Welcome to the new, and official, Internet presence for the John Hancock Center for Youth and Family Ministry. We are developing this site to provide a resource not just for the Hancock Center, but for others seeking youth ministry information. If you are unfamiliar with the Hancock Center, we ask that you first find out a little more about us by reading our mission statement and history.

Currently online, we have information on Valuegenesis², Hancock Center publications, and a list of current projects. Soon we hope to add links to our online store, and training events.

John Jones, Ph. D.
Chairman

V. Bailey Gillespie, Ph.D.
Executive Director

BACKGROUND
The John Hancock Center for Youth and Family Ministry, located on the campus of La Sierra University, is a research and resource center providing support to youth ministry professionals, and parents worldwide. The Hancock Center was established in direct response to recommendations from the Valuegenesis research taskforce.

Following the comprehensive Valuegenesis inquiry into the formation of faith, values and commitment among Adventist youth, the Project Affirmation Taskforces formulated clear recommendations for immediate planned change. They called their recommendations "Imperatives for Action." These visions of a more effective church included an unprecedented call for the establishment of youth ministry centers to support and expand the educational efforts of the union and local conference youth ministry leadership. The recommendations concluded with this clear call: "In response to the need to renew professional and volunteer youth ministry, we recommend that youth ministry resource and research centers be established."

On May 23, 1991 the La Sierra University Board of Trustees voted the establishment of the center as an official university entity and approved the commencement of both fund-raising and educational activities. The John H. Hancock Center for Youth Ministry had come into being.

VISION
To provide national leadership and resources to aid those working with Adventist youth and young adults in better understanding them, and the effects of the home, church, and school on their faith maturity, and values development.

OUR MISSION
To provide statistical based resources and training to parents, pastors, and educators as they help youth and young adults to develop a high level of mature faith, and solid core values.

Valuegenesis²

This project is unprecedented in size scope. In Valuegenesis² we conducted a population sample of almost 25,000 students in Seventh-day Adventist schools. This is almost twice the number of respondents that was achieved in the original Valuegenesis project of 1989. Valuegenesis² involves in –depth observations of highly effective congregations and schools. It place high priority on bring new information and insight to your schools.

The project aims at making a positive difference in the lives of youth in the family, church, and school. It will do this by identifying those things one can do to develop and maintain effective ministry and nurture in these venues. This, in turn, will strengthen the faith of our children, teenagers, and adults

Here’s quick look at some of the things we’re hoping to learn from Valuegenesis²:


Valuegenesis² Update Archive