ODP.BSYFM - BS Youth and Family Ministries (online)

Program Purpose and Student Learning Objectives

Purpose. The Youth & Family Ministries Major equips students with biblical and theological foundations, theoretical frameworks, and practical skills for promoting healthy relationships and spiritual formation in families.

The Youth & Family Ministries Major builds on Point University’s mission, values, and Core Curriculum (General Studies and Character Core) to accomplish the following student learning objectives:

 Scripture in Ministry

Objective 1:   Students demonstrate awareness of the basic matters of critical introduction and historical background necessary to a proper understanding of the Old and New Testaments.

Objective 2:  Students apply appropriate methods of interpretation to the study, application, teaching, and preaching of the Old and New Testaments.

Objective 3:  Students apply central theological themes of the Old and New Testaments, including a biblical theology of the family, in ministering to families and youth.

Parents and Children

Objective 4:  Students explain major elements of the spiritual, psychological, physio-logical, and social development of human beings, including how parents influence, teach, guide, and disciple children and adolescents.

Objective 5:   Students demonstrate a working knowledge of family dynamics, including biblical and scholarly insights into human nature, as well as cultural and societal influences, such as mass media and contemporary courtship and marriage trends.

Objective 6:  Students distinguish between healthy and unhealthy approaches to parenting throughout the lifespan, explaining common spiritual, psychological, social, and behavioral outcomes of different parenting styles and family structures.

Youth and Family Ministry

Objective 7:   Students demonstrate understanding of biblical concepts of holistic ministry and servant leadership, along with the ability to apply those principles in multicultural ministry environments.

Objective 8:  Students assess contemporary approaches to youth and family ministry in a variety of contexts from theological, philosophical, and practical perspectives.

Objective 9:   Students offer sound principles, resources, and practical support to parents as they implement strategies to promote healthy physical, emotional, social, and spiritual growth in their families.

Objective 10: Students demonstrate practical skills for youth and family ministry, such as assessing needs, planning, organizing, and implementing ministry programming.

Objective 11: Students apply interpersonal skills important for ministry, such as volunteer mobilization, team assessment and formation, classroom management, and pastoral care for youth and families.

Objective 12: Students utilize tools and resources appropriate for their ministry goals.

Objective 13: Students consistently conduct themselves in a legal and ethical manner as Christian ministry professionals.

Objective 14: Students demonstrate mastery of foundational competencies for youth and family ministry through a mentored ministry practicum.

Choosing a Character Core Track. Students who complete all courses in the Theological Track graduate with a Biblical Studies Minor. If students want to combine elements of both tracks while meeting the program learning objectives, they must complete one course in each numbered category in sequence. In other words, they must complete one course labeled [1], and then one course labeled [2], and then one course labeled [3], and then one course labeled [4], and then one course labeled [5]. For details, see the “Character Core” described under the “Biblical Studies Department.”

Recommended Course Sequence. As online students prepare to enter their program, academic advisors prepare a customized course schedule, or “plan of study,” mapping out which courses students should complete in which sessions from start to graduation. These customized plans take into account degree requirements, transfer credits, pace of study, and other factors toward the goal of speeding students to the finish line in the shortest time possible.