CHICAGO, IL (November 1, 2013) – The Center for Youth Ministry Studies will sponsor the panel discussion Between God & Trayvon: Conversations on Race and Ministry at 7 to 9 p.m. (CST) Monday in the Olsson lounge at Nyvall Hall on the North Park University campus. It also will be webcast live.

Participants in the panel will be:

• Efrem Smith, president and CEO of World Impact, a ministry that focuses on urban needs.
• Cecilia Williams, ministry initiatives director for the Covenant’s Department of Compassion, Mercy and Justice.
• Dave Kersten, dean of North Park Theological Seminary.
• Ed Gilbreath, author of Reconciliation Blues and executive minister of the Covenant’s Department of Communications.
• Daymond Glenn, vice president for community life and chief diversity officer at Warner Pacific College in Portland, Oregon.
• Daniel White Hodge, CYMS director, will moderate.

Reaction to the events that transpired following the shooting of Trayvon Martin, including the trial and “not guilty” verdict of George Zimmerman demonstrated the polarization over issues of race.

That polarization is being felt by young people of color, according to organizers. The discussion will focus on God’s Word regarding relationships and how ministry workers can engage in dialogue with young people who feel alienated or marginalized by policy.

The discussion is part of the CYMS 2013–2014 Lecture Series. These lectures are free to attend, although pre-registration is appreciated. The webcast will be available at the CYMS website.

The center is a partnership of the North Park University, North Park Theological Seminary, and the Covenant’s Department of Christian.