Course Catalog 2019-2020

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Youth and Family Ministry, BS

The Bachelor of Science in Youth and Family Ministry prepares students to aid families in the spiritual formation of people in the first third of life. Students complete basic ministry preparation courses in the areas of biblical interpretation, theology, Christian history, ministry, and spirituality. Additionally, students complete courses that orient them to the unique challenges related to adolescent spirituality in relation to contemporary culture. We provide learning experiences both within Rochester University’s campus ministry and through internships. Graduates are prepared for youth and family ministry leadership in local congregations. Students may earn the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in youth and family ministry. This degree program is designed to prepare students to minister to youth in their families, churches, schools, and communities.

Program Learning Outcomes

The following learning outcomes are linked to assignments and activities throughout this program. After completing program requirements,

  1. Graduates of the Youth and Family Ministry program lead communities in the understanding and use of Scripture.
    1. Students ground their life and ministry in Scripture through spiritual disciplines related to Scripture.
    2. Students interpret Scripture, demonstrating skill in biblical exegesis.
    3. Students present biblical content to others clearly in both writing and oral forms.
  2. Graduates of the Youth and Family Ministry program believe that ministry proceeds from a God-centered identity and calling.
    1. Students evaluate the sources that comprise calling/vocation in Christian ministry.
    2. Students engage practices that cultivate God-centered identity and can pass on these practices to others.
  3. Graduates of the Youth and Family Ministry program lead groups in discerning and joining the work of God in the world.
    1. Students articulate a theology of ministry rooted in the realities of the Triune God.
    2. Students distinguish various approaches to congregational change and select the appropriate form of leadership suited to a specific presenting challenge.
    3. Students conceive theological discernment as a collaborative activity that takes place both in Christian community and the world.
  4. Graduates of the Youth and Family Ministry program understand congregations (or communities of faith) from a variety of perspectives (theological, sociological, anthropological).
    1. Students utilize tools of cultural discovery that disclose meanings in congregational life.
    2. Students recognize and evaluate the uniqueness of each congregation’s context and its potential as a theological source.
    3. Students demonstrate application of biblical and theological definitions of the congregation and their implications for Youth and Family Ministry.
    4. Students identify practices of meaning-making within adolescent cultures.
    5. Students elucidate aspects of contemporary youth cultures with an eye toward identity formation among adolescents.
  5. Graduates of the Youth and Family Ministry program know the importance of the broad themes of the Christian story for contemporary faith communities.
    1. Students assess local or congregational practices in light of the historical and global meanings of the faith.
    2. Students identify their own ecclesial tradition within the broad historical/theological Christian tradition.
    3. Students discover strengths in other ecclesial/theological traditions and religions, critically appropriating beliefs and practices where appropriate.
  6. Graduates of the Youth and Family Ministry program build ministry practice around the conviction that God is living and active in the world.
    1. Students develop new ministry understandings as they experience contexts other than their own.
    2. Students construct theological understandings as they encounter beliefs and values of others.
    3. Students discover the effectiveness of finding community partners for collaboration in relation to the coming Kingdom of God.



Requirements for the BS in Youth and Family Ministry

General Education Core 41 hours

In the Theological Literacy area of general education, Bible/ministry majors must take REL 1002, REL 1013, and MIN 2513. PSY 2013 is required in the Social and Behavioral Science area.

Youth and Family Ministry Major 55 hours

BIB 2333Interpreting the Old Testament

3
BIB 2983Interpreting the New Testament

3
BIB 3000 level textual courses including both Old and New Testament courses 9

9
BIB 4394Contemporary Issues in Hermeneutics

4
MIN 1333The Ministry Life

3
MIN 2613The Congregation

3
MIN 3333Introduction to Youth Ministry

3
MIN 3353Religion, Media, and Youth Culture

3
MIN 3363Family Life Ministry

3
MIN 3523Practical Issues in Ministry

3
MIN 3813Ministry of the Word

3
MIN 3873Ministry Internship

3
 
PSY 3203Child Development

3
OR
PSY 3213Adolescent Development

3
 
THL 2013Spiritual Formation

3
THL 3793History and Theology of the Christian Tradition I

3
THL 4003History and Theology of the Christian Tradition II

3

Electives 24 hours

Total Credit Hours: 120