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NAAF chooses YOU as official curriculum


NASHVILLE (BP) — The Southern Baptist Convention’s National African American Fellowship has chosen the culturally relevant YOU Bible study as its official adult curriculum, NAAF has announced.

With the designation, NAAF will encourage African American, urban and multicultural churches to use YOU in adult Sunday School classes and mid-week small group studies. YOU is produced by the SBC’s publishing entity, LifeWay Christian Resources.

“The YOU curriculum is a well-rounded curriculum helping to mature believers in their walk with Christ while at the same time addressing real-life, everyday issues,” NAAF President A.B. Vines said. “I personally believe this curriculum will help create engaging small group sessions and fulfilling personal Bible study for every person who uses it.”

LifeWay launched the resource in fall, 2008 to provide culturally relevant, Bible-based learning opportunities attractive to a target audience of African American, urban and multicultural churches.

“We at LifeWay are thrilled to partner with NAAF,” YOU content editor Beverly Sonnier said, “and to help provide a Bible study that speaks to people of diverse backgrounds while helping them strengthen their relationship in Christ.”

YOU is an all-in-one curriculum with Bible study, devotionals, missional articles and testimonials for learners, with separate teaching plans for leaders. Each lesson is rooted in Scripture and user-friendly. Hot topics promote discussion and the study intentionally emphasizes missions. Flexible teaching plans are adaptable to Sunday School and midweek studies.

Churches may purchase YOU Bible Study at LifeWay Christian Stores and other local Christian bookstores or order online at www.lifeway.com/you. The current study quarter began Dec. 2.

NAAF treasurer Mark Croston, in his concurrent new role as LifeWay’s national director of black church partnerships, will serve as YOU general editor, reviewing the curriculum. Croston is former pastor of East End Baptist Church in Suffolk, Va., and a former president of the Baptist General Association of Virginia.

NAAF was formed in 1994 to address the needs of African American churches affiliated with the SBC and has as its primary membership pastors of affiliated churches. For more information on NAAF, visit www.naafsbc.org or contact NAAF Executive Director Elgia Wells at [email protected].
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Diana Chandler is Baptist Press’ staff writer. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress) and in your email (baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp).