One ongoing challenge for youth workers is bridging the gap between their world and the world of the teenagers they serve. I was pointed to a useful resource for addressing this problem as I was working on our newest training tool, an orientation guide for youth pastors. I interviewed James Grout, a youth pastor with a lot of great insights, and he told me about The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding.

The organization was started by author Walt Mueller, and its website includes regular updates on teen culture trends, written for the benefit of parents, teachers, and youth workers. Grout calls it "an essential tool for youth pastors."

So youth workers, tell us, how do you try to keep up with what's being thrown at your teens (besides stalking them on Facebook)? Is there someone else out there doing what Mueller is doing?