youth Ministry Keeps 3 Things In Focus:
1. Relevant and responsive programs
2. Presentation
3. Supportive network"

Misc tidbits:

It takes long term commitment and investment to affect a child.

Urban kids need consistency

The greatest gift to give a young person is to believe in them. to let them know that we can see that God is going to do great things in and thru them.

Youth are to be seen as an asset, not a problem

It's important to build meaning ful relationships across race, class, gender and generations to strengthen the existing social capitol of young people of our urban communities.

Young people need to be actively engaged in the process of community.

Urban youth are talendted and capable of leading community change

Urban youth of color must lead positive change themselves in order for it it to succeed.

Leadership programs must identify, burture and support more than a talented elite

The process of developing leaders begins with learning how to listen

The urban church is to be strategically positioned to do effective youth development.

The most important element is relationships

Youth ministry is a process which prepares youth to meet the challenges of growing up thru a coordinated progressive series of activities and experiences which helps them become spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically, cognitively competent individuals that love Christ and are engaged in changing the world.

We are to narrow program focus on removing problems or remeding devenciences rather than magnifying them

The essential domains for urban youth development are spiritual, intellectual, physical, physcological and social."

Altogehter, i found what Noel had to say as quite interesting. mostly because it is quite similar to ideas and views i've heard discussed over this year. I believe that the development of youth is important, especially our urban ones. I feel that this seminar is relevant to our mission as Project 1:17 and also any others working with urban youth. I am interested in eventually participating in a seminar first hand someday.

Any questions?

~jenn