Youth Ministries (B.A.)

Program Overview

The major in Youth Ministries prepares women and men for entry-level positions in congregational and para-church youth ministries. The major incorporates critical practical elements built on a robust foundation in biblical and theological reflection. Critical thinking and oral and written communication skills are also stressed. This program can also serve as a foundation for further education in a seminary setting.

In addition to meeting the major’s curricular requirements, all Youth Ministries majors are required to participate in the Department’s Fitness for Ministry program — cocurricular activities and expectations that assess and increase students’ fitness to pursue careers in Christian ministry. Program requirements include mandatory participation in spiritual formation groups during the sophomore and senior years, and the development and maintenance of a ministry portfolio that will be reviewed regularly by department faculty members. For more information on the Fitness for Ministry program, visit the Department website.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s Youth Ministry program:

1.    Develop skills necessary for interpreting and applying the biblical text responsibly by understanding the basic content and historical contexts of the Bible, and by utilizing appropriate interpretive methodologies.
2.    Construct and evaluate theological arguments within the historical and global contexts of Christian belief and practice.
3.    Analyze religious beliefs and practices and how they affect individuals and societies.
4.    Describe the church as a contextually situated body.
5.    Develop appropriate professional competencies:
a.    Develop intercultural and contextual awareness by engaging the complex history and legacy of Christianity as a force for good and evil, including colonialism, white supremacy, and liberating responses.
b.    Develop competency in teaching and writing for youth ministry.
c.    Evaluate one’s gifts, strengths, and limitations with respect to a particular leadership context in order to explore employment, voluntary service, and/or graduate opportunities.
    

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

Three credits from the following:

Three credits from the following:

Three credits from the following:

General Education Requirements