Youth Ministries
THE FOUNDATION FOR YOUTH MINISTRY IN A LOCAL CHURCH
Indiana Wesleyan University's Bachelor of Science with a major in Youth Ministries degree is designed primarily for persons who desire to be full-time youth pastors in a local church. This program contains all of the classical courses for ministry preparation as well as a concentration of courses focusing on ministry to youth. As with the Christian Ministries degree, students who complete this program will fulfill many requirements for ordination in The Wesleyan Church and numerous other denominations.
The IWU Youth Ministries program equips students to be full-time professional ministers who specialize in ministry to adolescents. While the focus of the degree is directed toward youth ministry in the local church, a graduate of this program could work in a myriad of ministry settings. The course of study is packed with experiential learning, allowing you to study both the theoretical foundations and practical skills of youth ministry. Throughout the program, you will also be involved in practicums that will engage you in hands-on youth ministry in local churches. The opportunities for employment and significant ministry with this degree are abundant.
Preview your classes
MINISTRY CORE
*Students will also take 3 credit hours of a Bible elective.
PRACTICAL THEOLOGY
RELIGIOUS AND MINISTERIAL STUDIES
Students will also take 3 credit hours in each of the following:
- Religious Ministerial Studies Elective
- Old Testament Upper Level Bible Elective
- New Testament Upper Level Bible Elective
In addition to the courses listed, Wesleyan students are required to take REL-431 (Wesleyan Church History/Discipline).
Non-Wesleyan students may study their own denominational heritage through independent learning or select an Historical Theology elective.
The courses listed on this page represent a sample of courses. For the official program requirements please visit the University Catalog.
YOUTH MINISTRIES MINOR
The Youth Ministries minor offers 24 credit hours of prescribed courses specifically relating to professional ministry in parish or para-church settings.
Students may also choose to earn an Associate of Science degree for quick entry into the workforce and a foundation for further education.
Preview your classes
The courses listed on this page represent a sample of courses. For the official program requirements please visit the University Catalog.
Faculty
The Youth Ministries major in the School of Theology and Ministry at IWU is designed to give students real-life experience working in a local youth ministry. This is one of the two ordination track majors (along with Christian Ministries) in the School. The faculty is comprised of experienced and innovative individuals, key to making our Youth Ministries major the best at training students for everyday, life-changing ministry. Russ Gunsalus has been instrumental in developing the Youth Ministries major, and Charlie Alcock is one of the leading individuals involved with youth conferences around the United States, several of which take place annually right here at Indiana Wesleyan University.
Meet The Theology And Ministry Faculty