Strategy

The Global Cities Initiative aims to bring TRAINING, RESOURCES, ACCOUNTABILITY, and CONNECTION to cities.

Training

Global Cities uses a cohort model where a group of 5-7 leaders meet on Zoom every two to three weeks, and once a year in person, to go through the following training modules with specifics related to a global city context:

  • Vision and Strategic Planning
  • Networking and Collaboration
  • Leadership Development
  • Resource Development
  • Direct Ministry

In addition to training sessions, there will be assignments given in relation to the learning goal and coaching available from the Global Cities team.

Resources

A common barrier to entry and growth of ministry in cities is the high cost of living and doing ministry. Therefore Young Life Global Cities initiated the Accelerator Fund in 2021. The Accelerator Fund is an investment fund housed within the Young Life Foundation, to provide seed funding to help plan and grow ministry in the largest and most influential cities in the world.

  • All grants are matched by receiving cities
  • Cities must meet ministry milestones to release funds
  • Purpose of funds:
    ○ To kickstart the hiring and training of staff
    ○ Implementation of ministry programs
    ○ To support the activities run by local staff
  • In 2024, Young Life Global Cities has raised $3.1 million and $1.3 million has been dispersed to cities.

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Accountability

Phases of accountability

Each city in Young Life Global Cities works from Phase A to Phase D over the course of three to four years. This ensures ministry in that city to be strong, sustainable, and reproducible.

Connection

Young Life Global Cities is driven by relationships and connecting city leaders with each other. This fosters collaboration, encouragement, and a safe space to address challenges unique to ministry in global cities around the world.

To be able to join with fellow leaders who have similar backgrounds to me, who operate in similar cultural context and share similar visions for spreading the gospel here in Asia, brings me incredible joy and encouragement. To be reminded that I'm not alone keeps me going and I'm always inspired by the wisdom and leadership of my fellow leaders and learning from the different stages on the ministry journey that each city is on!"

— James Tang, Hong Kong Director