Southwestern College Professional Studies

Is a Youth Ministry for the Lay Leader Graduate Certificate for Me?

The nondenominational Graduate Certificate in Youth Ministry for the Lay Leader is designed to prepare individuals for working with young adult ministry programs. The learners will explore foundational ministry concepts and examine these foundational concepts in a variety of social scenarios. They will also develop their skills in applying the theological principles and scriptures in youth ministry.

The Youth Ministry for the Lay Leader program is available completely online in a cohort-based model. This means that learners can only begin the program at one of two start times during the year.

• Visit the Builders in Ministry Blog.
• Southwestern College Chapel

Courses

Required Courses

SMIN501 Introduction to Ministry
SMIN503 Studies of the Old Testament
SMIN505 Studies of the New Testament
SMIN507 Theology
SMIN533 Program Design and Development in the Local Church

Course Descriptions

SMIN501 Introduction to Ministry

This course will explore several themes that are foundational to ministry including the notions of call, conversion, prayer, and leadership in the church. Students should be prepared to engage the practical dimensions of spiritual formation and to apply them to a variety of social scenarios.

SMIN503 Studies of the Old Testament

This course provides an introduction to the literature and history of ancient Israel with special attention given to the thirty-six books of the Hebrew Bible. Ancient and Near-Eastern texts will be considered in light of the context that they provide for understanding early Judaism. Attention will be given to how to utilize Old Testament Scriptures in a variety of church and para-church ministries.

SMIN505 Studies of the New Testament

This course provides an introduction to the 27 books that constitute the New Testament. This course will take into account the Jewish and Greco-Roman milieu in which the New Testament developed. Attention will be given to how to utilize New Testament Scriptures in a variety of church and para-church ministries.

SMIN507 Theology

In this course, learners learn to link scriptural, historical, and theological sources in order to both create and understand theological constructs for youth ministry. Attention is given to how context (race, class, gender, other) shapes theological convictions.

SMIN533 Program Design and Development in the Local Church

This course provides an introduction to, and practice in, designing and developing a youth ministry in the local church. Attention will be paid to context (i.e. urban, rural, suburban and geographic or regional characteristics), theology of youth ministry, and practical challenges such as fundraising, budgeting and accounting procedures.

Admission Requirements

While you can apply for the Youth Ministry for the Lay Leader program anytime throughout the year, you can only begin the program at one of two start times during the year – March or July. Anyone interested in completing the Youth Ministry for the Lay Leader Certificate may complete a Southwestern College Professional Studies Graduate Application for Admission. The five courses comprising the Youth Ministry for the Lay Leader Certificate can be completed in eight months or less in convenient 6-week classes.

Individuals completing the Youth Ministry for the Lay Leader Certificate at Southwestern College may apply all of these 15 credit hours earned toward a Master of Arts degree in Specialized Ministries.

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Youth Ministry for the Lay Leader Certification