Youth Leadership Initiative Programs
CrossWays is life-transforming nine-day experience on the Malibu campus that gives 100 rising high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to identify their spiritual gifts and envision the path of their own spiritual journey.
Won by One is a dynamic a capella music ministry celebrating Pepperdine's Christian mission and the University's roots in the Church of Christ.
Next Gen Preacher Search invites high school- and college-age Christians wishing to pursue the art of preaching to submit a video sermon for critique and review. Semifinalists are chosen to participate in a preaching workshop on the Malibu campus where they receive instructive feedback and personalized support from a team of seasoned preachers and gifted Bible teachers from the Pepperdine community and across the country.
Pepperdine Youth Ministry Network was established to equip and encourage Christian teens through professional development, fellowship, and mentorship support. Bringing together youth leaders from Churches of Christ and other Restoration heritage churches from across the state, this project hosts several Southern California gatherings each year as well as regional events in the Midwest and the South
Youth Leadership Lab is online teaching tool for Christian leadership in today’s high tech world geared toward middle school students.
A message from Director Jeff Walling
Because investing in the lives of Christian teens is at the core of our university’s calling, the Youth Leadership Initiative offers a range of Christ-centered programs and resources to strengthen spiritual resiliency and lifelong purpose. As the founding director, I have been blessed to oversee the growth of five character-building programs— CrossWays, the Next Gen Preacher Search, Won by One, the Pepperdine Youth Ministry Network, and the Youth Leadership Lab. Each of these programs aligns with the mission of Pepperdine and serves to advance the kingdom of God.
In just four years, these projects have engaged over a thousand students and leaders from the Churches of Christ and facilitated scores of them to become Pepperdine students. To ensure the continued progress and development of this important work, Pepperdine seeks to raise $5 million in endowed and annual funds by the year 2024.
I pray you will join us as we raise up the next generation of young Christian leaders for service in their homes, at Pepperdine, in their chosen careers, and especially in the Lord’s church.