Youth ministry focus
Certificate in theology, ministry and mission
Youth ministry and pioneering have been allies for a long time.
In fact there’s a good case to be made that the current wave of pioneer ministry and fresh expressions finds its roots in youth ministry.
So we’re really pleased to be able to offer this pathway in pioneer youth ministry that combines Church Mission Society’s experience of training in pioneering mission and ministry and Frontier Youth Trust’s experience of working with young people on the margins.
The Certificate of Higher Education in Theology, Ministry and Mission is accredited by Durham University through a partnership with Ripon College, Cuddesdon. It can be focused towards pioneer youth ministry by choosing the modules which are outlined below.
These are taught over one year. The modules are taught either online, in-person at CMS House, Oxford, or in context. Each module is 20 hours contact time generally taught over five days, usually Mondays. The days run from 10.30am to 4pm. There is a weekend residential and one week residential incorporated to visit and learn from mission practice.
Modules
Pioneering youth work (Level 4)
An introduction to good practice in youth work, including key skills in relationships, communication, teaching, learning styles, administration and leadership, as well as the chance to develop these skills in your ministry setting. Exploring play, informal education and/or non-formal education among young people and children, questioning and articulating their value and impact in practice. Includes consideration of how children and young people learn and develop and approaches to working with challenging behaviour. Exploring our understanding of the context of youth work and the values, practices and legal frameworks it entails from a Christian perspective, as well as considering methodologies for working with young people.
Introduction to the Bible (Level 4)
An overview of the purpose, context and content of the Old and New Testaments, becoming familiar with approaches to biblical study and considering how to engage biblical texts in mission and ministry.
Pastoral care, ethics and ministry (Level 4)
An introduction to key issues in both pastoral care and ethics, giving you the tools and theological framework to approach pastoral situations, as well as the space to reflect on your own views and experiences.
Foundations for theology and reflective practice (Level 4)
An introduction to contextual theology, principles and methods of reflection, and their place in mission and practice.
Mission and evangelism (Level 4)
Puts the Bible in conversation with culture to help us gain greater understanding about our own practice of mission, looks at historical trends and current approaches to engaging with and witnessing to the world around us, along with practical engagement in mission.
Spirituality and discipleship (Level 4)
Explores different approaches to discipleship, considering various Christian spiritual practices and biblical models for prayer and engaging practically with these in your own life.