Who's our Audience?

Reframe was created to serve multi-ethnic, urban leaders who are fully devoted to Jesus and are working with urban youth in youth-serving organizations and churches in urban communities.

These urban leaders are under-resourced, under-staffed, and in the throws of trying to figure out how to reach a rapidly changing youth population.

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Reframeyouth

Reframe was created to serve multi-ethnic, urban leaders who are fully devoted to Jesus and are working with urban youth in youth-serving organizations and churches in urban communities.

These urban leaders are under-resourced, under-staffed, and in the throws of trying to figure out how to reach a rapidly changing youth population.

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What do we mean when we say urban?

By Urban, we use UYWI’s definition which is…the shared culture of suffering experienced in broken communities, expressed through Music, Art, Fashion, Sports, and Language.

  • By Urban we mean…relevant, creative, and multi-ethnic.
  • By Urban we mean…the epicenter of global culture.
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What are we trying to accomplish through our curriculum?

With 1.2 million youth leading the church every year, we all know what we are currently doing isn't working. Gen Z & Gen A are very different from anything we've ever seen before.  They have grown up in a world of technology, instant gratification, and constant change. In the urban context, these differences become even more complex as you consider the socio-economic challenges urban youth face. As pastors and leaders, it's our responsibility to adapt and provide them with the tools they need to navigate this new world while also staying true to our faith.

Reframe curriculum aims to equip urban youth with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for them to embrace a faith that has both theological and practical significance in their life, in order for them to be strong Christian leaders in today's society. Our goal should not be just to teach them about the Bible, but to to create a safe and inviting space where they can explore and grow their faith, while also helping them understand how it applies to their lives and make a positive impact on the world around them. We want to empower them to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, and compassionate individuals who can lead with love and grace.

By focusing on building a strong foundation of faith and character in our urban youth, we hope to create a generation of urban leaders of color who are passionate about spreading God's love and making a positive impact in the world. We believe that through our curriculum, we can inspire young people to become agents of change who spread the Gospel throughout the world.

  • Gen Z/A Distinctives

    Here are some distinctive we've discovered about them:

  • Social Truth

    Previous generations believed something because people in positions of power told them it was true. Gen Z/A believes it because it has likes and shares. This fundamental difference in how information is validated is a major factor that has shaped the values and beliefs of Gen Z and Gen A.

  • Justice Oriented

    Gen Z/A is passionate about social justice and equality. They are not afraid to speak up and fight for what they believe in. In our curriculum, we want to encourage this passion and channel it towards making positive changes in the world. We want to teach them about biblical principles of justice and how they can use their voices and actions to bring about meaningful change.

  • Digital Natives

    Unlike previous generations, Gen Z and Gen A are digitally native. They have grown up surrounded by technology and are highly skilled in using it. Of course technology can be extremely useful, but on some level, the overdependence on technology is deforming all of us. General revelation (creation) is important for understanding who God is and what He is like.  We want to encourage students to engage in the natural world and see God through it.

What does Reframe do for a student? 

Today, students live by a story different from the one the Gospel tells. We aim to change that narrative. Our curriculum is designed to challenge and transform their perspectives, attitudes, and actions by reframing them through the lens of the gospel.

Reframe challenges students to question societal norms and cultural beliefs that may contradict biblical teachings. It encourages critical thinking and empowers students to make informed decisions based on their faith rather than conforming to popular opinions.

Reframe helps students develop a strong sense of identity in Christ by emphasizing their true worth and value as children of God. Students can find confidence and security in their identity by shifting their focus from worldly validation to God's love and acceptance.

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    Here are four specific ways we shape our content to Reframe a student's perspective on the Gospel:

  • Reframe The Story (Worldview)

    Students struggle to understand the Gospel because they live by a different story. Their story is shaped by individualism in the mind, Empiricism in the heart, and technology in the body. This is a Trinitarian fracturing we must work to restore.

    We must start by completely shifting their framework for how they understand their reality.  By reframing their worldview through the lens of the Bible, students can begin to see themselves and the world in a new light.

    Through Reframe, we aim to help students recognize their need for a Savior and understand the depth of God's love for them. We also challenge them to rethink cultural narratives and instead embrace biblical truths that bring hope, purpose, and meaning to their lives.

    Ultimately, our goal is to change the story they live by and transform their entire thinking framework. This shift in perspective will allow them to make wiser choices rooted in faith and ultimately lead them toward a life of fulfillment, joy, and purpose.

  • Reframe The Heart

    Central to Gen Z/A’s worldview is how they view and deify their emotions.  Our curriculum helps students understand that emotions are a gift from God, but they should not dictate our actions and decisions. Instead, we teach them to align their emotions with biblical truths and rely on the Holy Spirit and Christian community for guidance.

    Ultimately, Reframe aims to reshape the framework of how Gen Z/A youth view themselves, others, and the world around them through the lens of the gospel. By challenging cultural norms and helping students develop a strong foundation in their faith, we aim to equip them with the tools needed to navigate the challenges of adolescence and emerge as strong, confident, and faithful followers of Christ.

  • Reframe The Body

    The view of the body has become fractured. This generation has begun to parse things we wouldn’t have dreamed of parsing out 10 years ago. Their gender, their sexuality, and even their identity. Our curriculum addresses these issues by teaching students about God's design for the body and how it should be respected and valued.

    We also address the harmful effects of technology on our bodies, such as addiction and comparison, while emphasizing the importance of self-care and stewardship of our physical well-being.

  • Reframe The Mind

    The minds of Gen Z/A youth are bombarded with information from various sources, making it challenging to discern truth from lies. Our curriculum helps students develop critical thinking skills by examining cultural beliefs and teachings through a biblical lens.

    We also address mental health issues that many Gen Z/A youth struggle with, providing resources and support to help students overcome these challenges in a healthy and Christ-centered way.

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Why Conversation?

Gen Z/A values conversation and open dialogue, and we want to foster that in our curriculum. By emphasizing the importance of communication and teaching effective communication skills, we hope to equip students with the tools they need to navigate difficult conversations and build strong relationships.

Hierarchy: In today's society, young people are often skeptical of traditional authority figures and institutions. They value equality and inclusivity, making it essential for youth workers to engage in conversations rather than lecturing or preaching at them.

Authenticity: Gen Z/A values authenticity and transparency above all else. By engaging in open and honest conversations with them, we can build trust and credibility as mentors and role models.

Critical Thinking: As mentioned before, Reframe encourages critical thinking skills by challenging cultural norms and beliefs. Engaging in meaningful conversations with Gen Z/A youth allows us to discuss different perspectives and help them think critically about their own beliefs.