Introducing the Student Ministry Program at Lipscomb University.

Transcription

1 Introducing the Student Ministry Program at Lipscomb University. Helping today s youth grow as individuals while exploring ideas, values and faith in God s Kingdom.

2 A place where Christianity is anything but accidental. Moving toward spiritual maturity the kind that takes a young believer through tough times and deepens spiritual relationship with God is no accident. It is the result of an intentional plan. At Lipscomb University, the College of Bible and Ministry is not just another academic entity. It is a place where faith is cultivated and challenged, whether a student is a Bible major or not, whether a student is an undergraduate or graduate student, whether a student intends to make ministry his or her vocation or avocation, even whether someone is a Lipscomb student or a member of a local congregation looking for a deeper faith walk. Lipscomb is grounded in a faith tradition that began on the first day its doors opened almost 125 years ago and continues to be at the heart of all we do, say and learn. We do embrace an openness to all faith traditions, but our main purpose is to advance the spiritual formation of our students while recognizing and respecting the centrality of the Christian faith to Lipscomb s identity and mission. Through excellence in academics, quality faculty and an honest and open conversation about beliefs, faith and service our students, as well as many church teams and leaders who participate in our programs, can be part of a pragmatic approach to a powerful student ministry education that challenges the mind and soul, and discusses real-life questions that matter in today s world.

3 My experience with the Student Ministry Program and Lipscomb University could not have been better! I was surrounded by professors who not only have experience in ministry and wisdom to learn from but also enormous hearts for the Lord and for their students. My relationships with my classmates are ones that I hold on to and continue to learn from. The program helped shape me in a way that has prepared me for full-time ministry for many years to come. Through my classes, internships and the relationships I developed with my professors and classmates I feel that I was not only prepared for ministry but I was set up to succeed. In my first year of full-time youth ministry I have already leaned on my education from Lipscomb, and I am so thankful for all of the blessings that I continue to receive. Jana Frankum, Class of 2012, Youth Minister, Landmark Church of Christ Reaching those we re committed to serving. The model of our student ministry program includes four areas: Academics: Theology: Praxis: Students are exposed to the best reading, the most current research and thought-provoking discussions that guide and inspire. Thinking about faith and belief by better understanding biblical studies and theological reflection. Student s learn God s Word but beyond that, they learn how to implement and enact what is learned. Spiritual Students are supported as they shape their faith, Formation: character and soul so that they can do the same for others through the ministry of God. Building knowledge and building faith through academic leadership. Whether you see God s purpose for your life in terms of formal ministry or some other career, you will be challenged through classes and events centered in spiritual growth, preparing you to pursue a life of stronger purpose and meaning. Graduate Certificate in Student Ministry 15 hours graduate credit The Certificate in Student Ministry is designed for the person who wants some of the best training and education in student ministry available in an accessible format. It is designed to serve youth ministers in the local church who want specialized training at a graduate level but do not want to commit to a full graduate program. The college s pragmatic collaboration of topics and experts delivers hands-on, practical, real-life applications immediately useful to students. Three courses are hybrids which include two days in class with remaining material delivered online.

4 The five courses (three credit hours each) for the certificate are: Introduction to Student Ministry (Hybrid) Current Issues in Student Ministry (Online) Adolescent Spirituality (Hybrid) Conflict and Family Systems (Hybrid) Hazelip School of Theology Elective (Online) Certificate students receive: Personal coaching via Skype time with instructors to help contextualize class info Community building during hybrid courses though shared meals Discounted student rates at Youth Specialties National Youth Workers Convention and the National Conference on Youth Ministry Guest blog with Lipscomb s resource site Invitations to exclusive dinners with keynote speakers at Student Ministry s one-day seminars For those who choose to continue in graduate studies, these courses are easily transferred to most master s programs. Lipscomb offers a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry or a Master of Divinity degree that accept 100% of certificate credits. Annual Student Ministry Training Seminar Each spring, the college offers the opportunity for church volunteers, elders and other leaders to attend a one-day training seminar with nationally recognized speakers and authors who challenge thinking about student ministry. Participants leave with new and refreshed vision as well as with new tools for ministry. In the past, keynote speakers have included Mark Oestreicher, Mark DeVries, Steve Argue, Chip Heath, Robert Epstein and Mark Novelli. Two-Year Student Ministry Apprenticeships The vocation and calling of ministry is a lofty goal for an undergraduate student. While Lipscomb does all it can to fully train and prepare young men and women for ministry, the best classroom walls are porous, allowing outside experience to shape academic learning. Local Nashville churches are invited to partner with the college by offering student ministry placements for the two-year apprenticeship in student ministry program. Both church staff and students benefit from: Long-term workers for who can invest deeply and relationally in students, minimizing your staff turnover Affordable staff members who can assist and help relieve some of the ministry workload Multi-staff settings provide apprentices with valuable experience that many will not receive in their first full-time ministry positions Your church adds value to students educations; they can put a long-term commitment at a reputable congregation on their résumés Our rapidly changing world presents new challenges to those who minister to students. As our students grow and change in this emerging culture, we need to be engaged in learning that equips us to effectively minister to students and their families. Together, Dr. Surdacki and Dr. Fraze bring years of thoughtful reflection and wisdom garnered from their own years in student ministry. As one who sees the deep value and necessity of ongoing education for those who serve Christ, students and families, I recommend the certificate program at Lipscomb. Walt Mueller, Director of the Center for Parent and Youth Understanding Student Ministry Internship Fair Lipscomb s annual ministry fair serves churches by connecting them with students interested in summer ministry internship opportunities. This event allows congregational leaders to meet candidates interested in youth and children s ministry internships. The event format is similar to speed interviewing allowing students to sign up for interview slots with the churches that interest them. This is an excellent way to find quality candidates to work with a congregation s youth. Adolescent Research Project-Safe Crib In an effort to stay at the forefront of research and scholarship in the field of adolescent spirituality, the student ministry program studied over 1,500 typical youth group students. The purpose was to learn the current state of youth s spiritual lives in the Churches of Christ, their important relationships and how they navigate risk behaviors. The study encompassed a broad range of questions related to alcohol use, Bible reading, prayer life, support and family systems, sexual behaviors and more, and then compared typical Church of Christ students to a national sampling of teenagers. Youth events that create impact. IMPACT Camp IMPACT is a popular summer event at Lipscomb designed to provide an atmosphere for teens that enables the development of a personal faith that will impact their world for Christ. It began in 1992 with 250 campers, counselors and adults coming together to worship. Today it is two separate events with more than 1,100 students from all over the country converging on campus for a powerful week.

5 Support and collaboration through student minister events. Monthly Youth Minister Luncheons The College of Bible and Ministry currently hosts monthly luncheons for youth workers from across Middle Tennessee. This is a time of camaraderie, support and nurture for those in the trenches of student ministry. Youth Minister Retreats Lipscomb provides respite opportunities through several annual retreats, for both male and female youth ministers, as a time for them to get away and recharge their souls. A faculty as committed to academics as it is to service. Each summer s theme which is developed with varied emphases on different elements of Christian faith from evangelism and textual studies to spiritual development is kept secret until the first day, a reveal that has become a very popular feature of the event. The main focus of IMPACT is Christ. Whether it is through prayer, praise, classes or the messages of the speakers, it is a week teens remember. Student Ministry Calling Luncheon at IMPACT The College of Bible and Ministry hosts a special luncheon at IMPACT for young people who have been identified by their youth ministers as having potential for a student ministry major in college. At the luncheon, these young people can connect with our college students, faculty and other leaders to talk about that calling, ask questions and discuss the vocation of student ministry. Student Trips to Youth Specialties and NCYM Student ministry students have the opportunity to attend some of the best training available at national conferences on student ministry, including the Youth Specialties National Youth Workers Convention in Atlanta and the National Conference on Youth Ministry. Meet outstanding authors on student ministry as well as nationally recognized experts in the field. These conferences are also excellent networking opportunities to find potential ministries and interview for jobs or internships. Lipscomb helps subsidize expenses to make it more affordable to attend. Lipscomb s College of Bible and Ministry brings together a unique faculty and staff whose daily mission is deeply rooted in decades of full-time student ministry experience in a variety of contexts nationally. Our faculty is comprised of: Internationally accomplished speakers in a variety of forums including churches, events, public schools, private schools and parachurch organizations Accomplished authors published in Youthworker Journal, Group Magazine, Leaven journal and Sticky Faith Project Professionals trained in conflict management, family systems and organizational systems Leaders experienced in all aspects of student ministry from fulltime ministers to volunteers to parents of adolescents Dr. Walter Surdacki Assistant Professor Dr. David Fraze Visiting Professor For more information: Dr. Steve Joiner College of Bible and Ministry, Interim Dean Professor of Ministry and Conflict Management For details on any of the student ministry programs in Lipscomb University s College of Bible and Ministry, call or go to bible.lipscomb.edu. We look forward to meeting you and helping you create an intentional plan for your own spiritual formation.

6 College of Bible and Ministry One University Park Drive Nashville, TN bible.lipscomb.edu