FORGED Youth Ministry Training Program
The Salvation Army/Asbury University
Forging Youth Ministry Leaders
FORGED is a selective two-year training experience for youth leaders, designed to teach practical strategies and spiritual disciplines that increase the longevity and effectiveness of Salvation Army youth ministry leaders.
Ideal for:
- Soldiers and volunteers
- Paid Youth Employees
- Corps Program Employees
- DHQ and THQ Youth Staff
- Commissioned Officers
- Envoys
- Volunteers
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 25 years, and works as an associate professor of Youth Ministry at Asbury University, studying youth ministry best practices and leadership from many sides. Brian has created many training opportunities for youth and youth leaders at local, regional, national, and international levels as well as helping to coordinate youth ministry networks, currently as president for the Association of Youth Ministry Educators.
Tony Akers
Tony graduated with an MA in Christian Education from Asbury Seminary in 1994. Since that time, he has served multiple churches and environments, primarily in the areas of youth ministry and discipleship. In 2004, Tony began 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.
Caleigh Smith
Caleigh has been pursuing God’s call to youth ministry since she was in middle school. She is a Michigander at heart and now works in Kentucky as Senior Lecturer of Youth Ministry at Asbury University. Caleigh received a BA in Youth Ministry from Asbury University and an MA in Youth Ministry from Austin Seminary. Caleigh also serves as the Director of Youth Becoming Leaders and is passionate about training staff and volunteers in youth ministry.
Jason Brown
Jason Brown has been serving students and their families for nearly 20 years. He is passionate about communicating the story of God and helping teenagers find their place in it. Jason currently serves as the Executive Minister at Broadway United Methodist Church in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where he lives with his wife and two children. He enjoys reading, soccer, and pro basketball.For more information contact:
Lt. Colonel Brian Davis- National Headquarters
Kristi Boss – Director of Salvation Army Programs, Asbury University
Kristi.Boss@asbury.edu | 859-475-6102
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” Proverbs 27:17 NIV