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RE 4113 Introduction to Youth Ministry

Williams Baptist College

Spring 2006
A wise man will hear and increase learning. And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:5, 7 NKJV)

INSTRUCTOR/CLASS INFORMATION

Instructor:
Office Phone:
Office Hours:
Home Phone:

Dr. Walter H. Norvell


Office Location: SC 107
(870) 759-4150
Office Internet Address: wnorvell@wbcoll.edu
(Generally) Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(870) 886-6439 Please limit calls after 8:00 p.m. to emergencies only.

Course Number: RE 4113


Section: A
Term: Spring Semester
Year: 2006
Class Meetings: MWF 8:00-8:50 am

Title: Introduction to Youth Ministry


Credit: 3 hours
Location: SC 101

COURSE DESCRIPTION
An introductory study in the historical development of youth ministry with a critical emphasis in the formation
of a Biblical theology and philosophy of ministry to adolescents. Attention will be given to the related study of
contemporary postmodern culture, understanding the unique needs of adolescents, and the application of basic
programming models of ministry to youth in grades 6-12.
COURSE OBJECTIVES AND INDICATORS
As a result of this course, the student will:
1. recall basic history of the development of adolescence and youth ministry,
2. discover a theological and philosophical basis for youth ministry,
3. explore contemporary adolescent subculture in a postmodern matrix,
4. gain an understanding of the physical, moral, social, cognitive, and their relationship to spiritual
development,
5. consider the impact of parents, schools, volunteer church workers, and the church itself in youth
ministry,
6. understand the personal and private lives of the youth ministry and how these relate to building an
effective youth ministry, and
7. develop skill in designing and implementing local church ministry to youth.
Students will demonstrate mastery of these objectives by completing assignments and activities such as:
1. researching and writing a job description and list of qualifications for the youth minister (Obj. 6),
2. researching and writing a theology and philosophy for youth ministry (Obj. 1-2),
3. using technology to design an appropriate youth ministry event (DNow) (Obj. 3-5, 7),
4. conducting interviews about youth ministry with adolescents, parents of teens, volunteer youth workers,
synthesizing these interviews with required texts to write a paper contemporary youth ministry (Obj. 45),
5. successfully completing tests and assigned reading reports (Obj. 1-7),
6. developing a sample youth ministry policy manual (Obj. 4-7)

TEXT BOOKS & REQUIRED READING


Fields, Doug. Youth First Two Years in Youth Ministry. Grand Rapids: Youth Specialties/Zondervan, 2002.
ISBN: 0-310-24045-X
Ross, Richard, ed. Tranforming Student Minsitry: Research Calling for Change. Nashville: LifeWay Church
Resources, 2005. ISBN: 1-4158-2596-3
Ulmer, Dwayne C., compiler. Basic Student Ministry in the Kingdom-Focused Church. Nashville: LifeWay
Church Resources, 2003. ISBN: 0-6330-9038-7
Download the following free books and resources:
Go to http://www.sbcstudents.com and register by creating your own account. You will be using the youth
ministry management software there to plan your own DiscipleNow.
Go to http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0%2C1703%2CA%253D152695%2526M
%253D50025%2C00.html and download your own free copy of the DiscipleNow Planning Guide. You
will use this guide in an assignment. You may download and keep as an electronic file or you may print
your own hard copy.
Go to http://www.lifeway.com/downloads/understanding_teenagers.pdf and download your free copy of
Introducing the 21st Century Teenager by Allen Jackson and Dwayne Ulmer. You may keep an electronic
file but you will be required to read this text and we will refer to and use it in class, so you may discover
printing a hardcopy will be most helpful.
ONLINE COURSE RESOURCES
The syllabus, grading rubrics, and various other resources for enriching this course are found on this courses
website. Each student is responsible for locating the appropriate resources for each class meeting,
printing them, reading them prior to class, and bringing them to class as needed. You may access the
course website at http://wbcoll.ucompass.com/.
REQUIREMENTS FOR CREDIT
1. Assignments:
Please note: Turning in an assignment is no guarantee of receiving full point value. Only assignments
done in a professional, error-free manner with excellence in thought and organization will receive full
point values. All assignments will be evaluated on the basis of rubrics. Please consult the appropriate
rubric as you start, develop, and complete each assignment.
A. Exams (2 exams; 200 points total)
Dates: See schedule below
Students will take a mid-term exam worth 100 points. Students will also take a comprehensive exam at
the end of the course worth 100 points.

B. Youth Minister Qualifications and Job Description (100 possible points) Due: Jan. 30
Each student will research and create a youth ministry job qualification list and job description. The
qualifications list and job description should each be one page, single-spaced. Please use a coversheet.
Stapled with your work should be three examples of youth minister qualifications and job descriptions
that served as models for these original works. These examples may be from youth ministry books,
websites, or gathered directly from churches.
C. Reading Reports (50 points each; total 200 possible points)
Due See schedule below
Each student must read the required texts for this course. These texts are:
Fields, Doug, Youth First Two Years in Youth Ministry
Ross, Richard, Tranforming Student Minsitry: Research Calling for Change
Ulmer, Dwayne C, Basic Student Ministry in the Kingdom-Focused Church
Jackson and Ulmer, Introducing the 21st Century Teenager
Reading report forms are available in Ucompass on the class website. Beyond reporting that you have
read the texts, it is expected that you will constantly refer to these texts in your writing assignments for
this course and in class discussions.
D. Your Theology and Philosophy of Youth Ministry (100 possible points) Due Feb. 17
Each student will write an original paper describing his or her theological and philosophical basis for
youth ministry. Written in excellent Turabian style, the body of this paper must be between 5 and 8 pages.
All citations will be in footnote form, with at least two footnotes per page. Include a cover page and a
bibliography. The paper should include 5 to 8 sources. You should use your Bible, but you may not count
the Bible as one of your sources.
E. Planning a Youth Ministry Event (100 possible points)
Due April 21
Using the DiscipleNow Planning Guide available free online at www.lifeway.com and the planning tools
available free at www.sbcstudents.com, plan a DiscipleNow event that will occur in your church youth
group during April, 2007.
F. Youth Ministry Policy Manual (100 possible points)
Due April 7
Create a model policy manual for youth ministry at your church. Please use 8.5 x 11 paper in standard
portrait orientation and staple the manual together at the upper left hand corner. Include all of these
topics but other topics may be included to suit your churchs youth ministry: purpose, youth eligibility,
listing of youth ministry programs and regular events with purposes and any applicable qualification for
membership and expectations, behavior expectations/guidelines, dating at youth events
expectations/guidelines, transportation policies, sexual harassment/abuse statement, youth worker
screening policies, youth ministry teacher qualifications and expectations, volunteer worker qualifications
and expectations, and two addendums: youth emergency contact/medical information form and teacher
covenant. Prepare this policy manual in a way that forms a possible manual for a future youth ministry.
G. Youth Ministry Interviews. (100 possible points)
Due March 27
The task of this assignment is to understand the commonly held attitudes (be they right or wrong)
concerning youth ministry. You must frame excellent questions to help you understand what each
interviewee thinks about and how each values youth ministry. What do they think are the most important
elements of youth ministry and why? What, in their view, is youth ministry supposed to be
accomplishing? Conduct several interviews with persons in your church who are associated with youth
ministry. At minimum you should interview a younger youth, an older youth (Make sure these youth are
different genders.), a mother of a youth, a father of a youth (These parents must be unrelated.) and two
unrelated volunteer youth workers. Include a brief description of each person you interview and their
relationship with youth ministry in your church. Using your questions and the data you gather from the
interviews, synthesize a paper describing your churchs likely view of youth ministry. Make sure that you
include all the questions you ask in your interviews. How does this view of youth ministry support and

compliment your text readings, the class lectures, and discussions? How does this view conflict your
readings and class experiences? What obstacles do you find in your interviews that would conflict an
effective youth ministry? How could these obstacles be overcome? This interview may include first
person references but should be written in excellent Turabian form. Be sure to include a proper coversheet
and a bibliography. The body of this paper should be about 10-12 pages in length.
H. Attendance Grade (100 possible points) Graded by the professor at the end of semester
Each student will be graded on attendance based on the following rules.
1. There are no excused absences. The only exception to this rule is that the student is absence for
official college business or activity. It is the students responsibility to check with the professor and clarify
any absence that meets this exception.
2. Each student is allowed three absences without any penalty.
3. Each absence beyond three receives a five (5) point deduction on the attendance grade.
4. Three tardies equal one absence. Three early departures from class equal one absence.
5. A student may make up absences by reading and summarizing Internet articles on youth ministry. The
approved sites for this make-up work are http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/mainpage/0,1701,M
%253D200550,00.html, http://www.cpyu.org/, and http://www.simplyyouthministry.com. A student may
make up an absence by reading two articles from these websites and writing one-page summaries for each
article. Turn in these into the professor typed, stapled together with a Absence Make Up Form as the cover
sheet . The Absence Make-Up Form is available at the class website on Ucompass. Please read the Class
Attendance policy below. You may also use http://www.nnym.net/sites/ruralcoop but the website is small
and the whole site will count as two articles.
PLEASE NOTE: You may replace any one 100-point assignments if you attend the Youth Ministry Lab
2006 at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, April 7-8, in Fort Worth, Texas. Besides attending,
you will submit a 5 page summary of your Youth Ministry Lab experience. Your absence in class will be
excused.
2. Class Attendance: Students are expected to attend every class session. Each instructor
will maintain current records and will, upon request, furnish an accurate report of any
student's attendance pattern to the Dean of Students, Academic Dean, Academic Affairs
Committee, or other persons having legitimate interest in this record. Attendance is
checked from the first class meeting; therefore, late registrants will have some absences
when they first meet a class. When students are absent, for any reason, they are still
responsible for the content of the missed lecture and for any assignments. If the absence
causes the student to miss a major examination, that examination may be made up if
the instructor is convinced that the absence was justified. A student's attendance record
is a legitimate part of the criteria which the instructor may use in assigning a grade for
the course. It is the responsibility of students to be aware of the attendance policies for
their classes.
After a student has missed the equivalent of one week's work, the student may be
required to justify any further absences to the Academic Dean or the Academic Affairs
Committee. If the student is unable to do so, the student may be required to withdraw
from school. If a student is negligent or dilatory in class attendance or assignments, the
instructor may, after consultation with the Academic Dean, suspend the student from
class without the privileges of attendance or credit. The student may apply for
reinstatement, but may be reinstated only with the consent of the instructor and the
Academic Dean and the payment of a change of course fee. A letter grade of "W" will be
entered for the course if suspension occurs prior to the 13th week; an "F" will be entered
if suspension occurs after the 12th week.

3. Turning in Assignments: Assignments are only received in class. Please do not drop off assignments
without advance permission.
4. General Requirements for Written and Oral Projects:
A. This course is offered at upper college level credit and the work will be evaluated as such. Three
credit hours will be awarded upon successful completion of the course.
B.

Make duplicates and keep copies of reading reports and absentee make-up work. Paper and
electronic copies are like academic insurance. This professor has lost papers!
C. Plagiarism is forbidden. Plagiarism is the use of another persons words or ideas in ways that
cause those words or ideas to appear as if they are your own. The source of the words and ideas of
others must be cited. Any assignment in which plagiarism is determined may receive an automatic
zero (0) for that assignment after a consultation with the instructor. In addition, the offending
student will be reported to the Dean. A second discovery of plagiarism with the same student will
result in an automatic failing in the course.
5. Computation of Final Grade: All scores of assignments are totaled for the final score.
6. Final grades will be awarded on the following point system:
A: 910-1000 B: 810-909 C: 710-809 D: 610-709 F: 609 or below
METHODS FOR ASSESSING OUTCOMES
1. Completion of related class assignments:
A. Exams
B. Youth Minister Qualifications and Job Description
C. Reading Reports
D. Your Theology and Philosophy of Youth
E. Planning a Youth Ministry Event
F. Youth Ministry Policy Manual
G. Youth Ministry Interviews.
H. Attendance Grade
2. Class attendance and participation
3. Student evaluations of class and instructor
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. The GPA System adopted by Williams Baptist College is:
A: 4.0
B: 3.0
C: 2.0
D: 1.0

F: 0.0

2. Method of Instruction: The following methods of instruction will be included in this course:
1. Lecture
2. Electronic presentations
3. Video presentations
4. Guest speakers
5. Discussions

6. Written assignments
7. Readings
8. Exams
3. Disabilities: The student has the responsibility of informing the professor of any medically documented
disabling condition that will require modifications to avoid discrimination. Reasonable accommodations will be
jointly developed between student and professor. It is the students responsibility to initiate any request for
accommodations. Documentation may be required.
4. Posting of Final Grades: This professor does not post grades because this professor seeks to keep all
students aware of their academic progress in the class. Final grades are delivered by the Registrars office.
5. Incomplete Grade: In rare situations (given only if circumstances beyond the students control prevent the
completion of the course during the semester) an Incomplete (I) may be given. The student receiving an I
has three months from the date the I is received to complete the course work; otherwise the I is
automatically changed to an F.
6. Cell Phones and Pagers: Students who must use cell phones and pagers should set these devices to silently
signal messages. Students who disturb class with ringing phones and pagers will have their class participation
grades penalized.

COURSE OUTLINE
(Subject to Adjustment)

DATE
1/11
1/11
1/13

1/16

1/18

1/20
1/23
1/25
1/27

CLASS TOPIC
ASSIGNMENTS CHECKLIST
Introductions and Course Description
UNIT 1: Introduction to Youth Ministry
Syllabus Review
[] Read syllabus and grading rubrics
Essential Skills for Youth Ministers
[] Ulmer: Introduction
[]http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main
_page/0,1703,A%253D159569%2526M
%253D200554,00.html
[]http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main
_page/0,1703,A%253D159571%2526M
%253D200554,00.html
Developmental Assets in Teens
[]http://www.search-institute.org/assets/
[]http://www.searchinstitute.org/assets/importance.html
[]http://www.searchinstitute.org/assets/40Assets.pdf
Exemplary Youth Ministries
[] Ross: Foreward and Introduction
[]http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main
_page/0,1703,A%253D161468%2526M
%253D200554,00.html
[]http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main
_page/0,1703,A%253D161519%2526M
%253D200554,00.html
UNIT 1: The Youth Minister
The Youth Ministers Calling
[] Ulmer: App. 5
[] Fields: Ch. 1-2
The Work of the Youth Minister
[] Fields, Ch. 12
The Youth Ministers Qualifications and Spiritual Life
[] Fields: ch. 3
Special Event

2/1
2/3
2/6
2/8
2/10

2/13
2/15
2/17
2/20
2/22
2/24
2/27
3/1
3/3
3/6
3/8
3/10
3/13
3/15
3/17

3/20-24
3/27
3/29
3/31
4/3
4/5
4/7

The Single Youth Minister


The Married/Parent Youth Minister
UNIT 2: Foundations for Youth Ministry
A Biblical Foundation for Youth Ministry
[] Ulmer: App. 4; Ch. 1-5
Special Event
A Historical Foundation for Youth Ministry (A History of
[]Youth Minister Qualifications and Job
Teens)
Description due
[] Jackson & Ulmer: A Brief History of
Adolescence
Models for Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry and the Functions of the Church Class
[] Basic Student Ministry Reading Report
Discussion
due
UNIT 2: Youth Ministry with Youth
Meet the Millennials Part 1
[] Jackson & Ulmer: For Starters,
Introduction
Meet the Millennials Part 2
[] Fields: Ch. 4
CBS Echo Boomers
Adolescent Brain and Physical Development
[] Jackson & Ulmer: Physical
Development, App. B
[]Theology and Philosophy due
Mid-Term Exam
[] Mid-term Exam
Adolescent Emotional Development
[] Jackson & Ulmer: Emotional
Development, App. D
Adolescent Cognitive Development
[] Jackson & Ulmer: Cognitive
Development, App. C
Adolescent Social Development
[] Jackson & Ulmer: Social Development,
App. A
Adolescent Spiritual Development
[] Jackson & Ulmer: Spiritual
Development
[] Ross: Ch. 4
Special Event
UNIT 3: Youth Ministry with Parents of Youth
Being a Parent Today
[] Ross: Ch. 1-3, 6
[] Introducing the 21st Century Teenager
Reading Report due
The Role of Parents in Youth Ministry
[] Fields: Ch. 5
[] Jackson & Ulmer: App. E
Ministering to Parents of Youth
[] Transforming Youth Ministry Reading
Report due
[] Ross: Epilogue, Parent Revival, App. 1-2
[] Jackson & Ulmer: Family
Development
SPRING BREAK NO CLASSES
UNIT 4: Youth Ministry with Volunteer Leaders
Who Needs Adult Leaders?
[] Ross: Ch. 5
[] Fields: Ch. 5
[] Youth Ministry Interviews due
Enlisting and Training Adult Leaders
[] Fields: Ch. 6-8, App. A
Creating Teams in Youth Ministry
[] Ulmer: Ch. 6
UNIT 5: Leadership and Administrative Skills in Youth Ministry
A Youth Ministry Policy Manual
[] Your First Two Years reading report
due
Planning in Youth Ministry
[] Fields: Ch. 10-11
Budgeting in Youth Ministry

4/10
4/12
4/14
4/17
4/19
4/21
4/24
4/26
TBA

Reducing Risk in Youth Ministry


[] Ulmer: App. 3
Programs and Ministries in Youth Ministry
[] Youth Ministry Policy Manual due
GOOD FRIDAY NO CLASSES
UNIT 6: Nuts and Bolts of Youth Ministry
Missions in Youth Ministry
[] Ross: Ch. 7
[] Ulmer: Ch. 4
[] Fields: Ch. 9
Special Event
Youth Discipleship I
[] Planning A Youth Ministry Event due
[] Ulmer: Ch. 2
Youth Bible Study I
[]Ulmer: App. 2, Ch. 1-2
Youth Bible Study II
[] Ulmer, Ch. 3-5
[] FINAL EXAM

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