YMIN 101 Introduction to Youth Ministry (3)
This course will be a study of the physical and emotional development of adolescents, and the development of a philosophy of ministry with adolescents, with guidelines and discussion relating to the implementation of a program of ministry within the framework of the local church as well as in various other contexts.
YMIN 102 The Gospel and Adolescent Culture (3 )
This course will survey various elements of the youth culture and the adolescent experience while considering ways that these elements of culture and experience are addressed by the Gospel of Christ. The course will feature discussion of traditional adolescent issues and a survey of curricula and materials that address these issues.
YMIN 203 Youth Ministry in the Wilderness (3)
This course will explore the value and rationale for youth ministry in the context of the wilderness setting. Special emphasis will be placed on the logistics of group camping in the wilderness setting, how to plan and execute such a trip, and the development of a philosophy of outdoor ministry. Course participants will learn ways of using the wilderness experience for group building, leadership development and personal spiritual growth. The context of the course is a two week wilderness trip that will include backpacking, rock-climbing and whitewater rafting. Limit: 10 students. Offered in Summer Session I. Additional fees.
YMIN 205 Youth Ministry and the Small Group Process (3)
By participating and learning in a small group, students will gain the basic skills necessary for facilitating small groups in a youth ministry context. Through this experience, students will learn how to create an atmosphere where youth can meet together regularly and become committed to each other, to the group, and to growing together in their faith in Christ. Principles of biblical interpretation and Bible study activities appropriate to youth ministry will be explored.
YMIN 207 Youth Ministry Programming Skills (3)
This course is designed to train students in skills necessary for effective youth ministry. This phase of the skills curriculum will focus on creativity, learning styles, event planning, communication skills and techniques. The course will utilize a laboratory approach that begins with instruction and moves into hands-on participation.
YMIN 303 Youth Ministry in the Urban Setting (3)
The objective of this course is to give students a vision for youth ministry in an urban environment. Students will not only have the opportunity to see and experience various approaches to urban youth ministry, but will also be challenged to explore their attitudes toward cross-cultural ministry, racism, and poverty.
YMIN 305W Youth Ministry Administration (3)
This course will focus on some of the “nuts-and-bolts” areas of everyday youth ministry in the parish and para-church setting. Topics examined will range from organizing and administering a youth program to counseling teenagers, the dynamics of team ministry and working with volunteers. Other practical concerns that will be given attention are finances and budgeting, church staff relationships and promotional skills. Offered every spring. This course will also focus on developing significant writing skills for students in the major.
YMIN 395 Field Placement (3)
Each youth ministry major is required to complete a minimum of 120 hours of field placement. This allows a student to experience first-hand ministry with adolescents. Field placement credits may be earned through summer internships and through part-time placements during the school semester. Opportunities range from working with Young Life or some other para-church ministry, to inner-city ministry, to ministry in a traditional church setting. Prerequisite: Permission of the Youth Ministries program director.
YMIN 402 Discipling Youth (1)
Beginning with a biblical definition of Christian discipleship, special attention is given to identifying what Christian discipleship looks like in the adolescent culture. Students review various components of a ministry of discipleship and examine strategies of discipling youth. The course is an intensive 4-day field trip to view various youth discipleship programs. Students will be charged an additional fee to cover extra food and housing costs for the travel component of the course.
YMIN 404 Senior Seminar (2)
Using a seminar format, special focus and attention will be given to questions that often emerge in youth ministry: At what point does parental responsibility override a confidential youth-youth minister relationship? How does one handle various problems of discipline? What is the relationship between para-church and local church youth programs? The course will utilize a case-study approach in exploring some of these issues. The Culminating Senior Experience (CSE) project will be part of this course.
YMIN 495 Internship (3)
Each youth ministry major is required to complete a minimum of 120 hours of internship (beyond field placement). This allows a student to practice and sharpen performance skills in the only setting where they finally count-- in ministry with youth themselves. Internship credits may be earned through summer internships and through part-time placements during the school semester. Opportunities range from working with Young Life or some other para-church ministry, to inner-city ministry, to ministry in a traditional church setting. Prerequisite: Permission of the Youth Ministries program director.
PSYC 206 Adolescent Psychology (3)
This course considers human development from adolescence through emerging adulthood, focusing on the interrelatedness of biological, cognitive, psychosocial dimensions of development. Additionally, this course addresses major contexts that may shape individuals’ development during this period, as well as both challenges and positive developmental experiences that may occur.
THEO 240 Introduction to Christian Theology (3) A survey of the main themes of Christian theology from both systematic and biblical perspectives. Special emphasis is on the development of responsible theological thought. Such topics as the basis of authority, the nature of God, human nature, the person and work of Christ, the Holy Spirit and the Church will be treated. Offered every semester.
