9 Best Youth Ministry Courses To Take In 2024
Back when I first started in ministry, before stepping into the role of lead pastor, I spent much of my early years working in youth ministry. It was rewarding, but from time to time, it felt like flying blind. As a result, I faced a few challenges:
- My messages didn’t always resonate with the teens like I hoped.
- I struggled to manage all the responsibilities that came with youth ministry.
- I lacked the confidence to lead my youth group with clarity and purpose.
Looking back, I see that these struggles came from not having access to the resources I need. That’s why I’m sharing this list of top youth ministry courses—to help you get the practical training and insights you need to lead with confidence. These courses will give you the tools to engage your youth and build a thriving ministry.
Best Youth Ministry Courses Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best youth ministry courses I think are worth your time in 2024:
- Youth Ministry Course 101 (Youth Ministry University)
- Youth Ministry (3 credits) (One Hope Ministries)
- B.S. in Youth Ministries (Rawlings School of Divinity)
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Christian Studies - Youth Ministry (Grand Canyon University)
- Youth Ministry Leadership (Yale Online)
- Youth & Young Adult Ministry Degree (LBC)
- Youth Ministry (Lipscomb University)
- Youth Ministry Training Courses (Rooted Ministry)
- Youth Ministry Certification (Group U)
Find more details about each course below.
Overview Of The Best Youth Ministry Courses
1. Youth Ministry Course 101 (Youth Ministry University)
This course provides foundational training in relational youth ministry, focusing on practical skills in building and leading youth groups. It includes video lessons, downloadable outlines, and interactive quizzes designed to help youth workers grow in their roles.
- Who It’s For: Youth workers looking to enhance their skills in relational ministry
- Topics Covered:
- Building relationships with youth
- Developing youth programs
- Leadership skills
- Spiritual development techniques
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 1 hour
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 10 minutes (self-paced)
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $49
- Take The Course: Youth Ministry University
2. Youth Ministry (3 credits) (One Hope Ministries)
This course provides biblical and practical foundations for youth ministry, focusing on training youth leaders to share God’s eternal Word with young people. The curriculum will equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed for effective youth ministry practices.
- Who It’s For: Individuals preparing to lead or support youth ministry
- Topics Covered:
- Youth culture
- Ministry strategies
- Biblical foundations of youth ministry
- Organizing youth events
- Leadership in ministry contexts
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 180 days
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: Free
- Take The Course: One Hope Ministries
3. B.S. in Youth Ministries (Rawlings School of Divinity)
This course trains students to lead and support youth ministries in various settings, including local churches, nonprofits, and parachurch organizations. The degree program equips students with the skills to minister to adolescents, focusing on biblical principles and practical youth ministry strategies.
- Who It’s For: Individuals preparing for roles in Christian youth ministries, such as Youth Pastor or Next Generation Pastor
- Topics Covered:
- Biblical worldview application in youth ministry
- Planning and organizing youth programs
- Engaging adolescents within their culture
- Christian leadership and discipleship
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 4 years
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 120 credit hours
- Eligibility Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Price: Varies by program format
- Take The Course: Rawlings School of Divinity
4. Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Christian Studies - Youth Ministry (Grand Canyon University)
This program offers an in-depth education in Christian ministries focusing on youth ministry, equipping students to engage young people in spiritual growth. It provides training in Christian doctrine, leadership, and biblical teachings to prepare students for leadership roles in youth-focused ministry settings.
- Who It’s For: Students pursuing a career in youth ministry
- Topics Covered:
- Biblical studies
- Ministry leadership and ethics
- Youth culture and adolescent development
- Evangelism and outreach to youth
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration:
- On-campus: 15 weeks
- Online: 7 weeks
- Eligibility Requirements: Official transcripts
- Price:
- On-campus: $8,250 per semester
- Online: $410 per credit
- Take The Course: Grand Canyon University
5. Youth Ministry Leadership (Yale Online)
This Online Youth Ministry Leadership course offers a certificate program focused on developing leadership skills for youth ministry, emphasizing mental health and theological care. It combines academic study and practical training to equip participants to lead resilient and justice-oriented youth ministries.
- Who It’s For: Youth pastors, volunteers, and laypeople involved in youth ministry
- Topics Covered:
- Leadership principles
- Youth engagement
- Program planning and evaluation
- Engaging youth in faith and community
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 9 months
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 1 hour
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $1,200
- Take The Course: Yale Online
6. Youth & Young Adult Ministry Degree (LBC)
This course prepares students for leadership in youth and young adult ministries, equipping them with both practical skills and biblical knowledge to guide young people in their relationship with Jesus Christ. It combines theoretical foundations with hands-on ministry experiences in a variety of settings.
- Who It’s For: Those seeking a career in youth and young adult ministry
- Topics Covered:
- Biblical leadership and discipleship
- Ministry in churches, camps, and community centers
- Apologetics and team-based ministry leadership
- Practical youth ministry strategies
- Online, In-Person, or Both? In-Person
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 16 weeks
- Eligibility Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Price: Varies by enrollment
- Take The Course: LBC
7. Youth Ministry (Lipscomb University)
This youth ministry program provides practical training and theological education for leading youth ministries, equipping students to care for and guide young people in spiritual development. It offers hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and mentorship to prepare students for ministry roles in various contexts.
- Who It’s For: Students aiming for a career in youth ministry
- Topics Covered:
- Theology and biblical foundations
- Family ministry and congregational dynamics
- Curriculum development and ministry budgeting
- Spiritual care for youth and adolescents
- Online, In-Person, or Both? In-person
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 60 hours
- Eligibility Requirements: Official High School Transcript
- Price: Varies by credit hour
- Take The Course: Lipscomb University
8. Youth Ministry Training Courses (Rooted Ministry)
This course offers practical video-based training for youth ministry, providing insights and guidance for leading young people. It is designed to help youth leaders grow in their understanding of gospel-centered ministry.
- Who It’s For: Youth ministers seeking practical training
- Topics Covered:
- Practical ministry skills
- Discipleship strategies
- Program development
- Biblical teaching methods
- Pastoral care for youth
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $75
- Take The Course: Rooted Ministry
9. Youth Ministry Certification (Group U)
This course provides practical tools for youth ministry leaders to enhance their ministry impact and build stronger volunteer teams. It includes online classes designed to improve leadership skills and implement effective ministry practices.
- Who It’s For: Those seeking certification in youth ministry
- Topics Covered:
- Leadership development
- Practical ministry skills
- Youth engagement
- Engaging youth in faith-based activities
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 8-10 months
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $599
- Take The Course: Group U
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