Who should be leading young people in the church? Should these leaders have theological training with seminary degrees in hand? For many reasons, that’s not always required, but theological education absolutely matters when it comes to leading Children’s and Youth Ministries. Let’s break down the top five reasons.
Theological education absolutely matters when it comes to leading Children’s and Youth Ministries.
Talking with youth and children’s ministry leaders day in and day out, a similar theme bubbles to the surface. They simply don’t feel qualified to lead the next generation.
These leaders know they feel called to do this work. They love young people well and want to instill in them God’s unconditional, boundless love. But they still wonder whether they are the right person for the job.
Ministry leaders can’t do their best work without some level of confidence. Many know what they believe but question whether it’s even “right” because they’ve never had formal training in biblical studies, practical ministry, or theological instruction. Having access to theological education diminishes self-doubt, even when questions remain. This allows leaders to share a resilient faith with their kids.
Ministry leaders can’t do their best work without some level of confidence.
The pandemic that kicked off the decade changed how young people grew up in their faith. These young kids are now teens, and they didn’t get the same foundation of faith formation as other children did. For this reason, leaders are often tasked with teaching the basics of faith to multiple ages and developmental stages.
Then there’s the parents or caregivers’ faith. Some are deconstructing, while others are brand new to the faith and trying to learn right alongside their young person.
We have gained deeper layers of understanding and navigation of mental health, neurodivergence, and the digital pressures that didn’t exist a decade ago. Because of that, we’re more intentional about making plans and accommodations to meet students where they are.
Today’s young people have access to unlimited information and influences. These students, with their big, empathetic hearts, need extra care and direction in a world that inundates us all with more bad news than any of us should have to carry.
Regardless of background, young people will come with unlimited questions either to you or their grown-ups. You have to be ready to respond and support their grown-ups, while still making space for curiosity and wonder.
The Bible is filled with instructions, parables, poetry, letters, prophecies, and accounts of events. Without context, clear guidance, and an understanding of how to properly interpret the Bible, it can be difficult to help young people understand it.
Take, for instance, the stories that get young people asking questions such as “Why would God let this happen? How is this event relevant to me today?” Or the familiar question that children ask, “Did God really flood the whole earth? And how did the animals not eat each other? And how did every animal in the whole world fit on the boat?”
That’s where a leader’s theological training truly supports young people as they think logically while also diving into the mystery of the Divine.
Youth group and Children’s ministry are meant to be fun! They are meant to build community, so young people can journey in faith together with a sense of belonging. The games, songs, and meals all contribute to this environment. Of course, you also want them to experience more than fun alone.
Walking alongside young people as they dive into theological reflection is some of the most important and rewarding work a youth and children’s minister can do. It is the profoundly important piece underneath all the fun and games.
Revelations and questions will emerge, and as a leader, you get a front-row seat as their faith and beliefs develop. You’ll watch them learn what it means to follow the example of Jesus, developing in real time. It’s incredible to watch and experience.
Young people aren’t just the future of the Church; they are the Church, and we owe them theological depth as part of their faith journey. We want them ready for whatever comes their way, and that depth will equip them for a world full of change, complications, joy, and opportunities to live like Christ.
Young people aren’t just the future of the Church; they are the Church, and we owe them theological depth as part of their faith journey.
Some ministries are well established while others are building or rebuilding. You’ll handle needs for volunteers, financial support, curriculum, and other logistics. Oftentimes, everyone loves the work you’re doing, but they aren’t necessarily diving in alongside you to help you carry the weight of leading.
Senior pastors have full plates, and resources are shared and often limited. Let’s be honest, ministry with young people can feel lonely at times and often scrutinized. Church members ask questions like, “Why don’t we have more kids and families?”
Having practical training alongside theological education can bolster your ability to be effective and efficient in your role and can look like:
When you gain the practical training and are surrounded by a community that knows what it’s like, running the show feels a lot less intimidating because you have the skills to provide your students and families with programming that works best in your context. Joining a theological education/training program also provides you with a supportive community, connecting you with people who understand the joys and challenges of Next-Gen ministry.
There’s no doubt that ministering is both hard and holy work. Theological education provides leaders with the confidence and depth to better lead young people in their faith journey.
Theological education provides leaders with the confidence and depth to better lead young people in their faith journey.
Interested in deepening your theological education and strengthening your ministry practice? Explore MLC’s Certificate in Youth and Children’s Ministry and graduate degree programs to find the path that fits your calling and goals.
About the Author— Alissa Hornbuckle holds an MBA from Marshall University (Go Herd!) with professional experience in marketing, product development, and recruiting. A lifelong member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), she has worked with children, youth, and college ministries in WV, NC, and TN. Alissa is passionate about the transformational ministry that church camps offer youth, as well as urban ministries and missions.
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