The International Center for Youth Ministry

Structured under the office of the Dean of Boyce College, The International Center for Youth Ministry (CYM) serves as the comprehensive training and networking arm of the college for those called into youth ministry as a lifetime career. The goal is to recruit, train, place, and network local church youth leaders globally.

I. Proposed Objectives:

The purpose of the Center for Youth Ministry is to prepare students to enter the career path of youth ministry in such positions as youth director, para-church staff, and positions in adolescent social work and related fields. In addition to the mission statement, goals, and requirements of the college, the objectives of the CYM are to enable the student to:

A. Effectively communicate the Gospel to individuals comprising the student culture.

B. Acquire and develop skills essential to function and contribute to a local church staff.

C. Have a clear understanding of programming for effective adolescent ministry.

D. Develop confidence and skills in the recruitment and development of a lay staff.

E. Learn the process of assessment, goal development, and strategic planning.

F. Facilitate a comprehensive ministry of discipleship that results in "maturing the believer" so that he can do the work of the ministry.

G. Articulate current cross-cultural concepts and strategies and apply theological, historical, and anthropological principles in planning for evangelism, discipleship, and leadership in a cross-cultural setting.

H. Be prepared to function as a minister in a local church in the areas of Bible, Christian counseling, organizational administration, and ecclesiastical duties.

I. Develop an attitude and strategy for lifelong learning that continues to develop the student leader as a professional and ultimately makes a significant contribution toward youth ministry.

J.Pursue graduate studies.

II. Overall Functions:

The CYM serves as the umbrella for numerous functional activities including but not limited to:

A. Networking of Youth Leaders

Organized youth ministry currently exists in 133 denominations and 144 organizations in the United States. In addition to interfacing with Baptist, the CYM exists to foster cooperation among all youth ministries with commonality of vision and doctrinal compatibility. Networking is facilitated through professional interaction hosted and/or endorsed by the CYM. A "Blue Chip" advisory board will be assembled to provide guidance in the mission of the CYM.

B. Recruitment and development

As the CYM meets the needs of youth leaders they will expose their prospective students to Boyce College. A natural student recruitment structure functions integrally in the CYM complementing the institutions' office of recruitment. CYM staff, programs, representatives, and "Boyce Singers" will minister to local churches as a ministry and for recruitment.

C. Conferences and Forums

The CYM will host numerous meeting in Louisville for the purpose of leadership and student development including:

a. An annual youth leader's conference
b. Annual youth camp for students
c. National youth leader's forum for prominent and influential leaders.

In addition to the Louisville meeting, regional and international symposiums will be conducted throughout the year to provide resources and instruction to youth leaders.

D. Consultation Services

The CYM, as an established authority on youth ministry will provide personalized consultation to local church and para-church ministry. An extensive on-site evaluation and personalized recommendation accompanies each visit.

E. Outreach and Youth Missions

The CYM will host outreach opportunities (i.e. Chicago, New York, LA, etc.) and overseas mission trips for youth leaders and their students. Special emphasis will be given to the Home Mission Board and serve in cooperation of its events and focus.

F. Academic Training

One of the unique aspects of the CYM is not only the high standard of academic excellence but the practical expression of ministry: the classroom and field education function in tandem to produce one of the most effective and comprehensive youth training programs in the country. Undergraduate youth ministry professors, coordinated youth curriculum and approved sites of field education function under the authority of the CYM and the Executive Director.

III. Program Distinctives:

This program is the result of years of research, field evaluation, and process implementation. The goal of this program is to "recruit, train, place, and network youth leaders globally." This emphasizes the significance of continued interaction with colleagues and alumni to guarantee that today's student will be equipped for tomorrow's ministry. The distinctives of the programs are:

A. Academically Based

The disciplines of the arts and sciences are studied and understood in their proper context. The strictest of academic standards permeate the youth ministry program.

B. Biblically Integrated

Every student is required to successfully complete a comprehensive program of study in Scripture that includes general Bible knowledge, systematic theology with a historical perspective, and contemporary application.

C. Culturally Relevant

The basic principle of "identify the culture, use the culture, to reach the culture" is an axiom that is an integral part of the classroom and field education. While avoiding worldly trends, the youth ministry training of the CYM emphasizes the discipline of relating to today's adolescent and his world.

D. "Cutting Edge" Curriculum

The extensive academic program of youth ministry is built upon a philosophical paradigm in response to the church's greatest need and theological non-negotiables.

E. Field Education

Every youth ministry student is required to serve each semester at a designated Christian Service site under an approved supervisor. A "capstone" course is where the student will serve as an apprentice with a full-time professional youth leader for 240 clock hours.

F. Experienced Professors and Mentors

Professors and site supervisors are successful veterans and academically credentialed practitioners. They have memberships in professional organizations such as Youth Ministry International, The National Network of Youth Leaders, Youth Ministry Educators, National Association of Professors of Christian Education, and the Youth Ministry Executive Committee.

G. Qualified Admissions and Continuation

A candidate of youth ministry is accepted into the program after he has met the stringent criteria for admission after completing the appropriate pre-requisite classes.

IV. Undergraduate Program:

The CYM has developed and established the undergraduate program in Youth Ministry for Boyce College. The Boyce College Youth Ministry Program status sheet and course descriptions outline the requirements for the four year curriculum.

V. Graduate Programs:

Although the Boyce College's Center for Youth Ministry is a separate entity from the graduate program, students are encouraged to continue their training at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary upon completion of the undergraduate studies.