Lead youth and emerging adults to grow spiritually and serve effectively in the church, society, and world.
Our flexible youth ministry minor can be added to other ministry majors or to any number of other majors at Northwestern. Through this minor, our vision is to equip you with the skills to understand how to design and carry out ministry to youth and emerging adults so that they can grow spiritually and serve effectively. Through this minor, you will learn from practitioners in the field so that you know how to lead youth in a variety of church and nonprofit contexts. Christian Service credits and Ministry Internships can also be completed as a part of this minor.
UNW gave me an unmatched experience by preparing me, not only for ministry in a church or nonprofit setting, but the constant ministry each individual has with others. Through consistent encouragement from professors, a community that pointed me to Christ, and academics that pushed me to become a critical thinker, UNW has helped me become the man of Christ I am today and deeply know the importance of loving God and loving others.
What will I learn?
You will learn practical strategies for teaching and leading youth and emerging adults during their unique stage of personal and spiritual development.
MIN 3205
Human Sexuality
This course will examine biblical and theological foundations, as well as social science research, for human sexuality. A holistic view of human sexuality will be explored through the examination of sociological, biological, psychological and spiritual aspects of human nature and behavior. Biblical principles are discovered and applied to the development of individual sexual values and sexual discipline. The role of the church in supporting healthy sexuality will be considered.
YOU 3208
Youth and Emerging Adult Ministry
This course is designed to prepare students for effective leadership with youth and emerging adults. Attention is given to effective ministry planning, practices, implementation, administration, leadership, and understanding the tasks of leading youth in the local church and parachurch/non-profit organizations. Students articulate their call and direction for leading youth and develop a philosophy of youth ministry.
MIN 3206
Relationships
This course will examine biblical and theological foundations, social science research and relationship models for healthy relationships. Focus will be given to the process of relationships: identity formation, friendship, dating, courtship, engagement and marriage. Additional issues including singleness, intimacy, forgiveness, gender issues, communication skills, conflict resolution, relational integrity, cultural awareness and financial planning will be addressed.
YOU 3207
Spiritual Lives of Youth
This course examines healthy youth faith formation from biblical, theoretical, and practical lenses. The role faith formation plays in the overall development of youth is emphasized alongside effective models and typical challenges youth face related to faith formation. An emphasis on the impact of familial, peer, and faith community influence is emphasized.
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Discover the School of Theology and Ministry
Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.
