Univeristy of Indianapolis Youth Ministry Training Program

Overview

The Youth Ministry Training Program (YMTP) is a multifaceted program with academic, vocational, and professional applications.

The YMTP major is a degree program that combines three areas of study: theological foundation courses from the Philosophy and Religion Department, Christian vocations courses from the Lantz Center for Christian Vocations, and specialization courses in youth ministry, providing students with the intellectual, spiritual, and practical background necessary for serving with youth in the Christian church.

This curriculum includes several youth ministry courses at Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) and offers undergraduate students the opportunity to study and interact with graduate students in a seminary setting.

The Youth Ministry Training Program has been approved by the Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church for persons seeking certification as youth ministers in The United Methodist Church.

Both commissioning for service of students and/or certification in youth ministry for United Methodist Church students are available. Students may also apply for one of the six available United Methodist Youth Leadership Scholarships granted to incoming freshmen. Eligible students should contact Marylynne Winslow in Admissions at 317.788.3526 for more information.

Youth Ministry Training Program Curriculum

YOUTH MINISTRY courses are intentionally sequenced in relation to the liberal arts and seminary curricula so that students build a holistic understanding and theology of youth, Christian education, human development, faith formation, and Christian practices.

THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS courses provide students with the liberal arts background necessary to engage seminary studies in youth ministry. These courses ground students in Bible and Christian history, theology, and ethics.

CHRISTIAN VOCATION AND FORMATION courses enable students to draw closer connections between their personal identity, their vocational interests, and their faith commitments. CVOC 406 is the internship component of this pre-professional, apprenticeship-like program.

To see the specific courses included in these three areas, see the YMTP Curriculum Guide (Word format) at the University of Indianapolis web site.

More Information

For more information about the Youth Ministry Training Program, contact:

• Marylynne Winslow
• Assistant Director, Admissions
• 317.788.3216 / winslow@uindy.edu

• Dr. Perry Kea
• Chair, Philosophy & Religion Department
• 317.788.3242 / kea@uindy.edu

• Sr. Jennifer Horner
• Co-Chaplain of the University
• Director, Lantz Center for Christian Vocation & Foundation
• Assistant Professor of Spiritual Formation
• 317.788.2058 / jhorner@uindy.edu