FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question that is not answered below or you would like additional information on a topic, please email us at info@cymt.org

FAQ's Churches

Do we get to interview the potential students?

No- students will be selected and placed by the CYMT. However, the CYMT will work closely with your chruch and allow you to give your input into which student would be the best fit for your situation. Denominational background and church needs will be considered heavily when matching students to churches.

Are there any hidden financial responsibilities?

The other financial commitment churches make beyond the yearly commitment is to have a youth ministry budget to support the programs of the youth ministry. An acceptable amount will be mutually argreed upon by the CYMT and partner church based on number of active students.

Churches that are more than 25 miles from Brentwood UMC will be expected to fulfill additional church expections that may include a mileage fee or housing fee.

What is the difference between a Student Intern Partner Church and a Training Partner Church?

Student Intern Partner Churches are seeking a student intern to serve at their church as their youth director. Training Partner Churches already have a youth director who will study at the CYMT. Both types of churches will receive monthly coaching from the CYMT staff.

What churches have you worked with before?

Click Here for a list of current partner and training churches and to learn what pastors and students are saying about the CYMT program.

What are the partner church expectations?

Student Intern Partner Church Requirements
Training Church Requirements

FAQ's Students

What are the student intern expectations?

Student Intern Expectations
Training Church Student Expectations
Tuition Only Student Expectations

What is the proposed start date?

Students will begin Internships either June 1 or August 1 depending on arrangements with assigned church and student availability.
Classes to begin August 27th

What are the denominations of the potential job sites?

We will partner with any mainline denomination; however, most partner churches will are United Methodist or Presbyterian. Student background will be taken into consideration for internship placement.

What is the CYMT statement of faith?

Click here to read the CYMT statement of faith

Is the training meant to replace seminary? Would I be equipped to handle (knowledge and experience) a youth ministry job or do you see the program as a step towards seminary?

Most seminaries provide no youth ministry specific training; therefore, we will provide theological, Biblical, and practical training applicable to youth ministry. Students will be equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to be effective youth ministers when they complete the program.  Semiaries offer a much broader and deeper scope of ministry and theolgy; therefore, students who are seeking ordination or who would like to complete a seminary degree can use the credits earned at the CYMT as a spring board towards a degree at a seminary.

How often are we in class?

We will have class 1 day a week - Tuesday or Wednesday. Classes will be all day with 1 class in the morning and 1 in the afternoon. There will also be several weeks throughout the year where we do intensive training with a seminary professor onsite or we will travel to Duke or Princeton to do the same.

What is the semester class schedule?

Fall 2007 Classes to begin August 27 and will end December 12
Spring 2008 Classes will begin January 8 and will end May 14

What are intensive training or study periods?

Fall CYMT Retreat - September 6-8, 2007
Princeton's Institute for Youth Ministry Forum - January 7-10, 2008
Pit Stop - Youth Ministry Training Event - April 2-5, 2008

What is the Summer and Winter Class Schedules?

The Summer Schedule: May 22 - August 14, 2007 will include: Meeting monthly for Practical/Leadership Development, Coaching ; continuing to serve church

December 12-January 16 Schedule - serve at church, monthly coaching

Can students earn credit for their work?

We are working closely with our collaboratng partners to receive graduate level credit for students work at the CYMT. Currently students can earn 12-18 hours through Vanderbilt Divinity School. All students desiring to receive credit must pay $1250 per class which is half of Vanderbilt's normal tuition costs. Credits are transferable to seminaries where a student could complete a degree.

Click Here to learn what pastors and students are saying about the CYMT program.

FAQ's Student Interns

What about insurance? Do we have to provide our own?

Students will be expected to provide their own health and auto insurance. The CYMT has identified several companies that offer affordable health care coverage. Example: Farm Bureau of Tennessee offers 24 year old, non-smokers coverage for $115 per month. It would be possible to have the CYMT pay for this coverage out of your monthly stipend. The CYMT will help students identify affordable coverage.

How much do we get paid?

Students receive a $12,000 a year stipent in addition to housing.

Are all positions part-time?

Most students will be the only youth director at their appointed church. Students will be required to work a minimum of 25 hours/week average.  Obviously, some weeks it will be more due to retreats or other special events.

Is there potential for full-time employment at the church after 2 years?

Our hope is that churches will move from part-time to full time ministries at the end of the 2 year internship. The Center will be providing coaching with the churches to provide the foundational pieces necessary to grow and strengthen a strong youth ministry.  At the end of the two years, we hope that: (a) students go to seminary if they desire to continue their education or complete a degree, (b) move into full time youth ministry where they served, or (c) move into full time ministry at another church.

How will vacation time work?

Students will be given 2 weeks vacation for the year.  In addition to the two weeks vacation, there will be down time from classes although not from work at various times of the year. Example: We will finish classes Mid December and pick back up the 2 nd week in January.  Depending on your responsibilities at the church during those times, you might have additional time off. Click here - to see the student expecations and class scheduling.

What are the housing arrangements?

Nashville area students will be housed at the Tyne House at First Presbyterian Chuch, Nashville. The house has a private female bedroom wing and a private male bedroom wing in the house. Housing will be provided in the towns of those partner churches more than 25 miles from Nashville.

Would I bring my furniture and would I need my own computer?  

The CYMT will provide the essentials: Bed, living room furniture, etc. Students will be welcome to bring their own furniture.  We will expect the churches to provide you with an office and computer at work.  We’ll encourage but not require laptops.

FAQ's Youth Director and Commuter Students

What will the Tuesday or Wednesday Class Schedule be?

Tuesday: 8:30-11:30 AM Theological Class,1-3:30 PM Youth Minstry Class
Wednesday: 8-10:30 AM Youth Ministry Class, 11-2 PM Theological Class

Is there a place to spend the night if I need to stay over?

Commuter students can talk to the residential students to see if there is room at the house to spend the night on occasion.

Are there scholarships available to help with tuition?

The best answer is not yet. We would however encourage you to talk with your congregation about helping with or covering the cost of your education.

What is the difference between being a Commuter Student and a Student Intern?

Beyond the obvious of having your own job and not receiving a stipend or housing, commuter students churches will not receive coaching from the CYMT unless they apply to be a Training Partner Church. Otherwise, commuter students will receive the same training and opportunities as the student interns.