Youth Ministry

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree or minor in Youth Ministry has been approved by the Course of Study Advisory Committee to meet educational requirements for ordination as an elder/deacon in the Church of the Nazarene.

This exciting degree opportunity is ideal for those who wish to influence the next generations for Jesus Christ. With nearly 65 percent of the population in many countries under the age of 25, the need for youth ministry continues to grow. Millions of teens in the U.S. are living without foundation or focus. They are looking for role models, heroes and mentors. They need followers of Christ to tell them about Jesus.

Youth Ministry Students Are:

Creative thinkers who are able to operate within the boundaries of rules and requirements.
Communicators who easily use a variety of media and messaging.
Mature believers with an eagerness to relate to young people — and their families — where they are.
Leaders who stay in touch with the current culture of our youth.
Leaders who can equip laypersons to engage in youth ministry.

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Laura Widstrom, Professor

Dr. Widstrom grew up deeply impacted by her own experience in youth ministry and loves the opportunity of making the love of Jesus tangible to teens who are wrestling through that transitional stage of life. Dr. Widstrom enjoys tailoring curriculum to meet the specific needs of a group and utilizing camp and retreat settings as context for teaching. Interspersed with classroom theory, students will have opportunity to practice youth ministry in a local church setting and to be mentored both by academic advisor and supervising pastor.