CM: Youth and Family Ministry Concentration
Upon completion of the Youth and Family Ministry Concentration, students will be able to:
1. Defend and articulate a biblical philosophy of holistic youth ministry.
2. Effectively and accurately teach the Scriptures to teenagers
3. Execute leadership skills in team development, strategic ministry planning, and strategic discipleship.
4. Assist youth and their families in times of crisis and adolescent confusion.
5. Offer intentional plans for resourcing and encouraging parents toward the spiritual formation of their teenagers.
What can I do with a B.A. in Christian Ministry, Youth and Family Ministry Concentration?
- Youth and Family Ministry in the local church
- Work for non-profit organizations (Youth for Christ, YoungLife, Help for Families)
- Camping ministry
- Graduate studies in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Variety of pastoral positions in the local church
Sample Core Courses
Sexuality, Marriage, and Family
This course develops a biblical sexual ethic while addressing contemporary sexual mores of current culture. A theology of marriage and family is also developed as family structures, issues and dynamics are examined. As part of this course, issues such as preparing for Christian marriage; family roles and relationships; and parenting and child training will be explored.
Youth Evangelism and Discipleship
This course focuses on the biblical disciple-making process as especially applicable to teenagers. Students will develop a clear explanation of the Gospel including a clear plea for response. Spiritual formation will be discussed and a strategic discipleship plan developed which will include age appropriate curriculum.
Teaching and Speaking to Youth
This course focuses on the development of solid speaking and teaching skills. It then gives further attention to adapting those skills when communicating to teenagers. This course will include teaching presentations and peer and professor feedback.
Family Ministry
This course will explore how the church can partner with and minister to whole families, especially but not limited to, partnering with parents/guardians. In this course, students will study a biblical theology of family and learn skills for resourcing parents/guardians for spiritual formation of the family. Current models of family ministry will be explored with an eye on best practices that accurately represent biblical commands.