Starting with Kihu

Whether a new youth ministry or simply a new initiative within your existing organization, IYS can help your leadership team with strategic planning, executive coaching and contextualized resources, ensuring you start your project on the proper path for success.

Mark & Jono with Kihu and Mark O. - Legacy Leaders Summit

We are honored to partner with Pastor Kihu and the national youth department he leads—serving a network of over 4,800 churches across Kenya.

Starting Kenya Cohort Sessions

In 2026, we launched the Kenya Cohort, a pilot leadership development journey designed for district and national-level youth directors. This initiative is focused on cultivating Christ-centered, biblically grounded, and Spirit-led leaders—growing their character, competency, and capacity to serve with clarity and conviction.

The vision is clear: to empower leaders who will help the next generation in Kenya know Christ more deeply and make Him known more widely—all for God’s glory.

The cohort experience integrates both online and in-person training, alongside guided reading and practical assignments. Core training modules include:

  • Grace Stewards
  • Visionary Leaders
  • Ambassadors in Crisis
  • Movement Makers

More than a program, this is a catalytic investment in leaders who influence leaders. As these youth directors are strengthened, they in turn equip thousands of local churches—multiplying impact across the nation.

We believe this initiative will bear lasting fruit, shaping a generation of leaders who will carry the gospel forward with courage, wisdom, and grace.

"Praise God and hello. My name is Mark O. and I'm from Kenya. On the 1st and 2nd of June, I had the wonderful privilege to learn from Dr. Mark Andreson and his son Jono. The training was on the topics of Vision and Advocating for youth and youth ministry. This was not only a wonderful privilege but also a tremendous blessing. I was so encouraged to get to work on the vision I believe God has set in my heart for the Kingdom. It was just an amazing time and it came at a time when, to be honest, I had felt so stuck and discouraged. None of this would have been possible if Dr. Mark had not accepted the call and if wonderful partners had not embraced the vision and supplied what we needed. We were all able to travel (some over long distances), get fed, had good accommodation and most of all, had Dr. Mark and his son minister to us. May God continue blessing this wonderful ministry and all those who have partnered with the vision. God has used you to change lives.”
Mark O.

Starting with Charles

As co-director of Alliance Youth, Charles carries a bold vision to equip youth ministers across their 2,000 churches in America. We believe deeply in that mission. That’s why we partnered with him to lay the foundation for launching the Youth Ministry Leadership Certificate.

Hear what Charles has to say about IYS and the YMLC.

The Youth Ministry Leadership Certificate (YMLC) 6-credit program is designed to equip volunteer youth workers with essential knowledge and skills needed to disciple and lead young people effectively. Each of the three modules combine foundational theory with practical application, ensuring that volunteers can confidently support the spiritual formation and leadership development of the youth in their Alliance churches.

To learn more about the YMLC, please visit:

https://allianceleaders.org/product/module-1-ymlc-foundations-of-youth-ministry/

Support Our Mission

You can support the IYS mission of encouraging, equipping and empowering global youth ministers by giving your time and talents, your prayers or a monetary gift.

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