Children’s & Youth Ministry (CYCM)
CYCM's mission is to equip you for effective, bible-based children’s and youth ministry and to promote study and research in the theology and practice of youth and children’s ministry. The Centre seeks to integrate theological and ministry training for those involved in youth and children's ministry.
Our focus is on empowering leaders to transform ministry with youth and children. We are committed to providing innovative and comprehensive training so that you will be equipped to make a positive difference in the lives of people you work with.
When you study Youth or Children’s Ministry at Ridley you will be challenged and changed as you search for God’s will in your life and as you grow in your calling. We recognise your need for support and encouragement during this time as well as a disciplined approach to ministry. With this balance in mind, we seek to set challenges for you, but at the same time help walk you through them.
Children’s Ministry Courses offered by CYCM
Bachelor of Ministries or Bachelor of Theology with a Children's Ministry major
Duration: 3 years
This course is for people who are ultimately seeking or currently working in a senior full-time position, with an emphasis on strategic thinking.
This innovative course, at a Bachelor or Master of Divinity level, enables you to undertake studies in Children's Ministry which will give a solid grounding in the development, encouragement and nurture of children in the context of the local church. The student will be supervised and nurtured in their practical ministry.
See details of BMin and BTh degrees
See details of Youth and Children’s Ministry subjects [link]
Courses for Professional Youth Ministers
Bachelor of Ministries or Bachelor of Theology with a Youth Ministry major
Duration: 3 years
This course is for people who are ultimately seeking or currently working in a senior full-time position, with an emphasis on strategic thinking.
Whether you are a first, second or third year MDiv or BMin student, you are a part of the Youth Ministry Stream and take part in ministry focus groups.
- You have a mentor from Ridley who meets weekly and encourages reflection on Ministry Placement experiences
- You will have a placement (this will be organised by the College if a student doesn't have one), where you are supervised as you engage in youth ministry.
Joining the Youth Ministry Stream
To become part of the Youth Ministry stream at Ridley, you will undertake:
- Four Youth Ministry units, as well as a research project over 3 years of study:
- Chaplaincy in Educational Settings
- Youth Context, Development and Learning
- Youth in the Churches
- Ministry with Non-Church Youth
- Biblical and other subjects are taken during the same periods.
- Ministry with Youth
- A minimum of 8 hours practical experience with supervision from a placement supervisor.
- A set of practical ministry requirements for each Youth Ministry unit.
- Supervised Field Education, with a small group of peers, facilitated by a College supervisor. This is an assessable subject, taken over two years.
In addition, students are required to participate in the Annual Youth Mission, organised by CYCM.
