Module Narrative
Modular Title: Understanding Youth Ministry
Module Code: YOU400
Level: 4
Credit Points: 20 Credits
Compulsory or Optional: Required
Pre-requisites/co-requisites: None
Excluded combinations or modules: None
Mode of attendance: Mixed
Rationale:
This module is an introductory study in the historical development of youth ministry with a critical emphasis on the formation of a theology and philosophy of ministry to adolescents. It includes a study of the major models of youth work in church and community. Attention will be given to the related study of contemporary postmodern culture, understanding the unique needs of adolescents, and the application of basic programming models of ministry to youth.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
On completion of this module, the successful student will be able to:
1. discuss the basic history of the development of adolescent and youth ministry including the theological and philosophical basis for youth ministry.
2. Explore contemporary adolescent subculture in a postmodern matrix.
3. discuss the major models of youth work in church and community.
Skills
This module will call for the successful student to demonstrate:
4. an ability to develop skills in designing and implementing local church ministry to youth.
Syllabus
Topics include: Biblical Foundation for Youth Ministry; Models for Youth Ministry; stages of adolescent physical and psychological development and faith formation; understanding today’s youth culture and subcultures in the light of postmodernism; issues and influences in the United Kingdom context; models of ministry – church; Missions in Youth Ministry, Leadership and Administrative Skills in Youth Ministry.
Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy
Staff-led lectures introduce students to the curriculum. Electronic presentations; video presentations, guest speakers, discussions, written assignments and readings are also included.
The students will have the opportunity to explore the theology and philosophy of Youth Ministry as group work within diverse contexts of their group.
Each student will write an original paper describing his or her theological and philosophical basis for youth ministry.
Discussion groups act as a focus for further development of topics concerning contemporary challenges of Youth ministries in churches, enabling students to prepare for a summative essay of 2000 words.
Students will visit a youth work and interview students and then write a reflective report on their visit.
Tutorial time enables Tutors to give formative feedback on draft essays, guidance to students on developing their presentations and constructive feedback on summative work. Independent study to supplement these activities is an essential element of the programme, including reading and producing the module assignments.
Assessment Scheme
• Group presentation (formative assessment)
• Essay plan (formative assessment)
• Reflective report on visit to a youth work (1000 words) (summative assessment)
• Essay 2000 words (summative assessment)
Assessment Weighting
Job description and qualification list 40%
Essay 60%
Core
Borgman, D. (2013) Foundations for Youth Ministry: Theological Engagement with Teen Life and Culture. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic
Essential
Batsleer, J. R. and Davies, B. (2010) What is Youth Work? London: Sage
Publications
Creasy, K., Clark, D. P. and Rahn, D. (2001) Thinking Theologically about Youth Ministry. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House
Brierley, D. (2003) Joined Up: An Introduction to Youth Work and Ministry (Youthwork: The Resources) Milton Keynes: Authentic Lifestyle
Reeves, D. (2005) Planning for Diversity: Policy and Planning in a World of Difference. London: Routledge
Batsleer, J. R. (2008) Informal Learning in Youth Work. London: Sage Publications
Edginton, C. R, Kowalski, C L. and Randall, S. W. (2005) Youth Work: Emerging Perspectives in Youth Development Champaign. Illinois: Sagamore Publishing
Buchroth, I and Park, C. (2010) Using Theory in Youth and Community Work Practice. Exeter, United Kingdom: Learning Matters
Sercombe, H., (2010) Youth Work Ethics. London: Sage Publication
Group Publishing (2007) Group’s Emergency Response Handbook for Youth Ministry. Loveland, USA:Group Publishing.
Online Application
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