Student
Have a job but need training?
Youth Directors or Youth Ministers who who are already serving full-time or part-time within three hours dirve of the Nashville or Memphis area can also apply to the graduate residency program. These youth directors or their churches pay tuition to participate fully in the CYMT program but do not receive a stipend or housing. The cost which includes all tuition, books, coaching, and retreats (travel, room, and board) is
- $12,000 in Year One
- $12,000 in Year Two
- $10,000 in Year Three
These fees cover the youth director’s entire tuition at Memphis Theological Seminary during the Masters program.
The CYMT program creates a whole-person learning environment by nurturing gradaute residents academically in the classroom, vocationally in the local church and through personal coaching, as well as emotionally and socially through peer interaction in a cohort of residents. The CYMT program is a 3-year program.
You will receive:
- Practical Training and Master of Arts in Religion from Memphis Theological Seminary
- Support - from a community of youth ministers
- Coaching - from a veteran youth minister
The CYMT program is comprised of four components designed to help you achieve academic success while enhancing your 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 two and three 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. Courses are taught in a retreat format every six weeks, and there are weekly discussion groups and assignments.
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.
Requirements
- Minimum age is 22 years old
- BA or BS undergraduate degree
- Note: Applicants who have not completed an undergraduate degree will be considered with demonstrated life experience. These applicants will not be able to receive graduate level credits or complete the M. A. degree, though they can still earn a certificate in youth ministry.
- Click Here to Read the CYMT Graduate Resident Expectations
Graduate Residency Costs
All costs associated with the CYMT program are covered for a graduate resident when the church signs up to be training church (see above for annual costs)—giving the graduate resident more than $45,000 worth of training and professional coaching over the life of the program.
Veteran Cohort Special Pricing
Veteran pricing is available for youth ministers who have been in professional youth ministry at least six years. Veterans can participate in the program for a reduced tuition of $9,000, but will not receive coaching for themselves or their church.
To have a CYMT staff member contact you to discuss your partcipation in the graduate residency program, email us at info@cymt.org