|TOP|A ground-breaking new youth work resource from the Church of England was launched this week to challenge youth to engage in the big topical issues of the day.

‘Youth Emmaus 2 – Big Issues and Holy Spaces’, released this week by Church House Publishing’s Emmaus portfolio, follows on from the huge success of the first Youth Emmaus resource.

The new resource combines discussion, film and music as part of a fast-paced and engaging programme of ready-made interactive sessions to explore the two major themes of Emmaus 2.

Big Issues will tackle current issues such as poverty and injustice, forgiveness and reconciliation, and dreams and passions by looking at Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, while Holy Spaces will challenge young people to develop new ways to worship God from protest to praise.

|AD|The 14-part course, unveiled at this week’s National Christian Resources Exhibition in Sandown Park, has been drawn up by a team of members at the forefront of youth ministry.

David Green, Youth Officer for St Albans Diocese said of the new resource: “I applaud its willingness to be bold and challenge youth leaders to push the boundaries. This is an excellent resource that will spend more time off my shelf than on it.”

It is hoped the resource will revitalise youth work and become a core support for youth as they develop and deepen their faith.

The resource is accompanied by a CD-ROM packed full of everything that today’s busy youth workers will need to engage the faith and passion of young people including ‘road-tested’ sessions, detailed leaders’ notes, cartoons and graphics.

The Bishop of Southampton, the Rt Rev Paul Butler, testified the book, saying: “The creative ideas have been well tested before reaching the page. Leaders’ notes are clear and packed with helpful advice.”

He added: “It is also refreshing to see that there is a readiness to ask awkward questions, try out fresh ideas and encourage growth.”