Current Students
Youth Ministry
The youth ministry courses are designed for people to enhance their current ministry to youth, in either a leadership or assistance role, or to equip them with the skills to start such a ministry within their local congregation. Youth, in this case, focuses not only on adolescents but in the broader sense from ages 13 to 25. It is often this group that has difficulty finding a home in the church and to which the church has the most difficulty communicating. The intent of this program is not to create another sub-group within the church, but to give leaders the tools to integrate youth into the life of the church.
The program is structured in such a way as to help the students become leaders in community, worship, proclamation, teaching, and service, as well as equip them with the tools to develop both adult and youth leaders within the church. It also takes into consideration the growing need for the new and creative approaches to youth ministry both inside and outside of the church building. The Associate in Theology – major in youth ministry – offers a combination of vocational study, theological reflection, and practical ministry.
Core Youth Courses
- Building Community in Youth Ministry
- Youth, Worship, and the Church
- Youth and Christian Education
- Evangelism, Discipleship, and Popular Culture
- Youth Services, and Social Justice
Certificate in Youth Ministry
This program is designed for ordained clergy or theologically educated lay persons (i.e. A.Th., EFM) who are involved in or who plan to start a ministry to youth. It consists of five (5) two-credit-hour courses from the Youth Ministry courses as listed above, offered either at the College or as extension, in intensive format.
Associate in Theology – Youth Ministry Major
This option is available as an option in the A.Th. program. Students complete ten (10) two-credit hour courses, as follows:
5 courses in Youth Ministry Studies
Building Community in Youth Ministry
Youth & Christian Education
Youth, Worship and the Church
Evangelism, Discipleship, and Popular Culture
Youth, Service, and Social Justice
2 courses in Biblical Studies (usually 2000-Q and 2200-Q)
1 course in Theological Studies
1 course in Church History
1 elective course
Format
- Each course is divided into two parts to be completed over two weekend sessions. Sessions begin Friday evening and run all day Saturday.
- Evaluation will consist of class participation and take home assignments such as book reports, reflection papers, and practical projects.
- Each course costs $190. plus textbooks.