CCYFM - Certificate in Children, Youth & Family Ministries

Outcomes

A student can expect to learn in three core areas of study in the program, as described in the objectives below. More specifically, a graduate of the Certificate in Children, Youth and Family Ministries will be able to:

1. Theological Core – Demonstrate basic foundational understanding of the theological disciplines, particularly Hebrew Bible, New Testament, Theology, Practical Theology, and Interreligious Studies (at least two of these areas must be included in the courses for the Certificate).
2. Denominational Core – Demonstrate a basic understanding of the theology and ethos of the student’s denomination (in the three supporting denominations of the School: Anglican, United and Presbyterian).
3. Children, Youth & Family Ministries Core – Demonstrate skills and leadership in support of faith formation, children and youth ministries, and ministries to families.

Courses

Courses will be offered at two levels of engagement, both of which take place within the same classroom:

Audit
Attendance, reading of assigned materials and participation in class is expected and reflected in an “AUD” grade. A transcript of audited courses can be issued. Any combination of courses in the three core areas may be taken, as determined by the student or as recommended by the student’s denomination.

Certificate
The Certificate in Theological Studies is for all who are interested in deepening their understanding of contemporary theological thought through active engagement with the topics and theological disciplines explored in VST courses. An undergraduate degree is not required. The Certificate is granted at VST’s Convocation ceremony to students who successfully complete their program of study.

For the Certificate in Children, Youth and Family Ministries, 15 credits in Certificate level courses must be earned in the following core areas:

• 3 credits in the Theological Core
• 3 credits in the Denominational Core
• 9 credits in the Children, Youth & Family Ministries Core

The Certificate program must be undertaken part-time to gain the full coverage of core areas. More credits in each area may be taken as the student desires or as the denomination suggests.

Courses building competency in the three Core areas are offered through:

• VST Academy: A series of adult/lay education courses offered in local churches
• Regular VST courses offered during Fall and Spring semesters
• VST Summer School
• Special Children, Youth and Family Ministries courses arranged through VST

Practicum Units
Depending on the denomination, these course-based credits will be supplemented by field practicum units, accomplished under the auspices and supervision of the student’s denominational structures. The practicum units will be in addition to the VST program and not reflected in the 15 Certificate credits. In addition to standard VST Admission requirements to the Certificate Studies, a (Level 2) Police Information Check – PIC including a Vulnerable Sectors Check is required prior to commencing the practicum.

Admissions

No prerequisites required.