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.

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.

Path to Ordination

Pair this major with the Pastoral Ministries double major to be eligible for ordination within the Wesleyan Church and some other denominations. 

Faculty

The Youth Ministries program 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.

Career Paths

Clergy

Directors, Religious Activities and Education

Social and Human Service Assistants

Religious Workers, All Other

Music Directors

Social and Community Service Managers

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

Counselors, All Other

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Social Workers, All Other

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Courses

One of the best ways to discover a degree program is to check out the course listings. Preview the courses for Youth Ministries at Indiana Wesleyan University using the course catalog.