About the Young Adult Initiative
The SPU Young Adult Initiative is designed to address the disconnect among 20-somethings between low church participation and the desire to gather, spiritually grow, be intellectually challenged, and find deep purpose in life. Dr. Jeff Keuss, professor of Christian ministry, theology, and culture and director of the University Scholars program, leads the program, which will identify multiple area congregations (representing a statistically significant cross-section of the region) to work with, helping them better understand the experiences of young adults and working with them to design, launch, and evaluate new ministries. The hub will also gather leaders for mutual learning and support.
SPU’s efforts are part of the Endowment’s $19.4 million Young Adult Initiative to establish innovation hubs at 12 colleges, universities, and seminaries across the nation to help congregations as they design and launch new ministries for 23- to 29-year-olds. SPU is the only institution in the Pacific Northwest to be a part of this new program. The other institutions are located in nine states and the District of Columbia and reflect diverse Christian traditions.