One of the best resources I have as a youth minister is www.cpyu.org. This website is the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding. It is an incredible tool for youth ministers, youth workers and parents of teens. I find it helpful in understanding youth culture, it’s trends, and how to shape culture rather than conforming to it.
The following is how they describe themselves:
At a time when an already confusing youth culture is changing quickly, CPYU helps parents, youth workers, educators, and others understand teenagers and their culture so that they will be better equipped to help children and teens navigate the challenging world of adolescence.
Founded in 1990 by Walt Mueller, CPYU has developed an international reputation as a voice providing cutting-edge information, resources and analysis on today’s youth culture.
The mission of CPYU is to work with churches, schools, and community organizations to build stronger relationships between young people and those charged with helping them grow into healthy adulthood.
This mission is accomplished by:
- Helping parents understand and respond to the complex world of their children and teens from a distinctively Christian point of view.
- Equipping teenagers to deal with the challenges of adolescence.
- Equipping parents and teens to respond to these challenges through a distinctively Christian world and life view.
- Raising the youth culture awareness of youth workers and educators, thereby helping them increase their effectiveness with parents, children and teens.
I urge you to explore this site. I think you will find it informative, shocking (at times), and a great “go to” resource for any youth worker or parent.
Chet
