BU Meets YFC
As August turns into September, the fall semester kicks off at universities across the country. There is one school launching a unique program with a Kingdom focus in mind. Youth For Christ (YFC), a leader in the missional ministry community in America for 77 years, is partnering with Bethel University in Indiana. This is done to offer an online program for select students designed to prepare them for future ministry. Young people on YFC’s staff or volunteer ranks will be able to enroll in the program. While joining this program, they will be able to earn a fully accredited associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Through this partnership, interns, staff and volunteers serving with Youth For Christ will be able to earn a college degree. This can be done while continuing to stay involved with YFC’s various ministries and outreaches. In fact, by continuing to work with YFC, the student can apply their experience with the organization as college credits. For YFC, this allows leaders to stay connected with mentors, engaging the next generation, and pursuing higher education at the same time. The Fall 2022 semester has 26 students enrolled in the program.
YFC President and CEO Jacob Bland said, “We started thinking about the unique role we could play nationally. We want to help broker partnerships that enhance YFC’s mission locally, as well as advance Christ’s great commission beyond YFC. Furthermore, we began to look at each objective in our strategic plan. We asked if there’s a right collaborative partnership out there that could help catapult the mission to new heights, new growth, and honor God. What’s clear to me is that God is pushing YFC to dream bigger and ask the tough questions. ‘How can we find shared wins and better position YFC as generous partners in the Kingdom?’”
Bethel University
Time spent in thought and prayer led to YFC’s new partnership with Bethel University (BU). BU is a widely respected private university with Christian roots that offers over 50 areas of study in undergraduate and graduate degree programs. This innovative collaboration will provide opportunities for YFC’s young leaders to achieve a college degree at a discounted rate, opening doors for some students who previously could not afford the luxury of higher education.
Bethel University’s President, Barbara K. Bellefeuille, Ed.D., said, “Bethel University has had a rich connection to Youth For Christ for many years. YFC’s decision to provide their already superbly trained staff with the opportunity to continue their work while earning a college degree from Bethel University — well that’s just brilliant! Bethel University gains motivated, missional students who will continue to transform every community group they touch for Christ. We couldn’t be happier to further our support of Youth For Christ. We look forward to how God will use this path to raise up many future YFC staff members.”
It Begins Now
For the 26 nation-spread students enrolled in the program already, YFC and Bethel University are working to build community and camaraderie. The areas of study vary widely from Academics, Behavioral Science, Biblical Studies, Business, Christian Counseling, Ministry & Leadership, Organizational Leadership, Communications, Education, Worship Arts and Youth Ministry. All the chosen majors will help further the ministry of YFC.
“I pray that this partnership with Bethel University will help usher in an era of investing in our leaders,” Bland commented. “There’s been evidence that the Lord has been in this from the very beginning. Christ is glorified through Kingdom partnerships, and collectively we get to invest in the next generation.”
