DESCRIPTION:

This course is an introduction to youth ministry for those new to or away from the field for some time. It will prepare the seminarian for any kind of field education with young people, and would also be an ideal overview for those who will oversee, but not directly lead, a youth program. Expected outcomes from this course include the following:

1. To understand young people at various age levels.

2. To develop listening, teaching, speaking, and program skills.

3. To gain the ability to plan, communicate, and organize activities.

4. To learn principles of recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers.

5. To develop a desire to be a professional servant leader in youth ministry.

As the church in America continues to shrink, youth ministry must be embraced as one of the essential tools for our future. Everyone who works in a church setting, whether they are directly responsible for the youth ministry or not, will benefit from an understanding of this crucial area. Those moving toward pastoral positions must gain an understanding of youth ministry issues that will enable them to effectively oversee and empower volunteers or paid staff who are directly responsible for the students.

The course will meet once a week for three hours. It will consist of lectures, guest speakers, discussions, and small group activities.

McNabb, Bill. Teaching the Bible Creatively. YS/Zondervan, 1992.

Robbins, Duffy. Youth Ministry That Works. Victor, 1991.

Smith, Tim. 8 Habits of an Effective Youth Worker. Victor, 1995.

Borthwick, Paul. Organizing Your Youth Ministry. YS/Zondervan, 1988.

Christie, Les. Unsung Heroes. YS/Zondervan, 1987.

Elliot, Dianne and Ginny Olson, eds. Breaking the Gender Barrier in Youth Ministry. Victor, 1995.

Marian, Jim. Leading Your Students in Worship. Victor, 1993.

Oestreicher, Mark. Wild Truth Journal. YS/Zondervan, 1995.

VanPelt, Rich. Intensive Care. YS/Zondervan, 1988.

Veerman, David. Small Group Ministry with Youth. Victor, 1992.

__________. Youth Evangelism. Victor, 1988.

1. Three quizzes on readings.

2. Three short reflection papers (3-5 pp.).

3. Personal reflection paper on integration of course content with personal ministry or ministry vision (10-15 pp.).

4. Practical projects (choose two):

• visit and evaluate three diverse youth ministries;

• give a short youth talk;

• create and present a creative teaching idea;

• outline an event calendar for a year in an imaginary or real youth ministry;

• draft a budget for a youth ministry;

• create a volunteer staff application, screening process, and initial training outline.