FORGED Youth Ministry Training Program

What Can I Expect from FORGED?

Small-Group Training: Forged participants meet (virtually) every quarter with their Cohort and Leaders for teaching and discussion on topics such as:

  • Spiritual Formation and Personal Discipleship
  • Building and Growing Relational Youth Ministries
  • Replicating Leadership, Empowering a Team
  • Managing Crisis and Conflict

Personal Coaching: Participants will connect (virtually) every other month for one-on-one accountability and the development of an individual growth plan.

Retreats: Youth Leaders participate in three, three-day retreats at Asbury University.

  • September, Year 1
  • September, Year 2
  • May, Year 2

Forged Application Process

Potential participants for Forged can inquire about the application process and funding by emailing their Territorial Youth Secretary.  Each Territorial Youth Secretary submits participants for the next FORGED cohort to Asbury University by May 1st.  Selections will be made by May 15th. The cohort’s first in-person retreat will be in September.

Tuition of $2,800 per year includes all course tuition, books, course materials, housing, and meals for three retreats at Asbury University. Travel expenses to Kentucky are not included.

2024 FORGED Youth Ministry Flyer

Forged Leadership

FORGED participants will enjoy relevant teaching and applicable assignments every other month, facilitated by one of our lead instructors. Through online sessions and retreats, these experienced ministry teachers will help participants strategically build a healthy, enduring youth ministry, as well as their own walk with the Lord.

Dr. Brian Hull

Brian has been involved in local church youth ministry for over 30 years, and works as Professor of Pastoral and Christian Ministries at Asbury University. Brian continues to present and write about the church, culture, youth ministry, and Christian leadership. He loves that God allows him to do great things with great people.

Asbury University Forged Leadership leader Tony Akers headshot.

Tony Akers

Tony has served multiple churches and environments, primarily in the areas of youth ministry and discipleship, consulting churches and coaching youth pastors alongside his work in the local church. Tony is committed to seeing young people know and grow in Jesus by supporting the ministry staff and volunteers who lead them.

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