about

Our Mission:Leveraging RESEARCH into
RESOURCES that ELEVATE
leaders, kids, and families



Watch this 2-Minute Video to Learn More about Why We Exist

Fuller Youth Institute Feature Video on Vimeo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you approach youth ministry research and training this way?
How does FYI decide what to study?
What is the relationship between FYI and Fuller Seminary?
How are Fuller students involved?
How is FYI funded?
What academic programs in youth ministry are available through FYI and Fuller Seminary?

Why do you approach youth ministry research and training this way?

Every day in the United States and around the world, dedicated youth and family workers minister to hurting kids and their families. Currently, most of their work tends to be shaped by either past habits or anecdotal evidence. For the sake of the kingdom of God as well as wise stewardship of the gospel, these youth and family workers need innovative models and practices that reflect current research on the ever-changing landscape of youth, families, and culture.

At FYI we take these needs seriously, translating research into practical resources that youth workers in local churches and parachurch ministries can use in their ministry contexts. Led by Dr. Kara Powell, Executive Director, FYI publishes books, articles, downloadable audio resources, and curriculum for youth workers. In addition, we have created a unique Certificate in Urban Youth Ministry program—the first of its kind in the nation—that trains urban youth workers while allowing them to remain in their place of ministry.

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How does FYI decide what to study?

Usually by finding the intersection between the needs of leaders and the expertise of faculty members. Sometimes leaders suggest ideas to us and then we dialogue with faculty, and other times it’s the faculty members who initiate the research process.

Unique values that permeate every project include:
• Interdisciplinary collaboration among Fuller’s Schools of Theology, Psychology, and Intercultural Studies faculty and students.
• Reciprocal learning that allows the academic world to learn from the ministry world, and vice versa.
• Strategic partnerships with key ministry leaders and organizations to maximize both learning and the final dissemination. Existing partners include World Vision, Young Life, Youth for Christ, Urban Youth Workers Institute, Youth Specialties, Compassion International, Search Institute, and the Christian Community Development Association.

Each FYI project is designed so that researchers, leaders, and frontline youth ministry practitioners learn together. In every step, the needs and experience of leaders shape the focus and methods of the research.

Step 1: LISTEN – FYI gathers input from leaders and educators to identify the most pressing research and resource needs.

Step 2: RESEARCH – Based on those findings, FYI works with churches, parachurch and community organizations, universities, and other key leaders to do in-depth analysis of the issues shaping youth, families and culture.

Step 3: SHARE AND APPLY – FYI shares and applies its research findings broadly through practical resources ranging from books and online resources to face to face consulting and seminar presentations.

Step 4: EVALUATE – FYI evaluates its work and refines its resources so they can be effective worldwide.

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What is the relationship between FYI and Fuller Seminary?

Fuller Theological Seminary is the largest and most diverse theological seminary in North America, with nearly 5,000 students representing 100 denominations and 70 countries. Fuller’s president, provost and deans are all enthusiastic in their support for FYI. Fuller has three schools: the School of Intercultural Studies, the School of Psychology, and the School of Theology. FYI is governed by the deans of these three schools and one faculty member per school. For more information about Fuller Theological Seminary, please visit www.fuller.edu.

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How are Fuller students involved?

Much of the work of FYI is conducted by paid Research Assistants and Research Fellows, all of whom are Fuller students. These positions tend to be part-time and are geared to complement students’ own research interests.

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How is FYI funded?

FYI is funded through foundation grants and individual donors. While FYI has several committed donors, we seek to build new relationships and explore further opportunities for ministry partnerships. Learn more about giving HERE.

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What academic programs in youth ministry are available through FYI and Fuller Seminary?

Currently, our Certificate in Urban Youth Ministry program is our first for-credit academic program operated by the Fuller Youth Institute. However, Fuller also offers a Certificate in Youth Ministry (non-urban), a Master of Arts in Youth, Family, and Culture, a Master of Divinity with a Youth, Family, and Culture concentration, and both PhD and DMin programs in Youth, Family, and Culture. Please visit the Fuller Admissions site for further details about these other academic programs.

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