SPRING 2025

THE LISTENING PROJECT - PART 2

BOON officially launches Part 2 of the Listening Project — the next phase in developing a first-of-its-kind Discipleship Framework for Black Teenagers.

BOON assembled an eight-person Research Team dedicated to understanding what shapes the faith, identity, and spiritual growth of Black teenagers. Each member brings expertise in theology, youth development, culture, and lived practice - collectively helping us see more clearly what influences the spiritual lives of Black youth.

In November, we gathered in Atlanta, GA, for a multi-day writing retreat where we synthesized our research and solidified a working Teen Discipleship Framework 1.0.

This milestone marks a major step toward creating a model shaped by real stories, real environments, and the real needs of Black teenagers.

Stay tuned for more as the journey unfolds.

Winter 2025

STRATEGIC PLANNING WEEKEND

BOON also hosted a strategic planning weekend where our team aligned on vision, priorities, and milestones for the year ahead. This time allowed us to clarify our direction, strengthen our systems, and ensure that every part of our work moves us closer to supporting the mission.

WINTER 2024

The Listening Project - Part 1: Market Research Survey

We conducted the first-of-its-kind market research survey: “Assessing the State of Next Gen Ministry in Black Churches and Faith-Based Organizations.” Additional insight to assist in building BOON’s Strategic Plan.

SUMMER 2024

The Listening Project - Part 1: Listening Tour

BOON Team Members traveled across six cities (Atlanta, GA; Houston, TX; Birmingham, AL; Inglewood, CA; Chicago, IL; and Washington DC) to hear directly from faith influencers in Black Churches and faith-based organizations about their challenges, successes and experience in Next Gen Ministry. We also heard from Black teenagers about the reality of living our their faith every day. These conversations are valuable insight as we build a Strategic Plan for BOON and develop a Discipleship Framework for Black Teenagers.

March 2024

BOON-The Black Next Gen Network has been selected to receive a Capacity Building Support Grant from Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.

Leadership Education aims to create lasting change in U.S. congregations by supporting Christian leaders and the institutions they serve. Leadership Education designs educational services, develops intellectual resources, and facilitates networks of institutions that cultivate a coherent vision of Christian institutional leadership and form Christian leaders. Leadership Education is a non-degree-granting initiative of Duke Divinity School funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. and based in Durham, N.C.

BOON-The Black Next Gen Network has been selected to receive a Capacity Building Support Grant from Leadership Education at Duke Divinity. These grants of up to $50,000 support an organization’s capacity to serve pastors and/or congregations.