Youth Becoming Leaders 2025
Our world needs strong leaders. At Asbury University, we believe that high school students can be great leaders now, as well as in the future. Every church has high school students who stand out as incredible leaders and innovative thinkers, who long to be closer to God, and who are exploring what God has for their future.
Youth Becoming Leaders: High School Christian Leadership and Global Transformation Institute at Asbury University exists to equip those kinds of students through interaction with AU and ATS faculty that can guide them in studying complex topics and issues surrounding Church life. Through solid Christian community, classroom sessions, service projects, experiential learning, and mentorship relationships, YBL molds young leaders to take the next step in following wherever Christ may be leading them.
As a result of God’s impact on their lives, YBL alumni return home to serve their local communities. Students leave YBL with a well-rounded perspective on how they can be leaders in their communities and churches today and more confidence in whom God has created them to be. YBL counselor, Hope Odubena had this to say: “I have faith in this generation because at YBL I saw their incredible gifts, knowledge, and most importantly, love for God.”
YBL 2024 participants heard from ATS faculty Dr. James Hampton (Practical Theology) and alumnus Dr. Bud Simon as well as AU faculty: Dr. Brian Hull (Christian Ministries), Dr. Suzanne Nicholson (Bible), Dr. Brian Shelton (Theology), and Prof. Caleigh Smith (Youth Ministry). Along with these transformative academic teachings and excellent keynote speakers, participants serve with local ministries and organizations such as Common Good, The Providence School, Cornerstone International and Kentucky Refugee Ministries.
YBL also believes in the power of a mentor. Students select mentors from their home communities, and YBL conducts trainings for mentors and participants before and during the 10-day program. Students will then continue their learning and growing with that mentor for the next three months through the help of YBL provided curriculum.
After YBL, students create and implement a ministry project for their community in partnership with their local church. These projects have included student-led Bible studies, worship nights, horseback riding ministry, clothing and food drives, and other community outreaches.
YBL is excited to announce the launch of Leadership Fellows in 2025. This program is designed for students who have already attended YBL and wish to continue their leadership development. During the program, these students will continue to gain knowledge and guidance as leaders alongside counselors and first-year YBL students.
The theme for YBL 2025 is “Known” from Exodus 3:1-15. Dates are June 9-18, 2025, and applications are due March 10, 2025. High school students, parents, youth leaders, and pastors interested should visit asbury.edu/ybl to learn more, recommend a student, and apply.
YBL is thrilled to announce that Dr. Jonathan Powers, of ATS, is assuming the role of Program Manager, succeeding Dr. James Hampton, who has served the program admirably for the past nine years. YBL is deeply grateful to Dr. Hampton for his unwavering dedication to students since the program’s inception in 2016. YBL is thrilled to have Dr. Powers bring his enthusiasm for worship and church theology to our students.
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