The Youth & Family Ministries major is designed to prepare students for vocational ministry with adolescents. This course of study will enable the student to develop and express the biblical concepts of fulfilling the Great Commission in the church and as pastors in local churches.

The curriculum is focused upon seeing the Great Commission fulfilled in the lives of young people as they move through adolescence into mature Christian adulthood. An emphasis is placed on investing in young peoples’ lives and partnering with and ministering to families as well as the continued growth of the youth pastor as a person and minister of the Gospel.

Recognizing that effective youth ministry depends upon competent understanding and skillful use of the Scriptures, this major requires a strong component of Bible and theology. This program exceeds educational requirements for Assemblies of God ministry credentials.

Graduates with a degree in Youth and Family Ministries will be able to:

1. Apply Scripture using proper hermeneutical principles in the ministry context.
2. Assess distinct viewpoints on theological topics.
3. Articulate a biblical philosophy of ministry.
4. Exhibit effective communication skills for pastoral ministry.
5. Demonstrate core pastoral competencies in an applied ministry setting.
6. Formulate strategies necessary for ministry to adolescents and, where possible, their families.
7. Correlate practical theological reflection with ministry to those in unique developmental stage(s) of adolescence.