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Youth Ministry

If you are interested in working with young people in the development of faith and spirituality, leading discussions of issues important to youth and/or working in a church context, consider adding a Youth Ministry Certificate to your major.

This certificate program requires 15 additional hours, making it easily obtainable. It is also open to you regardless of your major program of study, be it music, natural sciences, Bible and religion or any other. The curriculum integrates courses from Bible and religion, conflict resolution and social work. It also includes a youth ministry placement (10-12 hours a week) in a local congregation for one semester. Participating students have found the placement experience personally rewarding, with the added benefits of being an attractive addition to a resume plus providing training for future employment.

Separate from the Youth Ministry Certificate, though not unrelated, other ministry opportunities are available. Some students enjoy helping local churches in various forms of ministry work. Others take advantage of the Ministry Inquiry Program (MIP), which offers leadership opportunities in host congregations across the country where members and pastors have agreed to involve the student in a variety of pastoral ministry experiences. These internships give you a viable opportunity to test your pastoral gifts and interests in a welcoming congregational context.