PROPOSAL:
Study of Faith-Based Leadership Programs for Young Adults:
Background
Within the last 25 years, multiple faith-based leadership programs (FBLPs) have developed along the perimeter of both the local church and higher education. Distinguishable from various campus-based religious organizations, academic semester, study abroad programs, pre-ministry internships, parachurch staff positions, or seminary field placements, these programs focus primarily on college-aged students exploring issues of faith, meaning, purpose, and vocation. These programs are facilitated by local, independent 501c3 religious non-profits that provide a discipleship context for young adults to navigate the school to work transition.
Having emerged within an increasingly post-Christian culture, these FBLPs provide models of alternative forms of education by discipling young adults to face the challenges and pressures of a secular society. In their own way, each of these FBLPs broaden discipleship to apply to the whole of a young adult’s life, including their civic, professional, vocational, familial, and spiritual identities. They employ discipleship strategies that have been developed within local, multi-generational communities and congregations that support young adults in exploring how their faith informs their vocational callings.
Purpose
While an increasing number of FBLPs programs are emerging in the United States, there is a notable absence of research delving into these programs, their interconnection with higher education, and their potential influence on the local church. This post-doctoral study will identify and investigate ten to twelve effective FBLPs that work with young adults in the areas of leadership, vocational discernment, and spiritual development. The objective will be to identify transferable principles and strategies that could be adapted to local church communities seeking to better disciple young adults.
Outcomes
1. Research and Documentation: To identify, analyze, and document a diverse array of Faith-Based Leadership Programs that support young adults, focusing on their methodologies, objectives, and the transformative outcomes they foster in leadership and faith development.
2. Best Practices Survey: To develop a comprehensive survey that collects insights and experiences from graduates of these programs, identifying effective strategies for fostering deep faith, vocational calling, and strong leadership skills.
3. Cultural Analysis: To investigate the cultural, historical, and social factors that have led to the emergence and growth of FBLPs, underscoring their relevance and adaptability to the challenges faced by today’s young adults.
4. Program Assessment: To evaluate the efficacy of each identified program in relation to their stated objectives and practices, ensuring a thorough understanding of their impact on participants’ spiritual and professional journeys.
5. Community Engagement: To foster dialogue and collaboration among denominations, churches, and educational institutions by organizing presentations, workshops, and conferences, creating a platform for sharing best practices and experiences in discipleship.
6. Resource Development: To create and distribute valuable educational materials and resources that equip leaders within churches and educational institutions, enabling them to better support young adults during their faith journeys and career transitions.
Matching Grant: A Foundation for Theological Education
Funds will support research into ministries to and with young adults, including campus ministries, other Christian Study Centers, church-based residencies, and post-graduate fellowships and internships. This research will seek to address the needs and interests of the downtown Houston campuses, best practices for young adult ministries, and potential partnerships with academic departments and local churches. To secure a $10,000 matching grant from A Foundation for Theological Education (John Wesley Fellows) committed in April 2025, I am seeking to raise a matching $10,000 lead gift.