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Denton and Strack Center Training Future Leaders
Dr. Jonathan Denton, professor of Christian studies, is now also the executive director of the Strack Center for Global Leadership and Ministry.
The Strack Center for Global Leadership and Ministry is housed at Charleston Southern University and is a collaboration with Dr. Jay Strack ’75, president emeritus of Student Leadership University. The Strack Center trains high school and college students in leadership, has launched a global youth ministry certificate and a fully online student ministry bachelor’s degree, and provides CSU student interns to SLU’s summer programs.
Dr. Jonathan Denton
Denton said the nonacademic global youth ministry professional certificate trains those who may be entering a second career, are bivocational pastors, or may live in a part of the world where the training is not readily available.
Denton guides leaders through the training experience with practical insight, ministry experience, and a deep commitment to forming Christian leaders for the next generation.
“This global certification program represents a powerful step forward for youth ministry. It’s creating alignment, raising the standard of leadership, and inspiring our pastors with a renewed sense of purpose as they invest in young people around the world.”
Bella Mburu of Next Generation, Nairobi Chapel Ngong Road, said, “Training youth workers in Kenya is still not widely established, and yet it is deeply needed. Africa is a young continent, and Kenya is no exception with over 60% of the population being under the age of 25. If we desire to see the Kingdom of God grow, we must intentionally reach young people, and to do that effectively, we must equip those who serve them with insight, skill, and diligence.”
“This Charleston Southern training opportunity speaks directly to that need, and we are encouraged by how the Church of Christ can collaborate so meaningfully across continents to make it possible. We truly are grateful.”
Dr. Jay Strack ’75
Strack said the driving force for the creation of Next Gen Global courses can be found in the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. The courses touch on strategic leadership, biblical worldview, Next Gen ministry, and provide time to share ideas, hopes, and challenges.
“Our conversations cross the map as we explore God’s word together – from our table to your table – through online discussions,” said Strack. The global relationships the ministry is building can influence an entire generation and live on.
“If I have one prayer for the Next Gen leaders across the globe, it is this: Do not stop at the visible. Leaders punch holes in the darkness and believe ‘with God all things are possible,’ Matthew 19:26.”
Denton said there are 600 churches without a youth pastor in South Carolina alone right now, and the average age of new youth pastors is trending towards 40 rather than 20 because of the need.
He bears that in mind as he prepares course curriculum and leads at Youth Pastor Summits around the U.S. Denton agrees with Strack’s statement that, “The future belongs to those who are prepared.”
In conjunction with SLU and Youth Pastor Summit, Denton is currently involved in a research project exploring student perceptions of youth pastors, and plans are in the works to publish a book with the findings.
Learn more about Charleston Southern University’s Strack Center for Global Leadership and Ministry.
Learn more about the Global Certification program.
About the Contributors
Jan Joslin
Jan Joslin has four decades of experience in higher education, working in marketing and communication and student services. In her current position as content director, she serves as editor of CSU Magazine and is the primary writer and editor for the university. Former areas of work included coordinating student activities and new student orientation and serving as the adviser to student media. Prior to higher education, she was as a customer service representative for a global company.
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