GBHEM Publishing Announces a New Book, “Raising Hope: Four Paths to Courageous Living for Black Youth” by Anne E. Streaty Wimberly and Sarah Frances Farmer

In “Raising Hope: Four Paths to Courageous Living for Black Youth,” Anne E. Streaty Wimberly and Sarah Frances Farmer provide proven methods to effectively motivate Black youth to make healthier choices and create positive outcomes.  

The book was released through the Publishing Office at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM). The Publishing Office is one of many GBHEM initiatives that serves as a resource for leadership development across the denomination.  

“Raising Hope” highlights four methods to reach Black youth, including 1) a narrative orientation that links real life with Christian faith supports and helps youth ask the right questions, 2) an artistic method that provides a cathartic space where youth can express themselves through poetry, music, and visual arts, 3) a curricular approach that centers specifically on conflict resolution, and 4) exposure to new possibilities.  

Wimberly is professor emerita of Christian Education at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC). She currently serves as executive director of the Youth Hope-Builders Academy at ITC and is also founder and coordinator of the Annual Youth and Family Convocation.  

Farmer is an associate research scholar and lecturer at Yale Divinity School. She helps direct the Adolescent Faith and Flourishing Program at Yale Center for Faith and Culture. 

“Raising Hope is exactly what we as parents, practitioners, and pastors need to form a language, pedagogical structures, and a historical context that allow us to construct tangible hope-bearing experiences for today and tomorrow. We will share this wonderful resource with others,” commented Robert H. Hughes, executive director, YouthUniverse in Atlanta, Georgia and Nwaka M. Hughes, board member, Building Strong Futures, Inc. 

“This book is a remarkable guide to addressing the often difficult realities of Black youth. It is full of concrete methods to remind youth, and adults, that they have a future full of hope and promise,” said Almeda M. Wright, assistant professor of Religious Education, Yale Divinity School. 

“Drs. Anne Wimberly and Sarah Frances Farmer capture a relevant pedagogy to instruct young people in the way of hope that offers them possibilities without limits and a future filled with joy and success,” remarked Olu Brown, lead pastor, Impact Church, Atlanta, Georgia. 

“Raising Hope: Four Paths to Courageous Living for Black Youth” is available on Cokebury.com and Amazon.com. For more information on Wesley’s Foundery Books and the GBHEM Publishing Office, visit GBHEM.org. 

About GBHEM: As the leadership development agency of The United Methodist Church, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s mission is to lead and connect the educational and ministerial life of the church. Every elder, deacon and licensed local pastor benefits from our training and candidacy programs. Many young adults find help in clarifying their vocation and God’s call on their lives through our leadership and discernment programs. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook: @GBHEM.