youth and young adult ministry training certificate program
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
PRACTICAL PROGRAM COMPONENTS:
COLLEGIUMS
Students are required to attend two collegiums each year that they are enrolled in the program, and must attend a minimum of four collegiums. This will be an opportunity for students to meet and network and to discuss issues in Youth and Young Adult Ministry not covered in courses. Topics will be chosen by the Steering Committee after consultation with students and the Coordinator.
WEEKEND WORKSHOPS
Four weekend workshops are program requirements: Pastoral Care, Music and Worship, Spiritual Practices, and Christian Ethics and Youth. Other optional workshops may be scheduled in the areas of Communication and Group Dynamics, Local and Global Justice, Promoting Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Preaching, and Church Polity and Structure. Workshops consist of 20 hours of instruction, and are facilitated by instructors holding graduate degrees.
COURSE
“Principles in Youth and Young Adult Ministry” (or equivalent), held in Alberta Northwest Conference. This is a 4-5 day course which will cover topics surrounding basic ministry with youth and young adults. This course must be completed before the field placement.
FIELD TRAINING
The intention of the Field Training is to provide a variety of experiences in congregational and non-congregational settings, including a range of age groups. Two areas of training are required:
1. Congregational Youth or Young Adult work (approximately 320 hours). Supervision and support will be provided by: the Coordinator of the program, who consults with the student and Supervisor at the beginning, mid-point and end of the internship, and by the Supervisor, who is approved by the Steering Committee, and who meets with the student to discuss learning goals and provides feedback in the student’s ministry.
2. On-site project. The on-site project will consist of at least 50 hours, including preparation time and on-site work. Supervision for this element is done by an appropriate on-site person, approved by the Steering Committee/Coordinator. This unit may be completed by being part of the leadership team for such events and courses as Senior Teens at Naramata Centre; camp counsellor-in-training programs, planning and leading a Youth Rally, leading Youth at Conference, VBS Caravan, etc. Projects should be designed to meet specific learning goals.
In-depth information about policy and procedures in field training can be obtained from the Field Training Handbook.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM COMPONENTS:
CORE COURSES (15 credits)
Five 3-credit courses: Hebrew Scriptures, Christian Scriptures, Church History, Theology, Christian Education/Youth Focus. These courses are available through St Stephen’s College or other approved credit-granting educational institutions. At least two of these courses must be taken at St Stephen’s College.
ELECTIVE INDEPENDENT STUDY COURSE (3 cr)
A self-designed Independent Study course focused in the area of Youth Ministry, and designed to meet the student’s individual interests and/or needs. This course and an appropriate educational advisor are to be arranged through St Stephen’s College.
