As a youth ministry student, you'll develop a coherent and holistic approach to evangelism, discipleship, recreation, and counseling that will allow you to guide young people along their journey of faith, maturity, and participation in the Church. The specialty of youth ministry is designed for those who want to participate in the adventure of changing the world by ministering to families and the lives of young people and, at the same time, empowering the next generation of leaders. A degree program in youth ministry can train you to transmit biblical messages related to young people. Visit the university catalog here to see this and other courses that make up the degree plans in Biblical Studies.
The specialty of youth ministry focuses on making disciples of young people and families, both in the Church and in faith-based non-profit organizations, in order to interpret and engage culture in a redemptive way. A degree program can focus on the spiritual impact of young people on the family, historical impacts on modern theological methods, cultural influence, and Christian values. If you're here because you're considering pursuing a degree in Youth Ministry, welcome to the challenge and adventure. Associate and bachelor's degree programs require you to complete general education courses before graduating.
Courses in multiple academic disciplines, including theology, ministry, psychology, and education, will prepare you to effectively lead and maintain a youth ministry in a church or other organization. If you decide to get a master's degree, you'll eventually be prepared for a leadership position within a church, such as director of a ministry. With an associate degree, you may be qualified to lead a church youth group, work as a youth camp counselor, serve as a youth spiritual leader, or serve in parachecclesiastical ministries. You can find topics such as youth sexuality, intervention methods, counseling, spiritual development, family ministry, and contemporary methods of youth development.
You can also focus on family development, advanced leadership techniques, morality, the sociology of youth, mentoring skills, and pastoral counseling. Southwest Baptist University reserves the right to make changes to the curriculum without notice or obligation. Skills you can develop during a 2-year program include developing lesson plans, guiding youth through spiritual discovery, and setting worship schedules. Your program has the task of showing you how to stay in touch with youth culture, work with young people on social and spiritual issues, develop religious learning programs and develop your life around the Scriptures.
