YTH - Youth

This course focuses on developing one's personal vision and practice of youth ministry and gives attention to the foundational and diverse elements of youth ministry. It will include an introduction to the programs, methods, models, issues, challenges, and opportunities of youth ministry as well as the Biblical and philosophical foundations for such ministry. Co-requisite: YTH-220P.

Introduction to the basic elements of youth ministry by first-hand observation in a local church setting. The student will identify a specific church setting for observation/practicum. Emphasis will be upon exposure to and some participation in the general aspects of local church youth ministry especially related to those ministries with impact upon adolescents. An average of four hours of observation would be required each week. Co-requisite: YTH-220.

This course is designed to familiarize students with the several approaches to youth ministry currently being utilized across the church. The course will involve both classroom presentation and on-site visits to a variety of ministries.

This course is an in-depth exploration of the nature and process of effective youth ministry in the local church. It will study the nature of modern adolescence, youth culture and youth ministry with a view to develop international youth ministry programs. This course also seeks to develop management skills and an effective vision of leadership with a primary emphasis on Christ-centered, principle-based servant leadership. Co-requisite: YTH-230P.

This course moves beyond observation to actual ministry involvement under the supervision of a pastor/mentor in a local church setting. The student will identify a specific youth ministry assignment as approved by the ministry supervisor and the practicum instructor. Students will be expected to be involved in a small group ministry as well as take some leadership role in a large teen event. An average of four ministry hours will be required each week. Co-requisite: YTH-230.

An examination of Christian camps and institutes for children, youth and/or adults. Objectives, personnel, materials, as well as philosophy, are considered.

This course concentrates on the unique elements of communicating with youth and children as a distinctive age group in the church. It explores communication theory and the process of communicating Christ to contemporary culture. Limited to majors and minors in the Division of Religion and Philosophy unless permission is granted by the Division. Prerequisite: BIL-202.

A focused study on specific aspects of youth ministry using field trips and resource specialists. This course may be repeated.

This course draws upon basic understandings of practical theology in order to develop a theological foundation of youth ministry. In order to enrich these discussions, this class will explore adolescent development and youth culture as well as the normative moments of God's divine in-breaking. We will also investigate what it means to think critically in regards to questions of theory and praxis of adolescent and family ministries. Prerequisites: THE-101, BIL-101, and BIL-102.

This course moves beyond observation to actual ministry involvement under the supervision of a pastor/mentor in a local church setting. The student will identify a specific youth ministry assignment and approved by the ministry supervisor and the practicum instructor. Students will be expected to be involved in a small group ministry as well as take some leadership role in a large teen event. An average of four ministry hours will be required each week. Prerequisites: YTH-220 and YTH-221.

See YTH-341. Prerequisite: YTH-341.

See YTH-341. Prerequisite: YTH-342.

This course is an in-depth exploration of the nature and process of effective youth ministry in the local church. It will study the nature of modern adolescence, youth culture and youth ministry with a view to develop international youth ministry programs. This course also seeks to develop management skills and an effective vision of leadership with a primary emphasis on Christ-centered, principle -based servant leadership. Open to juniors and seniors. Co-requisite: YTH-355P.

This course moves beyond observation to actual ministry involvement under the supervision of a pastor/mentor in a local church setting. The student will identify a specific youth ministry assignment as approved by the ministry supervisor and the practicum instructor. Students will be expected to be involved in a small group ministry as well as take some leadership role in a large teen event. An average of four ministry hours will be required each week. Co-requisite: YTH-355.

This course concentrates on the unique elements of communicating with youth and children as a distinctive age group in the church. Types of sermons and the principles of constructing and delivering expository sermons are studied. Original sermons are prepared, and some of them delivered before the class with critiques and suggestions for improvements. Limited to majors and minors in the Division of Practical Theology unless permission is granted by the Division. Prerequisite: REL-365; Co-requisite: REL-366P.

This course provides an exploration of strategies and techniques for effective counseling of youth and their families. In addition to addressing the most typical issues faced by youth and their families, an examination of the growth and development of adolescents will also be considered. Co-requisite: REL-469P.

This course will establish both principles and practices of evangelism and discipleship which are uniquely applicable to persons in the second decade of life.

The way we see and interpret culture has a profound effect on how we minister to adolescents. This course is designed to teach a student how to exegete the current cultural environments and see where and how youth ministry intersects. Using practical theological reflection, this course will also address the ever-changing relationship between youth ministry and a variety of cultures, particularly in a post-modern world. Field trip fees may apply.

Work with a faculty mentor and in cooperation with an Honors College advisor, producing a research thesis or creative project.

This course is designed to give an individual a semester/summer of practical experience while serving in full-time youth ministry in a local church setting. The student will work under the supervision of an effective full-time youth pastor who serves as mentor/evaluator. This internship requires a minimum of 40 hours of ministry each week, which may include study and research time needed for this course and other youth ministry courses in which the student is concurrently enrolled. 4-7 week experience: 3 hours; 8-11 week experience: 6 hours. Prerequisites: YTH-220 and permission of instructor.

This course concentrates on the unique elements of communicating with youth and children as a distinctive age group in the church. It explores communication theory and the process of communicating Christ to contemporary culture. Limited to majors and minors in the Division of Religion and Philosophy unless permission is granted by the Division. Prerequisite: REL-465; Corequisite: REL-466P.

This course provides theological, theoretical, and practical foundations for effective pastoral care for individuals ranging from childhood to adulthood. Close attention will be paid to the developmental and behavioral dynamics within this context as well as current, relevant issues. This course aims to guide the learners to become reflective practitioners of ministry to children, youth and young adults. Prerequisite: REL-370.

This course provides theological, theoretical, and practical foundations for effective pastoral care for individuals ranging from adulthood to the end of life. Developmental, family, and identity issues will be addressed. This course aims to guide the learners to become reflective practitioners of ministry to adults of all ages. Prerequisite: REL-370.

In a seminar setting, a personal strategy is developed for changing our world in the form of a first year ministry plan. We will draw upon biblical and theological resources as well as the synthesis of practical insights gained during the undergraduate experience. Students will refine a portfolio and develop a life plan for on-going personal and professional development. Capstone experiences will include both a written paper and an oral presentation to the class. Limited to seniors in youth Ministries and Adolescent Ministries majors.