DESCRIPTION:

This is a course for various leaders of youth ministries in local churches. It presupposes knowledge of adolescent development: psychology, sociology, culture, communications, and their relationships to youth ministry in the local church setting. The course focuses on the church's ministry to, for, and by youth. Topics covered will be philosophy and models of youth ministry; the youth leader; four basic elements in youth ministry programs; organization of a youth ministry; leadership development; Christian camping and retreats; evaluation; and ultimate goals of youth ministry.

The anticipated outcomes of this course are that each learner will:

1. know basic principles of youth ministry in the local church, and develop one's own philosophy, model, and basic program of youth ministry.

2. identify with and appreciate the possibilities of effective church and youth ministry.

3. begin to practice these principles regularly in one's ministry with youth.

4. become a continually more effective youth worker.

Discussion, lectures, and class projects will make up the class time.
Class will meet daily, Monday-Friday, from 3-6 p.m., March 24-27, and May 19-23, 1997.

Barna, George. Generation Next: What You Need to Know About Today's Youth. Regal, 1995.

Borthwick, Paul. Feeding Your Forgotten Soul: Spiritual Growth for Youth Workers. Grand Rapids, Youth Specialties, 1990.

_________. Youth and Missions: Expanding Your Students' World View. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1988.

Cagle, Bob. Youth Ministry Camping. Loveland: Grove Books, 1989.

Dettoni, John M. Introduction to Youth Ministry. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1993.

_________. Syllabus for CF 540, 1997.

Numerous chapters and sections in books and articles on reserve in Library.

Papers on the following topics:

1. Critique three extant models of youth ministry and outline one's own model.

2. Develop one's own philosophy of youth ministry.

3. Evaluation of a selected youth ministry curriculum and curriculum materials.

4. Report on a youth service project.

5. Design an effective Bible teaching experience.

6. Interview two full-time youth ministers on how they maintain their own spiritual development. Report on how the student maintains his/her own spiritual development (graded acceptable/not acceptable).

7. Design and/or report on an effective youth worship experience.

Grades are based on attendance, fulfillment of all written assignment, dialogue in class.

None.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in Christian Formation and Discipleship (MIN 4).

None.