Commentary
Youth ministry leaders should understand that their formation is constant and should be consistent. Failure to participate in parish and diocesan training can lead to ineffective ministry and outdated programming.
The Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies, offered by a sponsoring diocese and the Center for Ministry Development, is a ministry education program for those in ministry with youth in both parish and school settings. It equips leaders with the knowledge, skills, practical tools and techniques needed for creative and comprehensive ministry with youth.
This program is designed for persons involved professionally or as volunteers with younger (10-14) or older (14-19) adolescents in a parish or school setting. The potential audience for the program includes: coordinators of youth ministry, directors of religious education, youth ministry volunteer leaders, junior high leaders, high school campus ministers, teachers, clergy, university students and seminarians. Individual weekend courses are also helpful for leaders who specialize in particular ministries. For example, the Justice and Service course can serve leaders involved in social justice ministries.
The primary aim of the program is to promote personal, spiritual, and ministerial growth. Courses in the first year cover youth ministry principles and practice, and leadership theory, processes, and skills. The second year course focuses on fostering the faith growth of youth through evangelization and catechesis, prayer and worship, justice and service, and pastoral care.
The Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies program includes eight courses. Each course consists of fourteen hours of instruction provided in two days. Participants need not start their coursework with a particular course; rather, they may join any time courses are offered.
A Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies is awarded by the sponsoring institution (diocese and/or university) and the Center for Ministry Development to students who participate in all eight courses and complete the certificate assignments and learning journal for each course. For more information, visit www.cmdnet.org
Related Policies
5.1 All persons involved in youth ministry are to obtain the required level of certification. 1926
5.1.1 All coaches are required to attend face-to-face training at least once every three years. 1928
5.1.2 All other youth ministers should be committed to attending at least one training session every year. 1929
5.1.3 Paid Coordinators of Youth Ministry must enroll in the Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies within the first two years of service and must complete the certification within four years.