The Future of Hope Youth Theology Initiative —funded in-part by a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment—provides Knoxville area high school students with an opportunity to engage their city by inspiring them to think theologically about the challenges of living in a contemporary urban context. 

FOHI carries out its mission through the following components:

The Future of Hope Institute (FOHI) is a selective program designed for rising sophomores, juniors and seniors from Knoxville area high schools. The program begins with a three-day retreat followed by a week-long institute in Knoxville.

The Faith and Justice Summit is an opportunity for high school students and youth leaders to reflect on injustice in our society, engage in biblical conversation, and connect with like-minded students from different backgrounds. Through workshops, a keynote speaker, and roundtable discussions, students will gain knowledge about how to respond to injustice and be empowered to take biblical action that will impact the Knoxville community.

Future of Hope EMERGE is five-day trip to Chicago, Illinois, focused on urban ministry, theology, culture, and social justice. EMERGE provides students an opportunity (1) to engage with ministries that serve inner cities, and (2) to gain theological insight in a large urban city context.