Our Story
Founded in 2015, Johnson University’s Future of Hope Initiative provides Knoxville high school students with the opportunity to think theologically about the challenges and opportunities of living in and leading a city within its contemporary urban context. Program participants engage with proven community leaders, explore possible careers, dive deeply into biblical reflection and cultural analysis, and are refreshed through community and worship.
“This program helps form the future leaders of Knoxville and beyond. ”
MATTHEW BEST | PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Our Vision
Over the course of nine months, the scholars divide into groups to work on vision projects that include strategies to help solve issues that are facing the city and are important to them. Past vision projects have centered homelessness, criminal justice, mental health, and food inequality. Over the course of the program, we focus on the following outcomes:
Theological Foundation
Engage in biblically grounded theological inquiry and use those skills to analyze the challenges and dynamics of a dynamic, urban context from a Gospel perspective.
Spiritual Formation & DISCIPLESHIP
Grow deeper in your walk with God through teaching and the formation of relationships with other students and mentors from different social and economic contexts.
Social Justice & Mercy
Approach oppression, inequity, and injustice from a biblical worldview and work alongside city leaders in the development of solutions to address social ills within the city of Knoxville.
Vocation exploration
Work to understand your calling within the context of God's work in the city of Knoxville, and with the help of mentors, implement a plan to help address a need that you feel called to.
Ready to Serve the city?
Become a Scholar
