Youth Ministries Major

Ever since I became a Christian in high school, I felt that God was calling me to ministry. My classes at AU have not only helped prepare me academically, but also spiritually and socially. Through some of the classes I have taken, I have worked with youth and children. These experiences have helped me see that what I am learning is relevant, and I can ask specific questions in a safe environment. This year I am working at a church with their after school program. Working here has helped me discover my own voice and different ways to communicate with people.

— Desirae Ash, Junior, Christian Ministries major

Young people need others who can appreciate the developmental changes in their lives and who care about the variety of contexts in which they live.

Youth Ministries is a stand-alone major that prepares students for ministry to youth, including church-based youth and children's ministries, youth camps, urban ministries, or other settings. The major is strongly rooted in Bible and ministry courses, which prepares students not only for immediate ministry work, but also for further graduate theological education.

Along with classroom-based instruction, students in the youth ministries major will complete a practicum, gaining ministry experience in a setting appropriate to their future work. Practicums are customized according to each student's interests and ministry goals. These are typically done in local churches, but practicums have also included work in summer youth camps, national parks, inner-city ministries, national church agencies, and other settings.

Youth Ministries Courses