Professors Karen Jones & Tom Bergler Equip Ministry Students in Cairo, Egypt

During spring break, Huntington University faculty members Dr. Tom Bergler and Dr. Karen Jones traveled to Cairo, Egypt to teach at Faith Wesleyan Seminary. Their visit marked the start of the seminary’s new Master’s in Youth Ministry program, the first academic youth ministry degree program offered in the Middle East.

Dr. Karen Jones taught Foundations of Youth Ministry, a course that introduces the biblical, relational, and practical foundations of working with young people. Dr. Tom Bergler taught Adolescent Development and Culture, which examines how social trends, cultural influences, and stages of development shape the lives and faith of teenagers.

Jones reports, "It is difficult to describe the overwhelming sense of gratitude and fulfillment we experienced when teaching and preparing the first cohort of Egyptian youth leaders in this Master’s in Youth Ministry program. It became very clear to both of us that God is planning to use the ministry of these leaders and their students to make a significant Kingdom impact in this region of the world. Youth ministry is very rarely a paid position in churches throughout the Middle East, but these adults who hold other jobs and professional careers feel called to minister with young people and are committed to preparing themselves for effective ministry. Their hospitality and enthusiasm for learning were energizing!"

These two courses serve as the opening step in the new degree program and its launch is a significant step for ministry training in the region. We are excited to watch God work through this partnership with Faith Wesleyan Seminary as future pastors and ministry leaders are equipped to impact our world for Christ.