"Eight Days and A Computer . . . And You Will Never Be The Same!"

Vibrant Faith Ministries along with
Wartburg Seminary's Center for Youth Ministries offers

Youth & Family Ministry Certification School

Youth and family ministry requires new and innovative approaches. The Certification School is for adult leaders, volunteers, clergy, parents, youth and seminary students who have a passion for forming vibrant faith among young people.

Our school begins with a 8-day intensive training experience that is supplemented by six weeks of reading assignments, online blogging sessions and webinars. The Certification School process ends with a 1-day peer ministry training experience and a closing ceremony that recognizes the completion of a comprehensive ministry plan and 130 hours of leadership development.

Every school provides an adventure experience, small group conversations, professional development assessments, and solid theological education with cutting-edge ministry basics. Participants learn about faith formation, family systems, team building, contemporary youth culture, strategic planning for congregational ministries, and build valuable networks for ongoing ministry support and learning.

 

Benefits…

…as told by some of the participants from the last 59 CERT schools!

1. A Solid Plan – “My congregation loved that I came home with the year planned!” Creating a ministry plan was very difficult but it forced me to clarify what I believe and value.”
2. Theological grounding – “I like the idea that I’m a theologian who happens to be a youth worker – theology matters!””
3. Youth & Family Confidence – “I now know why I do what I do!”
4. Networking – “I now have a network of support that never existed for me before this experience . When I have a question I know who to turn to!”
5. New and Fresh Direction – “It expanded my box. I see new things and it opened myself to a new life in ministry.”
6. Longevity – “If it hadn’t been for my Cert school participation 15 years ago, I probably wouldn’t still be here today.”
7. Spiritual Development – “I am also growing again spiritually.”
8. Professional Development – “I’m now operating out of my sweet spot, using my strengths and passions to build the kingdom.”
9. Outreach and Evangelism –“I am learning the best ways to reach youth and my entire congregation.”
10. Revitalization – “I’ve got a heart for ministry, but my methods needed more punch, more edge, more passion. Cert school is giving me the resources I need to succeed and more. The collective wisdom of the group was transformative.”
11. Professional – “I found that Certification School is universally recognized by churches. Certification in Youth and Family Ministry by Vibrant Faith Ministries and Wartburg Theological Seminary is one of the most valuable parts of a resume for pursuing a career in youth and family ministry.”

Youth & Family Ministry Certification School

Training includes:

• Adventure education and small group experience which models effective approaches to youth and family ministry.
• "How to" youth ministry ideas that include planning tools, small group facilitation, equipping volunteers and much more.
• Theological and biblical training.
• The latest research on faith formation and adolescent development.
• The creation of a Professional Development Plan to ensure a student's ongoing personal and professional development.
• A  written Ministry Plan to guide your congregation's ministry with youth and their families.
• Certification in Youth & Family Ministry.

 

Cert School centers around the stories, as we listen to and learn from one another. In fact, we take listening so seriously that our curriculum is designed around this theme of story and the interweaving of our stories.

We, as individuals gifted by God, have been shaped by our own histories and journeys. We call that MY STORY. Cert School hopes to both honor your story and challenge you to reflect on your calling, your ministry, and your daily habits.

By coming together and learning as a group we are able to listen and grow through the expression of others. We listen in our ministry contexts to the stories of our youth, their families, and friends. YOUR STORY, in our curriculum, grows through the encounter with one another.

As children of God, we exist in relationship with one another and with all in God’s world.
OUR STORY is shaped by how we interact and live together in community and as community, locally and globally.

All of our stories, whether we realize it or not, are shaped by GOD’S STORY. God as creator, sustainer and savior is working throughout history, the present and the future, weaving all stories together.For More Information

 

Youth and Certification School costs $2500 which includes lodging, meals and training resources.