Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Conde-Frazier and Rev. Ruben Ortiz deliver a lecture entitled, “Thriving Grace: Hope’s Agenda Setting.” While practical theology has defined thriving in the language of scholars, what does thriving mean for young people and youth pastors living in urban poverty as the reality of their lives? Beginning with the description of the context of urban poverty, its problems and effects on youth, we will bring into conversation the voices and disciplines of youth, ministers, professors, theorists of urban studies and theologians. Rev. Dr.Conde-Frazier is Academic Dean and Vice President of Education at Esperanza College of Eastern University. Rev. Ortiz has served in urban ministry for 30 years and is Director of National Programs at Esperanza.