Urban Youth Workers Called to Get 'Out of the Wreckage'

By Lillian Kwon, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, May 17, 2007

The Urban Youth Workers Institute kicks off its 10th anniversary conference today with thousands of multi-ethnic leaders from around the country.

This year's theme, "Out of the Wreckage," calls youth workers to rebuild their hearts and set themselves free as they face broken lives and wrecked cities in their daily ministry work.

"Anyone who has been around the urban youth scene over the last decade understands the incredible diversity and multicultural aspect to the challenges that face those who have joined hands to impact the cities with the Good News of Jesus Christ," said Alberto Cuellar of Urban Young Life in Oakland, Calif., according to the Institute.

A recent survey found that about one-third of urban youth workers report significant levels of posttraumatic stress, according to Fuller Seminary's Center for Youth and Family Ministry and Headington Program. Yet those emotionally exhausted tend to feel like they're actually accomplishing more and youth workers who are the most tired seem to feel the most effective.

"Urban youth workers are some of the most dedicated and passionate people around and often times go unrecognized for their work," said Lina Thompson of Vision Youth in Seattle, Wash., who added that the UYWI helps people feel affirmed for the work they are doing on the front lines.

The May 17-19 gathering at Azusa Pacific University in California will draw some 2,000 urban youth workers to benefit from a broad array of urban leadership offerings and coverage of such areas as after school programs, the emerging urban church and culture, new paradigms for reaching public schools, social justice and street ministry.

Attendants will also get a chance to refuel themselves with worship services, movie nights, stand-up comedy and the 10th anniversary celebration.

The conference will also feature a Reload stage to awaken the leaders to transformational youth ministries. The Urban Youth Workers Institute has been hosting one-day Reload events across the country, training leaders to "reload" their thinking and bring kids back to Jesus rather than Disneyland or pizza nights.

The Urban Youth Workers Institute launched in May 1998 with 180 urban leaders in Los Angeles. Today, Larry Acosta, UYWI president, describes the ministry as a movement of leaders launching bold initiatives among the last, the lost and the least in the cities.