Youth Ministry Track

In response to a need expressed by church leaders and in response to students' interest, in 2002 the College of Biblical Studies initiated a Youth Ministry track within the Master of Arts degree. The Youth Ministry track integrates theory and concepts which enable youth ministers to develop a mature philosophy and practice of youth ministry founded on a solid understanding of biblical principles and adolescent biological, cognitive and spiritual development.

Leading the track is Dr. Dudley Chancey, Associate Professor of Youth Ministry. Chancey brings over 25 years of experience in Youth Ministry and extensive education in the field to this program. He has worked in youth ministry in local congregations and developed the highly successful Winterfest and Fallfest youth programs. Chancey is a member of the National Council on Family Relations and a task force member for future planning. He is also a board member for the National Conference on Youth Ministries.

Students in the Youth Ministry track take the same core of classes as students in other tracks, but their ministry courses focus specifically on ministry to adolescents and their families. Core courses in the track are Adolescent Culture (YTMN 5103), Adolescent Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Development (YTMN 5163), and Teaching Adolescents (YTMN 5203).  Elective ministry courses in the track include Counseling for Ministry (GMIN 5743), Managing Conflict, Transition, and Change (GMIN 5833), and Family Life Ministry (FMIN 5103).

The youth ministry track is now available in both the Master of Arts and the Master of Divinity programs.

For more information, contact Dr. Dudley Chancey, Youth Ministry professor, or Dr. John Harrison, Graduate Bible chair.

Faculty Facts

Dr. Robyn Miller is the Chair of the Department of Education. Dr. Miller is interested in cultural issues, and she works at OC for "the opportunity to mentor students in our program."

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