Academic Catalog: Youth and Family Ministries

Denver Seminary is committed to developing leaders who have both the vision and training necessary for penetrating the contemporary culture. As this culture changes at a rapid rate, the seminary experience is designed to equip students with the theological, sociological and pragmatic tools necessary to develop their own programs to meet the specific demands of a given ministry focus. Relying on biblical truth supplemented by social science research, the youth and family ministries department seeks to enable every student to be effective in lifelong ministry to this vital ministry area.

YFM 501 Foundations of Youth and Family Ministries

A theological, sociological, philosophical and historical overview of ministry to adolescents and their families. Offered fall semesters. Three hours.

YFM 502 Leadership in Youth and Family Ministry

Investigation and evaluation of various models and styles of leadership. Overview of recruitment, nurture, and training of volunteer leadership. May also credit as a leadership elective. Offered spring semesters. Three hours.

YFM 550 Contemporary Family Issues

Introduction to the biblical and psychological foundations of family and family relationships. Various contemporary ministry models for adolescents and their families will be explored. Offered alternate years. Two hours.

YFM 601 Evangelism and Discipleship in Adolescent Culture

Investigation of various evangelistic methods and their contextual effectiveness. Includes a review of theology and principles of discipleship. Offered fall semesters. Two hours.

YFM 602 Transformational Communication

This course assists students in learning how to teach the Bible to young people in a way that will both captivate and challenge. Offered fall semesters. Three hours.

YFM 605 Ministering to At-Risk Youth

A practical overview of contemporary youth culture as it relates to marginalized and at-risk youth. Students adding an optional concentration in Counseling Ministries to the MA in Youth and Family Ministries program should take YFM 650 The Person and Profession of Youth Ministry instead of this course. Offered spring semesters. Three hours.

YFM 620 Models of Youth Ministry

An investigation and evaluation of various models used in youth ministry by church and parachurch organizations. Ministry tips, wilderness camping and other experiential models will be included. Offered spring semesters. Three hours.

YFM 650 The Person and Profession of Youth Ministry

A practical course designed to help the student prepare for long-term ministry in a suburban, urban, cross-cultural or rural setting. Focuses on cooperation between churches and between church and parachurch youth ministries. This course fulfills the globalization awareness requirement for those in the MA in Youth and Family Ministries program through directed readings and first-hand exposure to urban and cross-cultural experiences. Offered spring semesters. Three hours.

YFM 652 Urban Youth and Family Ministry

Students will develop a theology of the city and investigate various urban ministry models through case study and on-site learning. This course fulfills the globalization awareness requirement for students in the MA in Youth and Family Ministries program through directed readings and first-hand exposure to urban and cross-cultural experiences. Offered alternate spring semesters. Three hours.

YFM 660 Moral and Faith Development

An advanced study of the leading theories in the development of moral reasoning and faith in our lives. Attention will be given to the implications for intentional educational ministry with children. Offered spring semesters. Three hours.

YFM 670 Adventure Ministry Leadership Programming

A practical course designed to instruct on the theology, philosophy, methodology, and potential outcomes of adventure ministry. In addition to classroom-based instruction, students will experience first-hand many of the activities that are discussed. Adventure experiences will include ropes course participation, rock climbing, rappelling, sea kayaking, and backpacking. The class is not exhaustive but provides a general overview of adventure programming, along with an in-depth look at a number of the activities that are most effective and readily available. Two hours.

YFM 590, 690, 790 Studies in Youth and Family Ministries

These course numbers are reserved for courses of special or one-time interest that do not otherwise appear in the catalog or courses designed to free the student for independent investigation in youth and family ministries under the guidance of a professor. One to three hours.

YFM 796 Youth and Family Ministries Thesis Proposal

Students submit a thesis proposal by the due date of the term of registration and receive a grade of satisfactory/unsatisfactory. Once students register for thesis proposal, they must remain enrolled in YFM 798 until the term of registration for YFM 799. Prerequisite: GS 589 Academic Resources and Research. One hour.

YFM 798 Youth and Family Ministries Thesis Continuation

Students who are not ready to enroll in YFM 799 should register for YFM 798 each semester until they are ready to enroll in YFM 799. Course is graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory. $150 fee per semester. Prerequisite: YFM 796 Youth and Family Ministries Thesis Proposal. No credit.

YFM 799 Thesis in Youth and Family Ministries

Students should register for YFM 799 when they are ready to complete the thesis process in a particular semester. Note that there are no course extensions for projects or theses. Prerequisite: YFM 796 Youth and Family Ministries Thesis Proposal. Three hours.

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