Youth & Young Adult Ministry Training Diploma Program

Y2MT

A Strategy for Improving the Quality of Youth & Young Adult Ministry in

Alberta and Northwest (ANW) Conference

Purpose: 

To provide a spectrum of training opportunities for congregations and Presbyteries youth group leaders, youth workers, staff, and volunteers at Camps, Campus Ministry, and Church related organizations, and ministry personnel who have responsibility for working with youth and young adults.

 

Program Goals: 

The “spectrum of training opportunities” named in our purpose are further developed in specific program goals.  Each course accomplishes at least one of the following goals:

a)       Biblical Studies

b)       Theology and Church History

c)       Ethics

d)       Educational Theory and Practice

e)       Moral, Spiritual, Physical, and Sexual Development

f)        Program Planning and Evaluation

g)       Pastoral Care of Youth & Young Adults

h)       Communication

i)         Conflict Resolution

j)         Spirituality (in the Christian Context)

k)       Worship and Music

l)         Congregational Dynamics

m)      United Church of Canada Polity

n)       Teaming Issues

o)       Dealing with Stress, Self Care, Time Management, Burnout Issues

p)       Social and Moral issues

q)       Sexual Harassment and Abuse

r)        Practical application of theories

 

Diploma:

In order to receive a diploma in Youth and Young Adult Ministry, the student must successfully complete BOTH the Academic Certificate AND the Practical Certificate.  The certificates may be taken independently of each other and merit given accordingly.  See “Program Components” for comprehensive listings for diploma requirements. Program must be completed within 5 years, unless otherwise extended by the Steering Committee. Records of all courses completed and submitted to the Coordinator will be kept on file.    

 

The Application Process:

Pre-requisite:  high school diploma.

 

Application fee: $175 non-refundable.

 

Applicants to the Youth & Young Adult Ministry Training Program will be asked to explore questions provided by the Steering Committee through an “Application Package”.  Updated application packages with current deadlines can be downloaded from ANW Conference website www.anwconf.com.  These will assist in reflecting on the applicant’s gifts and areas of growth in the field of Youth Ministry.  Applicants will also be required to submit three letters of reference including either one from the board of their congregation, or an equivalent body of the Church (for example, camps, Bissell Centre, Campus Ministry).  A completed security check will also be required, and all relevant transcripts.  Each applicant for the Program will be interviewed by the Steering Committee for admission approval.  This process will determine the suitability of the applicant for the program

 

Y2MT learning environment:  

Y2MT is an independent, individualized program that allows people to work at their own rate in taking credit courses and in workshop participation.  Any individual piece of the following curriculum is open to be completed by any person involved in, or interested in, Youth & Young Adult Ministry, with the exception of student collegiums and the mentorship program.  As such, Y2MT students will enjoy learning environments with participants from varying backgrounds and experiences with youth and young adult ministry. 

 

 

Expectations of the Student:

1.       Communication:  Y2MT is a student-driven program.  As such, Y2MT is dependent upon open communication on the part of the student, as well as the student’s clear understanding of his or her own learning styles.  

 

2.       All courses have assignments, most of which are assigned for independent completion outside of class time.  As such it is the duty of the student to communicate with the instructor and/or the program coordinator of circumstances that inhibit successful completion of any assignment.  

 

3.       Collegiums:  3 credits  (h, i, o)

All students who are pursuing practical or academic certificates are required to attend and participate at three collegiums each year that they are enrolled in the program. This will be an opportunity for students to meet and network and to discuss issues in Youth and Young Adult Ministry not covered in courses.  Topics will be chosen by the steering committee after consultation with students and coordinator.  Participation in Collegiums is a requirement, and may not be missed without the direct permission of the Steering Committee.

 

Support for the student:

  1. Mentorship Program: The Steering Committee assigns an official mentor to each student.  Following an orientation offered to mentor and student, the mentor will establish an environment for regular meetings (every 4-6 weeks, preferably in person) with the student.  These meetings will continue through the duration of the enrolment in Y2MT.  The purpose of meetings is to provide a confidential and sacred space to integrate learning, to reflect on the program, theological reflection, and any ministry issues that may arise during their program. The primary role of the mentor is to provide direct support to the student.  Mentors are chosen for both their skills in mentorship as well as their experience with youth and/or young adult ministry.

 

  1. Program Coordinator:  The program coordinator acts as an advisor to students and communicates issues between students and the Steering Committee.  The program coordinator is available for academic consultation and support, issues arising for the student in regard to the program, and communicates feedback among instructors, supervisors, Steering Committee, and students.

 

  1. Steering Committee:  The Steering Committee is comprised of members of Alberta and Northwest Conference, corresponding members representing St. Stephen’s College, and resourced by the Program Coordinator.  The Steering Committee and the Coordinator have oversight of the program and it administers the Y2MT program, and as such has the authority to change any aspect of the program at any time.  They approve field placement applications and completion recommendations.  With the assistance of the Program Coordinator, the Steering Committee secures instructors and learning space for all aspects of the Practical Certificate portion of the program, and works closely with St. Stephen’s College in providing exceptional academic learning in Y2MT.  The Steering Committee determines equivalencies upon the written request of students.  Additionally, the Steering Committee advocates for students and graduates of Y2MT within the wider church community.

 

Appeals:

Y2MT students have the right to appeal an evaluation from an instructor.  Appeals involving a St. Stephen’s College course are bound by the appeals process of the College and can be found in their program calendar.  All other appeals must be in writing and delivered in-person or via registered mail to the Steering Committee c/o Y2MT Program Coordinator, Alberta and Northwest Conference, 9911- 48 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6E 5V6.  The student has 30 days following receipt of the evaluation to launch an appeal.  The Steering Committee will review the appeal with opportunity for both the student and the instructor to comment on the evaluation.  Upon completion of this review of the appeal, the Steering Committee shall accept or deny the appeal.  The decision of the Steering Committee is final.

 

In the event of an appeal of an evaluation within the field placement, which is a Steering Committee decision, the Steering Committee will arrange an impartial hearing with an ad hoc Appeals Committee of 3-5 people.  The Steering Committee and the Student will have equal opportunity to present their views to this committee who will then deliberate and give a recommendation on the appeal.  The decision of this committee is final.

Program Components

 

Practical Certificate

 

1.        Principles in Youth & Young Adult Equivalent  or equivalent:  3 credits

A five-day course, to be held in Alberta and Northwest Conference, which will cover many topics surrounding basic ministry with youth and young adults.  This course is a prerequisite for Field Training.

 

2.        Weekend Sessions: 6 credits

The following courses are typically but not exclusively offered in a residential setting over the course of a weekend.  They are 1.5 credits each.

                                             I.      Pastoral Care

                                           II.      Music and Worship 

                                         III.      Spiritual Practices

 

3.        Field Training – Youth & Young Adult Ministry

Pre-requisite:  successful completion of 15 credits including the Principles in Youth and Young Adult Ministry course.

 

The intention of the Field Training is to provide a variety of experiences in congregational and non-congregational settings, including a range of age groups.  Two areas of training are required:

                                             I.      Field Placement:  approximately 320 hours, over 8 months.  This is the equivalent of 10 hours per week.  See “Guidelines for Field Placement” for details on policy, procedures, application, and compensation of field placement.  Supervision and support will be met in two ways:

i)                     Coordinator of the program will consult with student and supervisor at beginning, mid-point and end of internship.

ii)                   Supervisor:  this person, approved by Steering Committee, will meet with the student to discuss learning goals and provide feedback in student’s ministry.

 

                                           II.      Field Project:  Consisting of at least 50 hours, including preparation time and work outside the scope of the field placement.  Supervision for this element would be done by an appropriate on-site person, approved by the Steering Committee/Coordinator.  This unit may be completed by being part of the leadership team for such events and courses as camp counsellor-in-training programs, planning and leading a Youth Rally, leading Youth at Conference, VBS Caravan, etc.  Projects should be designed to meet specific learning goals, and are approved by the Steering Committee.

 

 Academic Certificate

 

1.        Term Courses:  (15 credits)

All of the following courses are available through St. Stephen’s College and may be completed as four-month term courses, in-class intensives, online, or by correspondence distance education.  Please consult St. Stephen’s College for course dates and registration.  These are all required courses.  They may be taken in any order.

I.         Introduction to Hebrew Scriptures

II.       Introduction to Christian Scriptures

III.     Introduction to Church History 

IV.     Introduction to Theology 

V.       Introduction to Ethics

VI.     Faith Formation with Youth and Young Adults

 

2.        Reading Course or Option:  (3 credits)

A self-designed course to be focused around an area of Youth or Young Adult Ministry.  The content is determined by the student, in consultation with the Program Coordinator.  This course and an appropriate educational advisor is generally offered through St. Stephen’s College, and as such, is subject to the policies and procedures outlined by St. Stephen’s College.  The Steering Committee may, however, accept alternate use of this credit upon written request from the student or the Program Coordinator.  It is recommended that this course be taken at the end of the diploma.

 

Cost:  At present it is difficult to estimate what the cost for some elements of the program would be.  The following is an APPROXIMATE cost for completing the Youth & Young Adult Ministry Training Diploma Program:

 

·         Application Fee                                    $175                                        = $   175

·         Collegiums                                            $50/collegium                        = $   300

·         Principles in Y & YA Ministry           $800                                        = $   800

·         Weekend courses (4)                          $250/course                           = $1,000

·         Supervised Field Training                  $275                                        = $   275

·         5 Academic courses:                           $690/course                           = $3,450                                 

·         Reading course                                    $690                                        = $   690

Approximate Total                               = $6,690