School of Theology

Doug Fields is a leading youth pastor and speaker, founder of Simply Youth Ministry, and author of Purpose Driven Youth Ministry and more than 50 other books. His annual Student Leadership Conference is one of the most highly regarded student leader events in the nation and attracts hundreds of teenagers from around the world. At this event, promising young leaders learn how to be influential in their homes, churches, schools and communities.

Fields brings more than 30 years of experience in youth ministry to APU. He serves as an ambassador for the university and the HomeWord Center for Youth and Family through speaking and writing opportunities centered on youth and family matters. He also teaches youth ministry classes, advises on the development of youth programs, and produces a weekly podcast to answer questions about youth ministry.

After graduating from Vanguard University in 1984, Fields went on to earn his M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary. He served at South Coast Community Church (now Mariners Church), in Newport Beach, California, for 11 years before he moved to be the youth and teaching pastor at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California. He was on staff with Rick Warren and a great team of leaders for 18 years.

Of all these things, Fields would say his greatest accomplishment is being married to his incredible wife of 25 years, Cathy, and having three amazing children. For more information about Fields, visit www.dougfields.com.