Yale Divinity School is introducing its first-ever online certificate program: a nine-month, cohort-based program in Youth Ministry Leadership in which participants will learn from faculty and staff of YDS and other leading institutions and the Yale Youth Ministry Institute network of experts and practitioners.
“Yale Divinity School is a leading voice in the field of ministerial scholarship and formation, and our faculty bring a wealth of knowledge and research to church leadership,” YDS Dean Greg Sterling said. “We believe that bringing together the scholarship of our faculty and the expertise of those working in the field of youth formation can be transformative for both the certificate program participants and the youth in their care.”
The program’s announcement culminates a lengthy process of studying online certificate programs, determining what would best serve YDS constituencies, and shaping the youth ministry curriculum and other particulars. “Recognizing the detrimental impact that the pandemic has had on faith formation ministries and practices for youth, we elected to begin with a certificate in youth ministry,” Sterling said. The program will be offered through the Yale Youth Ministry Institute (YMI), part of the Divinity School’s Center for Continuing Education.
According to a Springtide Institute report on mental health, 47% of young people say they are moderately or extremely depressed, and 61% state that the adults in their lives don’t realize how much they are struggling with their mental health. But young people who say they are religious are more likely to state that they are in good physical and emotional condition. Youth ministry leaders are on the frontlines of helping young people deal with these mental health struggles.
“Many churches are overworked and under-resourced particularly when it comes to youth faith formation,” YMI Director Jill Olds said. “Our hope is that our new program will provide resources to those in the field of youth ministry, especially those without any prior formal theological training. How often do these folks get a chance to thoughtfully reflect with others upon the work they are doing? We want to create a space for a cohort of youth leaders to share the gifts they already have, to learn from leading experts in the field, and to grow spiritually as they do this work together.”
Participating YDS faculty and staff include: Joel Baden, William Barber, Sarah Drummond, Bill Goettler, Willie Jennings, Joyce Mercer, Mary Moschella, Kate Ott, Greg Sterling, and Almeda Wright. Through prerecorded videos, assigned readings, practical assignments, and live facilitated sessions, participants will learn together through three trimesters. The course of study will focus on leadership theory in church organizations, theological and spiritual care of youth, and empowerment, liberation, and justice work with youth. Upon completion of the online program, learners will be invited to campus for a completion ceremony and an opportunity for in-person fellowship with their cohort.
YMI is the successor to the Yale Youth Ministry Initiative, founded by Skip Masback ‘94 M.Div., former Associate Director of the Yale Center for Faith and Culture at YDS. Masback returned to YDS after serving for 19 years as Senior Minister at The Congregational Church of New Canaan, where he developed a robust youth program. This work laid the foundations of YMI, which is dedicated to promoting adolescent faith and flourishing.
The new online certificate program will launch in September 2024. Visit this page for additional information on the program and the application process.