Did you know that the number one perpetuator of the cycle of poverty is the lack of education? Don't be fooled, encouraging educational goals is an important as encouraging spiritual ones in urban ministry. For starters, if a kid can't read "Dick And Jane", he'll have a real tough time reading the laws of Leviticus.

While many teens think that a GED is an easy way to detour the high school scene, employers think otherwise. Statistics show that those with GEDs tend to drop out of college more as well as walk out more on the job. Along with teaching a student reading, writing and arithmetic, the mere act of SITTING in school every day until graduation teaches that student how to deal with authority, rules and discipline.

So if at all possible, start a tutoring program as part of your urban ministry. All you need is a place (your youth center or Sunday school classrooms) and a designated time. If possible, start a tutoring program right after school.

Why after school? Other studies show that between the hours of 4-6pm is when teen-initiated crimes are at their highest level. So by offering a tutoring program, you could be offering a positive alternative to causing trouble on the streets.

If an after school program isn't feasible, have a before youth group study time. Encourage teens to bring books and to help each other with their work. You might even want to offer incentives for improving one's grades.

But while it's nice to have students help each other, no one is really helped when "the brain" does the homework for the slacker. Make it clear to students how it's important that each one does their own work, and make I Thessalonians 5:11 your motto: Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

Now, Where to find tutors?

Check your pews. Many of the members of your congregation might be whizzes at math or physics, and would love to offer their help. Also, check local colleges or businesses. There's a lot of good Christian folks out there, who do want to help you; they just don't know that you need them. But most important, use your brain as well and check references.

Want to help city kids practise their reading and writing skills while teaching them about God? Click here