Curriculum
The CYMT curriculum is specifically designed to develop practical theologians and theologically informed practitioners in youth ministry. Each student will develop his or her own “practical ecclesiology,” by doing ministry out of an intentional community and learning the skills that can prevent the isolation that can be deadly to long-term youth ministry.
The CYMT curriculum will combine intensive traditional classroom learning, peer learning, one-on-one coaching, and action/reflection processes that integrate students’ academic growth with the real-life situations of the churches they serve. Curriculum will focus on three broad areas:
1. Theology - Bible content and interpretation, basic systematic theology, and processes for thinking theologically about youth ministry
2. Practice - Understanding youth ministry, strategies for sustainable youth ministry
3. Personal - Leadership and spiritual development
The Masters of Arts degree from MTS is a 48 hour degree. The courses rotate each year allowing a student to complete the degree over 6 semesters (3 years) in the program.
Retreat — Peer Group Education Model:
CYMT and MTS have developed a retreat-based model that provides the best education and training available by allowing students to take classes through intensive retreats while working in local congregations. The program calls for three to four retreats each semester, during which one youth ministry course and one core seminary course content will be presented.
A unique retreat-based learning format offered through MTS allows graduate residents to learn from the leaders in youth ministry education from professors and veteran youth ministers. Between retreats, graduate residents meet in regionally based cluster groups to discuss and process the course material. Studies continue to display correlations between strong networks of peer relationships and church leaders who stay in ministry for the long haul. CYMT provides a fertile ground where those relationships develop.
Discussion groups meet in the regions where our students work. We have groups in Memphis, Nashville, and online. They meet for two hours every week except during weeks when there is a retreat. Each discussion group is led by one of our coaches who helps bring practical application to the coursework.
To see our current retreat schedule click here.
Four C's
The program is comprised of four components designed to help you achieve academic success while gaining valuable ministry experience:
Cohort
Residents are a part of a group of 12 peers. Together, you will learn about youth ministry and theology. You will experience community and create relationships that encourage you and become those where "iron sharpens iron." A new cohort forms each year and joins with two cohorts already in years 2 and 3 of their residency to create a community of 36 graduate residents.
Classroom
The coursework is designed to help you understand more than just what to do in youth ministry. You'll learn to think theologically about the ministry you lead and have the knowledge to design ministry programs that help students develop a deep, life-changing Christian faith.
Coaching
Receive regular one-on-one coaching from a youth ministry veteran to help you apply what you've learned and master critical ministry skills. Coaches also work directly with the local church to help the staff and congregation develop a healthy understanding of youth ministry and how to best integrate it into the life of the local church.
Church
Residents gain in-the-trenches youth ministry experience by serving 25 hours per week in a local church. Working part-time as a youth minister during your education allows you to put all the pieces together—everything you learn from the peers in your cohort, the professors in the classroom and from your coach.
Upon completion of the CYMT graduate residency program, you'll be prepared with both the education and experience needed to effectively minister to youth and their families.