All too often, youth are separated from adults in our culture. In ministry, in school, in public, and even at home we often distance ourselves from one another. What does this mean for our youth, families, communities, and churches?

This is one of the questions you'll delve into as part of the practical theological training we offer at Fuller. You'll learn from faculty who are renowned authors, speakers, and researchers in the field of youth and culture... who continue to lead the way for the future of youth ministry.

How will you reimagine, reiterate, and reinforce the gospel for today's youth and their families?

Sofia Herrera-Maldonado (PhD 1999)
Sofia Herrera-Maldonado, in the midst of her other academic and professional experience, once spent a year working with the youth group of a church in a disadvantaged Los Angeles neighborhood--and says she learned a lot during that year about what young people really need to thrive. "I saw that kids are more resilient than not," she says, "and that what they really need is supportive adults, and a supportive community, in their lives." read more  

Kara Powell (PhD 2000)
When Kara Powell heard about Fuller's plans to launch the Center for Youth and Family Ministry, she saw a unique opportunity to facilitate the building of bridges between academic research and the practical needs of youth ministry. read more  

Lina Thompson (MDiv 2000)
“Every youth worker can relate to the ‘music in the van’ problem. They need to reflect, ahead of time, on how they will respond—or they’ll be at odds with their kids every time.” So says Lina Thompson, a person who cares deeply about both the youth and the youth worker in that van. She cares so much, in fact, she has devoted her life to them on many levels. read more