Our History
In 1987, Scott and Hanne Larson founded Straight Ahead Ministries in Massachusetts. At the time, Bible studies were not allowed in the state. Because of Hanne’s persistence, on July 10, 1987, 12 of the secure facility’s 15 juveniles showed up for the first Bible study.
Since then, the ministry model spread to the New England states of Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Straight Ahead Ministries began expanding nationally in 1995, with the states of Georgia (1995), Colorado (1997), Nebraska (1999), Iowa and Minnesota (2000), and New Jersey and Alaska (2001).
Under Straight Ahead Ministries, Howard and Connie Waller directed the Colorado ministry from 1997 until 2004. In 2004, Straight Ahead Colorado was incorporated as its own 501 ( c ) 3 organization. They continue to direct the ministry in Colorado, with over 70 trained volunteers, ministering to dozens of youth each week.
Statement of Faith
We believe the Bible is the inspired, authoritative Word of God. We believe there is one God, eternally existent in three person: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, in his virgin birth, in his sinless life, in his death on the cross, in his bodily resurrection, in his ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in his personal return. We believe people receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life through a relationship with Jesus.
What We Believe
Prayer is the foundation of all we do.
Every youth is valued and loved by God and we are called to love and value every youth.
Spiritual nurture and growth is the critical factor for permanent, positive change.
Every youth needs/deserves the opportunity to hear the gospel in a way that he or she can understand.
Every youth should have the opportunity to discover and to grow in God’s purpose.
The local church is central to God’s plan of redemption and, therefore, is the wellspring from which all ministry flows.
Ministry is relational. God will minister to and through called and gifted volunteers who will lovingly care for and nurture youth.
Ministry is giving. Youth have a need to serve as well as to be served.
Ministry is Love. As we model unconditional love, youth discover God, see a tree picture of themselves and learn effective life and leadership skills.
Further, we believe that youthful offenders, at a crisis stage in life, are at a critical juncture for change for better or worse. It is our urgent task to present Christ, who can permanently and positively change the life of young men and women.