Traditional Undergraduate
Youth & Young Adult Ministry
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Bachelor/Master (4+1) & Minor Available
Credits
126
Course Length
16 weeks (semester)
Delivery Method
Traditional On-Campus, Lancaster
Study Youth & Young Adult Ministry at LBC | Capital
During the crucial and formative period of adolescence, young people need Christian adults who will listen to them and care for them. At Lancaster Bible College, we develop youth ministry leaders who are passionate for God, who understand the unique needs and experiences of teens, and who are committed to guiding them on their journeys as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Through a robust and creative academic program, taught by faculty with extensive experience, students earning a youth ministry degree at LBC learn both the theoretical principles and practical leadership skills necessary to teach, disciple and lead young people in a variety of ministry contexts – like churches, parachurch organizations, camping ministries, college student ministries, community centers and more. Youth & Young Adult Ministry majors have to present or debate in every youth ministry course. We use the same presentation grading rubric from the first class to the last so that there is a consistency of expectation between all courses, no matter the faculty member. Students also complete practical and Bible-based assignments in every course to round out their degree in youth ministry.
Many of our youth ministry classes intentionally emulate the team-based work environments that equip students to be able to work well and lead in small and large leadership team contexts. Through a variety of fieldwork opportunities, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a youth ministry leader in the real world. Plus, our flexible programming allows student ministry majors to customize academic experiences by choosing from a variety of minors to help prepare for the unique ministry opportunities of the future.
All new youth ministry students are mentored by an upperclassman and take an introductory course which acquaints them with program expectations, future courses, other youth ministry students, alumni and local youth ministry leaders. Informal gatherings to read the Bible, eat a meal, or hang-out together, all work with department meetings to facilitate relationships which enhance classroom learning experiences.
So, if you’re passionate about making a spiritual impact in the lives of teens, consider studying youth ministry at Lancaster Bible College.
Program Cost
Admissions Process
Where LBC Students Have Interned
- Senior High & Junior High Youth Ministry Interns, Local & Regional Churches
- Director of After School Program in Urban Environments
- Outdoor Recreation and Camping Ministry Intern
Can I Transfer Credits?
Yes! Read about LBC’s transfer policy
Other Program Selections
Bachelor’s + Master’s Option (4+1)
Minor – 15 credits
Bachelor's Program Scope
Youth & Young Adult Ministry (126 Credits)
Bible & Theology Core 43 Credits
Arts & Sciences Core 37 Credits
Youth & Young Adult Ministry Core 46 Credits
View the Academic Catalog for the complete curriculum plan, course descriptions and complete program details.
Schedule a Visit
Want to learn more about this major or the traditional undergraduate programs at Lancaster Bible College? Consider scheduling an in-person or virtual campus visit to see the campus and talk with our admissions counselors.
Program Distinctive - What makes this program at LBC unique?
- You’ll learn from long-time professionals who have served in cross-cultural contexts.
- Get real, hands-on experience serving in ministry as a part of the curriculum.
- Students enjoy small class sizes that allow for one-on-one interactions with caring professors.
Career Paths
The Youth & Young Adult Ministry bachelor’s degree prepares students for a wide range of technical and/or ministry contexts. Here is a sampling of careers and opportunities this degree affords:
- Camping Ministry
- Christian Education
- College/Campus Ministry
- Community Worker
- Sports Ministry
- Urban Youth Ministry
- Youth Pastor
- Youth Worker
Program Goals – In this program, students will…
- Reflect the character of Christ in both passion and competence in making disciples of Jesus Christ.
- Evaluate, synthesize, and integrate key discoveries from the Bible, systems theory, attachment theory, and social-cognitive-learning-theory into their practical youth work and ministry.
- Demonstrate knowledge of and sober spirit relative to the macro- and micro- system cultural influences on the average teenager.
- Listen to adolescents skillfully.
- Guide, mentor, counsel, and disciple teenagers from all walks of life.
- Create macro and micro teaching curriculums and lessons that demonstrate creativity and consideration of multiple missional, sociological, and developmental methods, issues and stages.
- Provide material which will serve them well as a resource in ministry or as an avenue to securing a ministry position or entrance into graduate education.
Core Courses for a Youth & Young Adult Ministry Student
- LBC 100 Foundations Seminar (1)
- CML 102 Foundations of Ministry (3)
- YMN 101 Introduction to YMN (3)
- YMN 111 Foundations of YMN (3)
- YMN 202 Adolescent Development in Culture (3)
- CML 210 Fundamentals of Leadership (3)
- YMN 210 Teaching Youth & Young Adults (3)
- YMN 301 Strategic Programming for YMN (3)
- CML 324 Spiritual Formation of Ministry Leaders (3)
- YMN 350 YMN Internsthip (3)
- YMN 320 Counseling Adolescents (3)
- YMN 310 Family Ministry (3)
- YMN 401 Adolescent Spiritual Formation (3)
- YMN 450 YMN Practicum (3)
- Major Elective (3)
- CML 399 TraveLearn Seminar (0)
- Major Elective (3)
- CML 440/480 CML TraveLearn Elective (3)
Visit the catalog for the complete listing and descriptions.
Minoring in the Program
These are the required courses for a minor in Youth & Young Adult Ministry (15 credits)
- YMN 111 Foundations of Youth Ministry (3)
- YMN 202 Adolescent Development in Culture (3)
- YMN 320 Counseling Adolescents (3)
- YMN 350 Youth & Young Adult Ministry Intern. (3)
- YMN 401 Adolescent Spiritual Formation (3)
View the Academic Catalog for details.
Bachelor + Master Options in Youth & Young Adult Ministry
LBC | Capital’s unique 4+1 program provides students the opportunity to earn their undergraduate BA degree in Youth & Young Adult Ministry while also pursuing a Master of Arts either in Ministry (MAM) or Biblical Studies (MABS). A student can experience all the benefits of dynamic undergraduate student life all five years while maximize your time in college and minimize the cost of your education without sacrificing the quality of your experience. Graduate-level courses taken during undergraduate studies fulfill both undergraduate elective requirements and graduate program requirements. In the 4+1 program, students are dual-enrolled in LBC and Capital Seminary & Graduate School.
A student may opt for the 4+1 track at any point up through the beginning of their junior year. Before a student is formally admitted to the track, an evaluation will be conducted by their academic advisor. The evaluation considers the student’s previous academic performance, character and ability, and the recommendation of another LBC faculty member. Students that complete the 4+1 program can start their professional career sooner with the right credentials.
