Welcome youth ministers & workers!
1. This site is especially for you (though it will also help you by serving parents and others). It is meant to be first aid in dealing with some new or special problem. You may have little experience with suicide or some drug, with eating disorders or even vampirism. Most of us need to consider how young identities are being shaped by consumerism or how advertising undermines positive body image and a sense of personal confidence. Look for your topic in our Encyclopedia or go to our Search and write in a simple combination of words.
2. The Encyclopedia is also meant to be a first step in study or research. We would encourage you to take one morning or block of time each month just to study. This is one way to prevent burn-out which afflicts so many hard working youth workers.
3. Some youth leaders have asked us, "What's the purpose of so much information about social issues or other countries that doesn't directly affect my ministry?" Our answer is that young people need and want to be stretched by considering issues of social justice and matters being debated in the news. In our Encyclopedia and other links you will find a balanced discussion of issues like consumerism, racism, issues of social class and our stewardship of the environment.
4. Go to our YOUTH MINISTRY Center. There you will find resources from many organizations, undergraduate and graduate schools for further study and online study opportunities (Resources/continuing education), even professional organizations to be joined or whose journals you can obtain.
5. Go to News&Facts and you'll find up to date statistics ("hotstats") to incorporate into your talks or grant applications and find quick information on the worlds' major religions.
5. Under Networking, you will be able to get in touch with experts within areas of your interest or with those engaged in similar work to yours. Also, you can find jobs under our "job bank" , continuing education as well as upcoming events and conferences. And you can find others who care about youth in your area. All this does not exhaust what you'll find here. Our desire is to help you in your crucial and difficult work. Hopefully, this site will encourage you, educate you and connect you with others so you can more effectively improve the lives of youth in your community.