The Student Ministry major delivers the foundation, ministry skills, and attitudes that will prepare students to serve as ministers to youth in church or para-church settings. Students can choose to specialize in Urban Ministry, Children's Ministry, Outdoor/Experiential Education, or College Ministry. In the senior year of study, students must complete an internship, equipping them with hands on experience where classroom knowledge can be practically applied. Faculty who teach in this major combine education with church experience, delivering to students an enriched learning context.
What is "Student Ministry"?
The field of "Student Ministry" used to be called "Youth Ministry." In recent years, however, it became evident that students graduating with a degree in Youth Ministry were entering into a variety of ministry contexts--Junior High ministry, Senior High ministry, College ministry, etc. Each of these ministries have their own distinctive approaches and challenges. So, Geneva made an intentional step to broaden its Youth Ministry degree to include a study of ministry to "students" of differing age groups and settings. Thus, the major became "Student Ministry." The unique approach to Geneva's degree in "Student Ministry" is that students can choose an area of specialization as part of their coursework.
Why major in "Student Ministry"?
College students who have a heart for the evangelism and discipleship of young people need training from experienced practitioners in order to become effective. This major equips college students for a calling to this kingdom building work.
Program Overview
52 hours in major requirements
3 hours in Biblical Interpretation:
BIB 200 "How to Read the Bible" (3 hours)
3 hours in Gospel Studies:
BIB 312 "Gospel Studies" (3)
3 hours in Old Testament Studies selected from:
BIB 301 "Old Testament Prophecy" (3)
BIB 302 "Wisdom Literature" (3)
BIB 303 "Old Testament Studies" (3)
3 hours in additional New Testament Studies selected from:
BIB 310 "Pauline Studies" (3)
BIB 314 "New Testament Studies" (3)
3 hours of Adolescent Culture Studies:
MIN 319 "Contemporary Adolescent Culture" (3)
3 hours in Theology selected from:
BIB 320 "Special Topics in Theology" (3)
BIB 322 "Calvin's Institutes" (3)
BIB 325 "Biblical Theology" (3)
3 hours in Philosophy selected from:
PHI 202 "Augustine" (3)
PHI 206 "Aquinas" (3)
12 hours in Methods Studies:
MIN 210 "Evangelism" (3)
MIN 240 "Introduction to Student Ministry" (3)
MIN 241 "Methods of Student Ministry" (3)
3 hours in additional Methods Studies selected from:
MIN 205 Christian Education in the Local Church" (3)
MIN 215 "Methods of Teaching the Bible" (3)
PSY 253 "Adolescent Development" (3)
3 hours in a Specialization Area:
MIN 244 "Introduction to Urban Ministry" (3)
MIN 245 "Christian Community Development" (3)
MIN 250 "Theory and Practice of Experiential Education" (3)
MIN 253 "Challenge Course Facilitation" (3)
16 hours in Ministry Experience:
MIN 430 "Senior Seminar" (3)
MIN 492 "Student Ministry Practicum" (4)
Note: two hours per course for two semesters; four hours total
MIN 493 "Student Ministry Internship" (9)
Note: taken with MIN 430
