Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary announces a new degree program, the Master of Arts in Youth Ministry (MAYM), in partnership with the Center for Youth Ministry Training (CYMT). Course offerings start in the fall term of 2016.
Academic Dean David Jensen expressed his appreciation for this new program, saying, “Austin Seminary is thrilled to partner with CYMT on this innovative approach to theological education for youth ministry. Combining internship with study, this program allows students to be deeply immersed in the ministry of a particular church and the cutting-edge research of a leading theological seminary. A bright future for youth ministry begins today.”
Austin Seminary has designed this degree program to be offered in a retreat-based format where residents come to the Seminary three times each semester. The program involves 44 hours of course-work, providing theological education as well as an environment for practical reflection. Graduate residents gain experience in a 3-year supervised practicum as a youth director in a local church while earning the degree.
The Graduate Residency in Youth Ministry is unique to the Center for Youth Ministry Training. The residency program creates a whole-person learning environment by nurturing residents academically in the classroom, vocationally in the church and through personal coaching, as well as emotionally and socially through peer interaction in a cohort of fellow graduate residents.
Dietrich Kirk, CYMT executive director, stated, “The significance of this partnership cannot be underestimated. The development of theologically informed and practically trained youth ministers in Texas will not only impact the churches’ leadership now but will shape the future of the church as young people become faithful followers of Jesus Christ!”
Applications for this program are initiated through the Center for Youth Ministry Training. To apply, visit www.cymt.org/residents or contact Courtney Wilson at Courtney@cymt.org for more information.
Information about the MAYM program may be found at http://www.austinseminary.edu/MAYM.