Chapel & Christian Education

Hill Country Youth Ranch is a Christian home for children. The living experience of faith is recorded in each page of our history. The sign at the front gate to the Ingram campus, which quotes John 15:12, announces our core objective – the direction of all our work: “This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you.” Because our children come from varied backgrounds, we are intentionally non-denominational and inclusive. Chapel services are interactive, and participation is encouraged in all parts of the worship format – singing, praying, reading, sharing, assisting, or just listening. There are no requirements other than a respectful presence.

Many of our children have been traumatized, so the good news is presented in a nonthreatening way. Children arrive at disparate points in their spiritual journeys. They are often angry with authority, including God. Each child requires a different “next step”, and it takes time and careful observation to perceive what that might be. Meanwhile, our job is to build a loving relationship with each child.