The event was finished, students had all been picked up, and I was the last one in the building. Exhausted from every game, full from too many slices of pizza, mentally spent from engaging every student—I was ready to go home.

Click.

Just as I switched off the lights, all my confidence walked out, and doubt walked in: Who am I really? Am I limited to games, bite-sized sermons, snacks, and driving the church van? I knew I was called to ministry, but I felt more like a glorified party planner. Then, the comparison game began: if only I preached like my pastor, if I had the resources other ministries have, if I had the education other people have...

Here's the irony: I was asking students to know who they are while I couldn't answer that question for myself.

Comparison compromises our ability to rest, and our thoughts can convince us that help is beyond our reach. Ministry is tough, and doing ministry alone is even more difficult. In Genesis 2:18, we learn that we were never meant to do life alone, and in Proverbs 3:5-6, we are taught not to rely solely on our own perspective. Truthfully, if you are the only person giving yourself advice, you are always going to be right, and you are probably wrong.

A few years into full-time youth ministry, I realized I had reached the end of my natural capacity to lead, teach, and grow. Finding a learning community where I could hear from people further down the road helped me grow in wisdom, not just information. A cohort is exactly what I wish I had found sooner.

You don't have to do youth ministry training alone

 “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” — Proverbs 11:14

What if you’re winning but your thoughts are defeating you? What if you found training that not only helped you do ministry well but also gave you community?

The Fuller Youth Institute's Certificate in Youth Discipleship offers a self-paced online option—and, for those who want more, a cohort experience. Joining a cohort adds something self-paced learning can't: a ready-made community of youth leaders doing the work alongside you in real time. Over nine months, you'll work through six research-backed courses from Kara Powell, Steve Argue, Brad Griffin, Chuck Hunt, and Andy Jung—including the Motivation Code assessment, monthly forums, two extended deep dives, and a practical project.

One participant put it simply: "I was planning to do just the certificate, but going through the material with others was absolutely worth it." Another shared, "I locked in because this is my first year in ministry, and I have had 8 billion questions. I really used this to my benefit."

Each online cohort gathering includes designated small-group time, where you can engage with youth leaders from across the country, sharing stories and gaining new peer relationships. You’ll learn directly from the leaders who wrote the resources you already use, growing together alongside ministry leaders from rural Pennsylvania to urban Houston. 

Thinking of joining our next Certificate in Youth Discipleship Cohort?

These four tips will get you across the finish line. 

1. Find a rhythm. Identify a few natural times in your week to log on and complete the course content. One participant kept a steady rhythm of 30 minutes, three to four times a week before work—just enough to keep pace without feeling rushed.
2. Give yourself grace. While the Certificate in Youth Discipleship is a self-paced course that can be completed any time, the cohort offers a schedule that helps you finish in a year. Falling behind might feel like a heavy weight, but don't let it keep you from finishing. Grace keeps you moving forward.
3. Watch the calendar. Don’t let holidays, spring break, and camp season take you by surprise; plan around them. The Certificate in Youth Discipleship cohort wraps up in spring right as the ministry year winds down, so use slower weeks to get ahead or catch up.
4. Collaboration takes patience. We've intentionally built collaborative assignments into the Certificate program to help you hone your ability to work with others at varying paces. Work with your team, not against them—the payoff is worth it.

Whether you're brand-new to ministry or a seasoned leader looking to sharpen what you already know, this cohort is built for you—and for the students still watching you figure out who you are, so they can trust you to help them figure out who they are.

Join a community of insightful peers and expert mentors to earn your Certificate in Youth Discipleship—together.

Our commitment to research and learning makes the Fuller Youth Institute a source youth leaders trust for the latest insights on discipling teenagers for a faith that lasts. With our Certificate in Youth Discipleship, we’re bringing you Fuller Seminary’s substantive learning paired with FYI’s latest research insights. Join our next cohort, and you can earn your certificate within a supportive community of peers, with individualized guidance from youth ministry experts.

Our next cohort is starting soon. Don’t miss out!
 

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