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:
• Active Local Officer
• Corps Program Employees
• Commissioned Officers
• Corps Missions Associate/Corps Helper
• Candidates (two years out from entering training)

Dr. Brian Hull

Brian has been involved in local church youth ministry for over 20 years, and now 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-elect for the National Association of Youth Ministry Educators.

Tony Akers

Tony graduated with a 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. In2004Tony began consulting churches and coaching youth pastors alongside his work in the local church. Tony is committed to helping students on the margins and 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 now working in Kentucky as an Adjunct Professor in the Christian Studies and Philosophy Department at Asbury University. Caleigh received a BA in Youth Ministry from Asbury University and an MA in Youth Ministry from Austin Seminary. Caleigh serves on the advisory board for Youth Becoming Leaders: High School Christian Leadership and Global Transformations Institute and is passionate about training both staff and volunteers in the field of youth ministry.