Bachelor of Science in Children, Youth and Family Ministries

More than just a youth pastor degree, this program equips you to serve God’s people, from children through the teen years and the family unit. Children, youth & family ministries is a field that is growing in importance. Perhaps you loved your experience as part of a youth group or volunteered in the children’s ministry at your home church and now want the opportunity to build and lead a ministry of your own. Become equipped with the biblical and theological foundation and skills to lead a church ministry.At Southeastern, our degree in children, youth & family ministries will give you the biblical and theological foundation you need to lead students to a mature faith. You will also be prepared with the practical experience to be an effective minister — from day one of your career. Due to our rich heritage of 80 years of training ministry leaders, students benefit from our vast network of ministry graduates and connections regionally, nationally and globally. These valuable resources can open the doors to opportunities for hands-on experience as well as many first jobs for recent graduates. You will take youth ministry courses

Program Details

58 hours of major core
55 hours of general education
17 hours of electives

Total credit hours — 130

Sample Core Courses

• Children’s Ministry (PMIN 3223) — The course is a comprehensive overview of the foundations of a ministry directed toward children and the family. An emphasis is placed on developing, administering and evaluating the various aspects of leading a Spirit-led children’s and family ministry. This course requires careful study of and reflection upon the appropriate biblical texts.
• Youth Ministries (PMIN 4223) — A study of the needs and characteristics of young people relating to their place in the home, school, church and society. An investigation of methods and techniques to win and hold teens through a sound Christian education program and youth worship service. This course requires careful study of and reflection upon the appropriate biblical texts.
• Family Ministry (PMIN 3273) — This course is a study of strategies for implementing a multigenerational approach in local church ministry. It focuses on connecting the generations through worship services that minister to all ages. Strategies that engage older generations in mentoring those younger and strategies to integrate families with infants and preschools into an intergenerational setting will also be investigated.
• Creative Communication in Ministry (PMIN 3283) — This course is an introduction to creative and effective communication techniques within children’s and youth ministries. It will examine basic principles of the teaching-learning process, the art of storytelling and a variety of other illustrative methods. This course requires careful study of and reflection upon the appropriate biblical texts.