Youth Ministry Institute

Zoom | September 18 – October 2 | 12 – 1:30 pm Eastern | 3 Sessions

Despite ongoing anti-racism efforts in our nation racism continues to flourish. If most Americans align with a faith or tradition that upholds values of justice and equity why are we still “here” in this static space? Join us for three sessions as we answer this question by journeying back to our roots: digging up the racism that is embedded in our existing anti-racism frameworks. Together we will explore decolonizing methods and inventory the historical seeds that continue to sprout as intended: to stunt our growth.

Session 1:
We will explore the ways in which racism is embedded in the anti-racism frameworks consistently in use today particularly in many faith communities. Digging deep into its presence in youth ministry we will uncover how past perceptions actively impact future progress.

Session 2:
We will have a discussion surrounding overarching education frameworks that combat racism particularly in faith-based contexts. Together we will explore how these anti-racism scaffolding examples can be applied in youth ministry settings.

Session 3:
We will investigate tangible tools resources and practices to guide participants as they strive to align their youth ministries with their hopeful anti-racism outcomes. Reviewing curation methods implementation of content and invitations to praxis our focus will be on the formation of a holistic ministry that considers all touchpoints for transformation.

The three sessions will occur on September 18, 25, and October 2.

**If you missed her initial lecture on this topic, you can watch the video and interview here.

Despite ongoing anti-racism efforts in our nation, racism continues to flourish. If most Americans align with a faith or tradition that upholds values of justice and equity, why are we still “here” in this static space?

Join us in this webinar as we answer this question by journeying back to our roots: digging up the racism that is embedded in our existing anti-racism frameworks. Together we will explore decolonizing methods, and inventory the historical seeds that continue to sprout as intended: to stunt our growth.

These are holy troublemaking times, and our youth want to grapple with life’s big questions. Catching courage and hope from the stories we tell of beloved saints—both conventional and unconventional—who have faced challenges and managed to stay rooted in joy, justice, and the beloved community is enormously helpful. Stories are how we and the young people in our lives imagine how things could be, and discover what it takes to make positive change.

Join author Daneen Akers and Christian educator Wendy Claire Barrie as they talk about progressive faith formation especially through the lens of the middle-grades anthology Holy Troublemakers & Unconventional Saints and its companion curriculum. Hear ideas for how the stories of people like Bayard Rustin, Wangari Maathai, Thich Nhat Hahn, Mr. Rogers, Valarie Kaur, Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg, Rev. Gafney, Rumi, and more can connect with adolescents. There will be time for break-out sessions and sample curriculum. Bring your questions!