Certification School Requirements & Outcomes

Certification School consists of three components, which together provide an opportunity to significantly enhance one's capacity for congregational youth and family ministry.

The three components of the program are:

• Participation in an Adventure Expedition

• Participation in a specially designed sequence of classes, focused on content, skill, and

awareness of issues needed for effective youth and family ministry.

• At the close of every classroom sequence, each participant will be asked to present a

congregational long range plan or design for youth and family ministry. The presentation should demonstrate awareness of and growth in the skills and content necessary for implementing youth ministry in the congregation.

Certification means candidates have attended all classes, participated in the activities, and satisfactorily completed their presentation, turned in three references, completed their backqround check and have a congregational pre-certification interview. Certification is not the equivalent of an undergraduate or graduate school degree. Credit for attending can be applied to Associates in Ministry (AIM) certification or a baccalaureate degree.

Cost is $2,500 for the entire school, which includes lodging and weekday meals.

DESIRED OUTCOMES

• Understand and live in grace

• Intregrate youth and family ministry and a theology of the cross

• Experience and practice basic pastoral care skills

• Gain a general understanding of youth development

• Be familiar with youth cultures and social systems that influence youth development

• Learn about and gain skills in Peer Ministry (2-day training completed within the certification school)

• Understand and gain skills in Milestones Ministry as a process of tending the baptismal journey from pre-birth - grave.

• Know and exercise basic youth ministry administrative, relational and communication skills

• Experience and practice personal spiritual disciplines to sustain the ministry and remain in ministry

• Understand and use the Concentric Circles of Relationships, Five Principles, Four Keys, and AAA adults
in youth and family ministry

• Be able to develop a one-year strategic plan for youth and family ministry in a congregation

• Plan to live well in Christ and model Christian wellness to others

• Become familiar with the some of the best resources in youth and family ministry

• Learn the value of continuing education and coaching in youth and family ministry

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