FAMILY & YOUTH MINISTRY

Our mission is to glorify God by equipping ministry leaders with the knowledge and practical skills to reach and disciple young people in the local church. Youth are the heart of tomorrow’s leadership, and spiritually strong students energize congregations to share God’s love with the world.

Through Family & Youth Ministry training, you’ll combine biblical foundations with real-world application. Courses explore the role of youth ministry in the church, address challenges facing today’s teens, and develop skills for effective teaching and curriculum design. You’ll also gain practical experience—planning retreats, leading mission trips, and guiding youth in spiritual growth.

Whether you’re a full-time or part-time student, a volunteer youth worker, or a minister seeking to sharpen your skills, this training equips you to make an eternal impact in the lives of young people and your church community.

FAMILY & YOUTH MINISTRY
EXTENDED STUDIES CLASSES

  • The foundation to family and youth ministry is a clear definition and application of biblical teachings regarding the family and its symbiotic relationship with the church. During this course we explore the development of a biblical Christian worldview as contrasted with the popular Western worldviews of secular humanism, Marxism, New Age, Islam, and Postmodernism. A historical overview of youth ministry and an introductory study of the basic principles of family-based ministry set the stage for the courses that follow.

  • The structure and context of family-based ministry are defined and examined during the second term of study. A strategy for the facilitation of family-based ministry within the background of present culture is presented using biblical guidelines for the "household." Most importantly, the relationship between the church and family is appraised with the goal of understanding how we must actively integrate families – and especially our children – into the body of Christ.

  • This study examines the "tools" provided by scripture to impact the family and the church and, ultimately, our world. The significance of family-based spiritual formation, evangelism, service, and missions are explored in practical discussions along with the presentation of related resources and materials. Students learn to create holistic curriculum that provides guidance for all ages to experience spiritual growth.

  • To foster a productive ministry, the Family and Youth Minister must harmonize his biblical “job description” with the expectations of the church leadership, parents, and congregation. The daily responsibilities revolve around discipleship, service projects, evangelism, fellowship, missions, and worship. The ministry students consider questions such as: What is the organizational structure for planning an effective ministry among the families and youth? How can the youth participate with the congregation through intergenerational ministry? How are activities organized to provide a variety of opportunities for spiritual formation?