Details for Youth Ministry in Australasia

Generation Y? Why? Effective ministry must always be grounded in love and understanding. The objective of this unit is to explore ways to build a deep and compassionate understanding of young people; their needs, pressures and concerns. To do so, we must understand the context in which they grow up and the social norms that surround and form them. If you have a heart to minister more effectively to the next generation, this unique course will empower you to engage and make a dramatic difference with Gen Y and beyond.

Quick Info

Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
Unit code: MIN220
Credit points: 10
Total workload hours per week: 10
Number of timetabled hours per week: 3 *

* Note: Units with reduced contact hours (such as those taught in Intensive format) will have an increased assessment component.↩

Prerequisites

The following courses are prerequisites:

MIN101—Foundations of Pastoral Ministry

The unit Youth Ministry in Australasia is part of the subject area Ministry and is offered as a part of the following Awards: Bachelor of Contemporary Ministry (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)).

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

This course unit provides an introduction to the problems and prospects facing youth ministry in Australasia, including adolescent needs, pressures of sexuality, identity and community, para-church organisations and the basic skills of establishing youth oriented programs in the local church.

Subject Content

The cultural and historical context of youth ministry
Strategic planning
Sexuality and gender issues
Communication to youth
Spirituality and youth leadership

This course may be offered in the following formats

Lectures, discussion, class presentation, practical involvement in youth ministry.

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis College.

Assessment Methods

Forum Postings (20%, 2000 words); Critical Reflection on involvement in a youth program (30%, 1500 words); Major Essay (50%, 2500 words)

Prescribed Text

No textbook.

Recommended books:

Chap Clark. Hurt. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2004.
Fernando Arzola Jr. Toward a Prophetic Youth Ministry: Theory and Praxis in Urban Context. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2008.
Tony Jones. Postmodern Youth Ministry. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001.
Mark McCrindle & Emily Wolfinger. The ABC of XYZ: Understanding the Global Generations. Sydney: UNSW Press, 2009.
Mark H. Senter III (ed.). Four Views of Youth Ministry and the Church. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001

Representative References

Barna, G. Generation Next. Glendale, CA.: Barna Research Group, 1995.
Chalke, S. The Christian Youth Ministry Manual. Eastbourne, UK.: Kingsway, 1992.
Coleman, J. The Nature of Adolescence. Buckingham Gate London: Methuen, 1990.
Fields, D. Purpose-Driven Youth Ministry. Grand Rapids, MI.: Grand Rapids, MI., Zondervan 1998.
Garvin, M. Us Aussies. Victoria, Australia: Hayzon, 1987.
Hurding, R. Understanding Adolescence.Sevenoaks, Kent: Hodder & Stoughton, 1989.
Jones, T. Postmodern Youth Ministry. Grand Rapids, MI.: Zondervan, 2001.
Ludwig, G.E. Building an Effective Youth Ministry. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1980.
Mayes, L.C. and Cohen, D.J. The Yale Child Study Center Guide to Understanding Your Child. New York: Little Brown & Company, 2002.
Moser, K et al. No Guts, No Glory. Kingsford NSW.: St Matthias, 1990.
Robbins, D. Youth Ministry that Works, Wheaton, Ill.: Victor, 1991.
Senter, M. The Coming Revolution in Youth Ministry. Wheaton, Ill.: Victor, 1992.
Yaconelli. M. and J. Burns. High School Ministry. Grand Rapids, MI.: Zondervan, 1986.