Why YLTP?
The end goal of the YLTP is to train effective ministry leaders through experience and education, namely a Master of Arts in Christian Studies. It’s true that a person can be highly effective in ministry without formalized education, but we think there are three good reasons to enroll in the YLTP.
First, the YLTP enhances ministry effectiveness, because the most effective ministry requires the most effective people. The Holy Spirit gives the gifts, the talents, and the abilities to be effective in ministry, and he asks those to whom he gives the gifts to make the most out of them. Advanced training in the form of graduate-level education is one way to do this.
Think about it this way: when something goes wrong with our bodies we have a few options to figure out what’s wrong. If it’s a minor thing, we might check the internet or talk to friends and try a home remedy. If it’s more serious, a trip to the family doctor might be in order. If it’s even more serious we might be referred to a specialist in the particular area. The solutions we found on the web might be effective, but we know that the most effective treatment will be provided by the most effective doctors.
In the same way, when something goes wrong in the spiritual life of a young person they have a few options. Sometimes questions are satisfied through internet research or discussions with friends, but at other times the problem is severe and requires consultation with a specialist. It’s important that the people to whom they turn—their youth pastors—are specialists in the area of youth ministry, and the YLTP gives the training that makes this possible.
Second, the YLTP is based around flexible, hands-on learning. There is great benefit to the traditional model of seminary education, where a person comes to campus and takes weekly classes over the course of two to three years, then goes out into the ministry world to apply those skills. At the same time, there is also great benefit to be gained from learning from a distance, especially if it provides the opportunity for the immediate application of learning in the context of ministry. The YLTP is built to be flexible—it’s done with a minimal need for campus visits, and the assignments in the youth ministry courses are based on real-world ministry application.
Third, the YLTP incorporates mentored relationships with long-time practitioners in the field of youth ministry. From day one, students are paired with a local mentor who helps them apply their learning in a safe environment where they can both succeed and fail gracefully. Plus, youth ministry classes are taught by people who are involved in the work of ministry right now, so they’re always on top of the latest issues and trends. And YLTP students have access to the ministry resources of FEB Pacific and Northwest Baptist Seminary to make sure that there’s always a supportive person close at hand.
Enhanced ministry effectiveness. Hands-on learning. Mentored Relationships. Ready to get started? Contact us to begin the conversation.
