Our Mission
The Youth Leadership Initiative at Azusa Pacific University exists to equip youth to live their calling with a lifelong faith by grounding them in Scripture and resourcing their Christian communities.
Studies show that between 60% to 80% of teenagers leave their faith or church communities after graduating from high school. We guide and encourage students to find their place in the church and the world by discovering their Christian calling. In our framework, youth deepen their faith, reflect on their call, and explore their contributions to church and society.”
Calling
Our vertical relationship with God allows us to hear and discover our purpose.
When we cultivate a personal relationship with God, we more clearly hear his call. Like Moses and Paul, we can discern our place in the world when we are in constant conversation with God.
Calling
Our vertical relationship with God allows us to hear and discover our purpose.
When we cultivate a personal relationship with God, we more clearly hear his call. Like Moses and Paul, we can discern our place in the world when we are in constant conversation with God.
Character
Our calling leads us to reflect the life of Christ.
As image bearers, we are called to reflect God’s goodness, justice, and love in the world. The New Testament teaches us that Jesus redeems and sanctifies us so we can reflect his life and the fruits of the Spirit.
Community
With the support of other Christians, we discern ways to love our neighbors and communities.
Our life calling is not discovered alone – we need Christian community to help us. As we discern our calling, we discover ways to serve our communities and love our neighbors. Our calling leads us to be the priesthood of all believers in our world.
Community
With the support of other Christians, we discern ways to love our neighbors and communities.
Our life calling is not discovered alone – we need Christian community to help us. As we discern our calling, we discover ways to serve our communities and love our neighbors. Our calling leads us to be the priesthood of all believers in our world.
Our Team
William B. Whitney, Ph.D., MFT
Executive Director, Institute for Faith, Leadership, and Service
William B. Whitney, PhD, is the Executive Director for Faith, Leadership, and Service and an Associate Professor in the School of Behavioral Sciences at Azusa Pacific University. He earned a PhD from Fuller Theological Seminary, an MA in Theology from Oxford University, a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Seminary, and is currently completing his PhD in Developmental Psychology at Claremont Graduate University. His teaching and research focus on the integration of theology, positive psychology, human development, and culture. He is co-author of The Integration Journey (IVP, 2024) and Theology for Psychology and Counseling (Baker Academic, 2022), both of which explore how Christian theology can inform and enrich psychological research and clinical practice. His scholarship has been supported by the John Templeton Foundation, the Lilly Endowment, and the Louisville Institute. A licensed marriage and family therapist with more than 15 years of experience, he draws on his clinical work with individuals, couples, families, and groups to inform his teaching, research, and service.
Ruth Tjakra, M.A.
Assistant Director, Institute for Faith, Leadership, and Service
Ruth Tjakra, M.A., is the Assistant Director for the Institute for Faith, Leadership, and Service. With over 10 years of experience in worship leading, youth pastoring, mentoring, and music teaching, Ruth’s passions lie in youth and young adult ministries, creative arts, and helping individuals tell their stories. Ruth’s work and ministry are characterized by working to bridge generational and cultural gaps, as well as challenging and empowering students to be authentic and explore questions regarding faith, identity, and culture. She is also a two-time APU alumna, earning her Bachelor of Music in Music & Worship with a minor in Psychology, and her Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Studies. Ruth loves spending time with her fiancé, Colin, and any opportunity to eat good food or get lost in a good story.
Our Beliefs
The Youth Leadership Initiative is a program of Azusa Pacific University. Find out more about what APU affirms as a faith community by visiting “What We Believe,” please go to https://www.apu.edu/about/believe.
Our Location
We are located on West Campus at Azusa Pacific University