LBC | Youth Ministry

Youth & Young Adult Ministry

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Learn how to build gospel-centric relationships and ministries with teens

Study Youth & Young Adult Ministry at LBC

Sharing the Hope of Christ 

During the crucial and formative period of adolescence, young people need caring, 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. Student 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.

At LBC, our caring youth ministry faculty members encourage and equip our students to deepen their own personal faith within a context of community. 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.

 Why Study Youth & Young Adult Ministry at LBC? 

  • Enjoy a major that prepares you personally and professionally through academic rigor (head), spiritual formation (heart), and professional ministry experience (hands) in a variety of contexts.
  • Gain practical, hands-on experience through internships within a variety of local, regional, and national churches, parachurch organizations and youth work ogranizations.
  • Learn and apply the truths of the Gospel to your work, your life and your ministry.
  • Benefit from a broad regional network of youth ministry mentors and alumni.

Your Journey

Program Credits: 126

Locations: Lancaster

Degree

Bachelor of Arts with majors in Youth & Young Adult Ministry and Biblical Studies

Internships

Here are some examples of internships completed by students in the past:

  • Senior High & Junior High Youth Ministry Interns in Local & Regional Churches
  • Director of After School Program in Urban Environments
  • Outdoor Recreation and Camping Ministry Intern

Options

  •  Traditional
  •  Online & Evening (Accelerated)
  •  Available as Minor
Transfer Students       Ask your question

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." - 1 Timothy 4:12

A Closer Look: Student Ministry

Carl Edwards LBC

Carl Edwards ('10): 2016 Distinguished Alumni Service Award Recipient

Carl Edwards is a proud graduate of LBC's Church & Ministry Leadership department and currently serves the director of Cross Connection Youth Center in New Holland, Pennsylvania. "Handling the word is very important. I want to do justice to the text," said Edwards of his ministry and education at LBC. "That was one of the biggest things to me - learning how to read the word, learning how to study it, looking it as literal text and applying it. Next is the relational side of ministry - that's where disciples are made. LBC modeled that for me by having people who poured themselves into me." 

Meet The Faculty

Mr. Aaron Brown

Professor

"My passion is to craft learning experiences for present and future ministry leaders that instill a passion for deep-thinking, foster healthier relationships with God, and nurture a desire to serve Christ humbly in the church and in society." — Mr. Brown

Read Bio

Dr. Ronald Belsterling

Coordinator of Youth & Young Adult Ministry

"Trusting Christ to guide and oversee the teaching-learning process, we hope to produce leaders who make disciples, bringing hope, peace, and joy to those to whom they minister." — Dr. Belsterling

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Dr. Rick Rhoads

Chair of the Church & Ministry Leadership Department

"Who we are... And how we live together... Is what we teach..." — Dr. Rhoads

Read Bio

Careers and Jobs in Youth & Young Adult Ministry

  • Youth Pastor
  • Youth Worker
  • Community Worker
  • College/Campus Ministry
  • Urban Youth Ministry
  • Sports Ministry
  • Christian Education
  • Camping Ministry

Featured Courses

STM 102 - Student Development & Culture

high-school-students-lancaster-bible-college

This course explores the physical, cognitive, moral, and social identity, as well as spiritual development of adolescents. Special attention will be given to modern day culture and the fluidness in which our students are being raised. We will also explore the relationships between student development and culture, understanding implications for ministry, and identifying principles for responding to culture.

STM 315 - Student & Family Counseling

Student & Family Counseling

This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of counseling adolescents and their respective family systems. We will address common issues facing youth culture, developmental issues, approaches to counseling methods, and special topics pertaining to adolescents. Special attention is given to teen issues such as suicide, parent/teen relationships, divorce recovery, sexual issues, vocational guidance, self-image, substance abuse, and cutting.

Sample Course Outline

CML 102 - Foundations of Ministry & Discipleship

This course will serve as an introduction to the ministry of the local church. Emphasis will be placed on the holistic integration of discipleship and spiritual formation principles. Students will evaluate models of ministry and develop a comprehensive discipleship plan.

CML 102 - Foundations of Ministry & Discipleship

This seminar course is designed as a spiritual formation weekend retreat to introduce students to the ethos of the Department of Church and Ministry Leadership. Students will participate in community, learn principles of missional living, and experience selected spiritual disciplines.

CML 210 - Fundamentals of Leadership

Building on a foundation of personal character development, this course will overview theological components essential for effective leadership. Student will learn strategies for team building, conflict management and leading change.

STM 102 - Student Development & Culture

This course explores the physical, cognitive, moral, and social identity, as well as spiritual development of adolescents. Special attention will be given to modern day culture and the fluidness in which our students are being raised. We will also explore the relationships between student development and culture, understanding implications for ministry, and identifying principles for responding to culture.

STM 311 - Foundations of Student Ministry

This course is designed to assess and create missional student ministry goals, principles, methods, and materials needed to develop an effective work within the local church or non-church student ministry settings. Special attention is given to creating a theology and philosophy of student ministry. The student ministry worker will also be equipped in shepherding, mentoring, leadership, and administrative roles.

STM 315 - Student & Family Counseling

This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of counseling adolescents and their respective family systems. We will address common issues facing youth culture, developmental issues, approaches to counseling methods, and special topics pertaining to adolescents. Special attention is given to teen issues such as suicide, parent/teen relationships, divorce recovery, sexual issues, vocational guidance, self-image, substance abuse, and cutting.

STM 402 - Discipleship & Prayer

This course will develop skills in personal discipling through one on one experience. Methods of holistic discipleship will be taught and applied throughout the student’s natural pathway of life. Students will become, and learn to teach others to become, global prayer intercessors. The role of prayer is studied in relation to unreached people groups, revival evangelism, spiritual disciplines, and fasting.

CML 440 - Cross-Cultural Experience

By visiting the birthplace of the world’s three largest religions, students experience the intersection of cultural, religious, geographical, and historical realities. Ultimately, students are better prepared to understand and communicate biblical truth.

CML 450C - Student Ministry Practicum

This course is an in-service program for the purpose of providing direct experience under the supervision of a qualified professional and the ministry advisor. Development of a personal philosophy of ministry, doctrinal statement, resume, and ministry experience portfolio will serve as a capstone to students’ preparation for future professional position.

What’s your next step?

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Lancaster Bible College|Capital Seminary & Graduate School is an equal opportunity institution that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex (except where sex is a bona fide occupational qualification), ancestry, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, admission to and enrollment with the College.