Applied Leadership

Youth Work

Program Overview

Make a lasting impact on the youth of today and leaders of tomorrow.

 

Columbia’s Youth Work program prepares students with the education, experience, and confidence they need to help transform the lives of young people. Through strategic leadership within the field of youth ministry, students take concepts from the classroom and integrate them into ministry opportunities as they serve in local ministries. With a number of church and community partners, Columbia’s intensive 10-month internship component allows students to apply their education and gain valuable experience in the youth work field.

 

Watch Luke's Story

Called to Impact Students

Growing up, Luke didn't have a great youth group experience: no role models, no positive Christian community. So he decided to become a youth pastor and make a difference in kids' lives.  He's having an incredible time on his year-long youth internship - mentoring teens, being mentored, and... doing slip-and-slide.

 

Watch Luke's Story »

Meet Kendra

Meet Kendra

BA Youth Work 2018
Program Manager, Camp Luther

“The Youth Work program has provided great practical training for my camp ministry. In classes I was equipped for understanding youth ministry philosophy, and through my internship I got the opportunity to put my training into practical, hands-on ministry. Ron consistently taught us the value of relationships in youth ministry, and I have witnessed how relational ministry is so vital to a positive camp experience as well. I loved being able to study at CBC, and I love being able to live out what I was taught in my vocational ministry.”

 

Meet Josh B

Meet Josh

BA Youth Work 2018
Youth Director, Grace Church

"CBC has equipped me for my current role by providing me with practical tools and outlook for ministry. As I have stepped into my role as Youth Director at Grace Evangelical Bible Church, I have constantly been reminded of what the Youth Work program has taught me biblically, practically, and personally. I specifically think about the my 2nd year Philosophy of Youth Ministry class, where I built a philosophy, the deep reason why I do youth ministry, and applied it to my life. This has come back to guide me, encourage me and keep my perspective in the midst of ups and downs of ministry. Furthermore, building relationships with other current and aspiring youth workers has helped me tremendously and is something that I have not been able to find outside of CBC."

Diploma in Youth Work

The two-year diploma in Youth Work is designed to equip students for youth ministry, often alongside another vocation. Students receive a strong biblical foundation alongside the practical skills necessary for youth ministry in numerous contexts. Graduates from the two year diploma often work in churches or parachurch organizations as gifted, committed and passionate youth workers. Others have continued on with studies in social services with a youth emphasis. Wherever they go, Columbia Youth Work graduates are prepared to use their gifts to influence and impact teenagers for the gospel.

Bachelor of Arts in Practical Theology, Major in Youth Work

The Youth Work degree program prepares students for strategic leadership within the field of youth ministry. The program is designed to combine in-class education and hands-on practicums in order to provide the very best experiential education possible. To enhance class lectures, students are introduced to vocational youth workers who share their expertise, giftedness and passion. In their third year, students will have the opportunity to apply for a 10 month internship in either a church or parachurch organization where they learn under the mentorship of a veteran youth worker. This emphasis on study and application offers the students a program that is intentionally holistic and integrative in its scope. Graduates from the degree program better understand youth culture and are able to employ new skills in the area of youth ministry.

 

 

DOWNLOAD PROGRAM COURSE CHECKLIST (10-MONTH INTERNSHIP) - PRIOR TO FALL 2018

 

 

DOWNLOAD PROGRAM COURSE CHECKLIST (10-MONTH INTERNSHIP) - FALL 2018 & LATER

 

 

DOWNLOAD
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

 

 

WHAT IS
PRACTICAL THEOLOGY?

Youth Work Minors

Each degree student at Columbia has the option to select a minor in a variety of fields. Typically, minors are chosen in a student's third year of study and will inform the type of internship placement they choose. Learn more about available minors.



MINORS

Biblical Studies
Social Entrepreneurship
Counselling & Human Services
Church Ministry
Intercultural Studies
Leadership
Ministry to Children
Outdoor Rec Leadership
Practical Ministry
Worship Arts


Internships

Practical, hands-on experience is an integral part of education. That's why Columbia requires all degree students to complete an internship in their third or fourth year. Youth Work students have the unique opportunity to participate in an intensive 10-month internship in their third year. The internship places students in a youth ministry setting where they acquire valuable hands-on experience working in vocational ministry. The internship program is designed to provide a rich learning experience with practical skill development. For more information about Columbia's internship program, including application forms and placement options, visit Service Learning.

Supervisor Evaluations (3rd Year Internship)

Download the off-site supervisor evaluation forms for the Youth Work 3rd Year Internship.
Supervisor Evaluation Forms (Progress Reports 1-3)
Supervisor Comprehensive Evaluation Form

INTERESTED IN YOUTH WORK?

 

 CONTACT ADMISSIONS