bachelor of arts in youth ministry and biblical studies

Overview of Youth Ministry and Biblical Studies

Students in this program will develop programming skills for working with adolescents while delving into the psychology and developmental process of adolescents.

Bemidji is a service oriented community with numerous opportunities to engage with youth. Students can expect an interactive experience with area youth through a yearly outreach ministry, whether through local churches, para church ministries or youth serving agencies.

Who Should Apply

Those with a heart for young people and the desire to make a difference in the lives of adolescents. Those who want to learn, practice and engage in helping youth transition to adulthood through the development of a helping and mentoring relationship through the church, para church or other youth agency.

Career Paths
Graduates will be prepared to work effectively with youth in a variety of settings including churches, Para Church Ministries, and other youth servicing agencies. This degree may also be applicable for employment in group homes or in youth service organizations.
Required Credits

120 credits required including: Youth Minstry (23), Biblical Studies (30), General Education (30), Christian Ministry (26), Free and/or Emphasis Electives (11). 

Curriculum
Each academic program of the college provides the context for whole life transformation through biblical life preparation. Students come to learn, learn to serve, and serve to change lives. Through the courses offered in each program, students will develop a Christ-centered worldview and be prepared to make a difference in the world through their lives, work and service to others.

The courses of study in each degree proceed from foundational to exploratory to immersion courses. Areas of study for each degree will include general education, biblical studies, Christian ministry and service, and core courses in the major.

Students will be challenged to grow in their knowledge of self, others, the world and the Bible. They will be challenged to grow in their critical
thinking, development of a biblical worldview and the integration of their faith and learning.

Foundational courses – 49 credits

General Education – 19 Credits
  • College Writing I (3 credits)
  • College Writing II (3 credits)
  • Intercultural Communications (3 credits)
  • Science/Math Elective (3 credits)
  • General Education Electives (7 credits)
biblical studies – 12 Credits
  • Old Testament Survey (3 credits)
  • New Testament Survey (3 credits)
  • Interpretation of Biblical Literature (3 credits)
  • Christian Faith (3 credits)
Christian ministry – 12 Credits
  • Spiritual Formation I (3 credit)
  • Spiritual Formation II (3 credits)
  • Teaching in Ministry (3 credits)
  • Outreach (2 credits)
  • Intercultural Outreach (1 credit)
Youth Ministry – 6 Credits
  • Foundations of Youth Ministry (3 credits)
  • Introduction to Counseling (3 credits)

exploration courses – 39 credits

General Education – 8 Credits
  • Worldviews (3 credits)
  • Church History (3 credits)
  • Adolescent Psychology (2 credits)
Biblical Studies – 9 Credits
  • Old Testament Elective (3 credits)
  • New Testament Elective (3 credits)
  • Bible Elective (3 credits)
Christian ministry – 14 Credits
  • Outreach (2 credits, 1 Upper Level)
  • Intercultural Outreach (1 credit, Upper Level)
  • Family Life and Ministry (2 credits)
  • Christian Ministry Electives (9 credits)
Youth Ministry – 8 Credits
  • Professional Ethics (2 credits)
  • Programming Skills in Youth Ministry (3 credits)
  • Mentoring and Leadership in Ministry (3 credits)

immersion courses – 21 credits

General Education – 3 Credits
  • Senior Seminar (3 credits)
Biblical Studies – 9 Credits
  • Bible Electives (9 credits, Upper Level)
Youth Ministry – 9 Credits
  • Organizational Issues in Youth Ministry (Capstone) (3 credits)
  • Youth Ministry Internship (6 credits)

free and/or Emphasis electives – 11 Credits

Randy mckain

DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRY AND ADDICTIONS COUNSELINg

Program Director: Youth Minsitry and Addictions Counseling 
Instructor: Christian Ministry, Youth Ministry, Addictions Counseling

B.S. in Behavioral Science 
Sterling College, Sterling, KS 
M.Ed. in Counseling and School Psychology 
Wichita State University, Wichita, KS 
Further Coursework at 
North Park Theological Seminary, Chicago, IL 
Licensed Staff Minister 
Evangelical Covenant Church of America

Randy McKain

academics