A Ministry of the School of Theology and Christian Ministry—Olivet Nazarene University
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6/01/10

The Authority of Authenticity in Youth Ministry

Jeremy Bixler

 

The headline jumped out on the front page of the April 12, 2010 Kansas City Star:  KC Police Brace for Return of Unruly Youths to Plaza. The story read:

Police were expecting trouble last weekend, but not of the magnitude that was delivered when as many as 900 juveniles swarmed the Plaza streets and sidewalks. Police think texting and social media played a role in the wave of youths.... The youths "were destroying property, pushing people as they walked down the sidewalk and spitting on people," Police Capt. Donna Greenwell said. "It was just mass chaos and mayhem." ...Councilwoman Sharon Sanders Brooks said the entire city needs to confront the issue of young people not having enough wholesome weekend evening activities. "It's everybody's responsibility," said Sanders Brooks, who represents the 3rd District, in the heart of the city. "It's going to take council people, the private sector, parents and the faith-based community."

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Author's Profile

Jeremy Bixler works in the global offices of Nazarene Youth International in Lenexa, KS. He is an Assistant Coordinator for Nazarene Youth Conference 2011 – A World Unbroken, to be held July 5-10, 2011 in Louisville, KY. Additionally, Jeremy works on the Youth Ministry Academy (http://www.youthministryacademy.org). In addition to having six years of experience in local church youth ministry, Bixler holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees in Youth Ministry from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL.