The “C” in the YMCA Today

Is the “C” back in the YMCA?

Yes.

Was it ever gone?

No.

But…!

It has changed a lot since 1844, like all the different kinds of Christianity’s have changed over the past twenty centuries.

That’s part of the problem of the “C” in the Y – Christianity is diverse in the world and the YMCA: depending on what kind of “C” you are looking for, you might not see the “C” that is flourishing there.

Like Christianity in the USA and the YMCA, faith is a dynamic, contested, adapting, vibrant, controversial, disruptive, divisive, uniting, healing reality.

Christianity, faith, spirituality is complicated and messy. And that’s ok.

This means there are also a variety of energies and visions for a stronger, healthier “C” in the YMCA.

So who is doing what in the YMCA in the USA to strengthen our mission, build a healthier “C” in the Y, and support the presence of Christ Jesus in every YMCA?

This compilation is based on what I’m aware of – let me know if you have more to add:

• Christian CEOs / Directors / Leaders / Volunteers / Members
• Christian symbols / art / Scriptures
• Good Friday Breakfast
• National Day of Prayer
• Christian Leadership Conference (CLC)
• Raggers / C in the YMCA book
• Chapels
• Bible Studies/Prayer Groups
• Meetings: opening prayers & devotions
• Christian Emphasis Committees
• Volunteerism w Christian Non-Profits (I.e. Habitat, Rescue Mission, Church Food Banks, etc.)
• Service Mission Trips (local/global)
• Programs: i.e. Journey to Freedom, GriefShare, Finances God’s Way, FCA Coaching, etc.
• Covenant Church Partnerships
• CITY (Church In The Y)
• Clergy Volunteer Chaplains & Prayer Tables
• Silver Bay Chaplains Retreat
• Monday Prayer National Call
• Certified Chaplains (clergy/members)
• Health Coaches (holistic/Christian)
• Harold C. Smith Symposium Papers
• YMCA Staff Christian Emphasis Training & Discussion Guide
• YMCA Strong Challenge
• Friends of the Jerusalem YMCA
• OnPrinciple
• YMCA Christian Principles (YCP)
• Being Christ’s Presence In The YMCA (YCP)
• Faith As A Dimension of Diversity (YCP)
• How To Save Souls in the Y Like George Williams (YCP)
• Kingdom Contentment (YCP)
• Chaplains For All (YCP)
• Silver Bay Institute
• Flourishing For All (FFA)
• YouVersion YMCA Devotions
• YouTube George Williams Story (3 part series)
• ymca.spiritmindbody (Instagram)
• Books: I.e. Oswald Chambers, David Newman, Tracy Howe, C. Hopkins, Clyde Binfield, Paul Limbert, John Mott, etc.
• YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly
• DIG

Links to Click:

YMCA Christian Principles (YCP) – for events, training, articles, networking

Being Christ’s Presence In The YMCA (BCPY) – monthly Zoom call on how Christian leaders live out their faith through their Y work

YouTube George Williams Story (3 part series) The Reason Why

Friends of the JIY – US support for Jerusalem International YMCA

OnPrinciple – strategic effort to strengthen Christian presence in the YMCA through adaptive leadership training, immersion in Holy Land YMCA’s and mentoring

Church In The Y (CITY) Movement

Christian Leadership Conference (CLC)

YMCA STRONG Challenge

YouVersion YMCA Devotions

YMCA Books

Strengthening the Organizational Heart by Tracy Howe

The Shining Light by David Newman

Reliving A Century by Paul Limbert

Have more to add to this resource list? Put it in the comments!