THE DISCIPLESHIP FRAMEWORK
A national initiative to identify the growth environments
that help Black teenagers grow in faith and walk with God.
The Initiative
and why it matters…
The project is a national initiative to clarify what Black teenagers need for an integrated and growing faith, and to help the people who influence them cultivate relationships and environments that support it.
Too often, discipleship strategies overlook the racial, cultural, social, and systemic realities that impact faith development, especially for Black teenagers. BOON’s Discipleship Framework is shaped by the everyday experiences, questions, and spiritual journeys of Black teenagers, and the communities who walk alongside them.
Framework will serve as a practical guide for anyone committed to discipling Black youth. It will shape the resources, retreats, trainings, and research BOON develops - while also offering a model that churches, organizations, communities, and families can adapt and apply in their own contexts.
Ultimately, it will help spark a national shift - one where the discipleship of Black youth is invested in more intentionally.
HOW the Framework
will be used
Phases of our Framework Development
2024
Six-city Listening Tour
National Market Research Survey: Assessing the State of Next Gen Ministry in Black Churches and Faith-based Organizations
Analyzed findings to understand how Black teens experience faith and what those invested in them need.
THE LISTENING PROJECT - PART 1
2025
Assembled an 9-person Research Team to study theology, culture, development, and narrative insight.
Hosted a dedicated writing retreat and produced our working Framework.
RESEARCH + DEVELOPMENT
2026
A national Teen Research Team Fact-checks the working framework
Faith-Influencers pilot developed resources
THE LISTENING PROJECT - PART 2
Sharing the completed framework, alongside tools and training, to equip the village at scale.
LAUNCH
HOW TO GET CONNECTED
Village Research Team
Submission window: Dec 5 - Feb 28, 2026
We’re building a Village Research Team.
We’re seeking programs within the U.S. that primarily engage Black teenagers and are either Christian-based or intentionally support the holistic development, faith formation, or moral growth of young people.
Programs can be Church-based, community-rooted, or non-traditional faith spaces (e.g., sports teams, arts programs, after-school, theater, or mentoring programs).
We welcome communities of all sizes, and aim to connect with leaders and organizations where Black teens are nurtured in at least three of the following ways:
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There is a consistent presence of volunteer and/or paid adults actively investing in the lives of teens.
Teens are known, seen, and engaged in meaningful, two-way relationships - not just preached at.
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Discipleship practices honor and reflect Black cultural identity and wisdom.
Leaders have some knowledge of how historical and social realities impact the way teens understand and experience faith and the world.
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Teens are growing in their own relationship with God through consistent communal faith practices, not just attending events/practices/receiving instruction.
There’s clear movement from faith knowledge to personal application and lived practice.
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Teens have opportunities to lead, shape, and contribute to the spiritual life of the program.
Their feedback and questions are taken seriously, and their faith journeys and identity development are not assumed to follow one script
Teen Research Team
Application window: Jan 7 - Feb 28, 2026
We’re building a Teen Research Team to help guide this process. We’re looking for Black teens who have an opinion they’re willing to share about faith, culture, adults, or their communities.
We’re not looking for “perfect” teens with “perfect” answers. No churchy talk required. Just your honesty, your voice, and your insight.
Award Notifications: Mid-March 2026
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To qualify for participation, students must:
Be between 13 and 19 years old at the time of application.
Identify as Black/African-American living in the United States.
Be actively involved in at least one environment with consistent adult mentorship (local church or youth ministry, organized sports or recreation program, career, arts, or leadership development program, etc.)
Demonstrate dependability, openness, and a willingness to engage.
Be comfortable expressing ideas verbally and/or in writing.
Provide one recommendation from a mentor, coach, leader, or friend.
Have parent or guardian consent to participate.
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Participation in the Teen Research Team is both a learning experience and a commitment to collaborative research.
Participants agree to:
Attend bi-weekly virtual sessions for a 3-month term (6–8 total meetings; approx. mid-April through June 2026)).
Complete occasional reflection activities or creative assignments between sessions.
Communicate promptly with team leaders regarding scheduling or absences.
Uphold community norms of respect, inclusion, and confidentiality.
Follow all safeguarding and media-release guidelines outlined in the consent packet.
