Youth Ministry + Christian Formation

If you feel called to mentor children and young adults as they develop a relationship with Jesus Christ, consider a career in youth ministry and Christian formation. Your gifts of creativity, discipleship and service could inspire the next generation of believers—or have an impact at a nonprofit or mission organization.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

Why NWC?

As a youth ministry + Christian formation major, you'll learn from expert professors with scholarly interests that range from Christianity and pop culture to social entrepreneurship and leadership development. Our curriculum is both academic and hands-on, providing biblical and theological tools to help students recognize how God is working in the world.

Major course topics include theology and church ministry, spiritual formation and theology of pop culture. Related minors include youth ministry + Christian education, leadership studies, entrepreneurship, biblical + theological studies, mission + justice, worship arts, and nonprofit management.

CONTACT

Dr. Jason Lief '96Professor of Biblical + Theological Studies

100% PLACEMENT Our youth ministry majors find jobs or start grad school within six months of graduation.

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE Serve in a ministry setting and be mentored by an education director or youth pastor.

LEAD WITH INTEGRITY The leadership studies minor will teach you to be a wise, compassionate church leader.

IDEAS IN ACTION Combine youth ministry with entrepreneurship to apply your creativity in ministry settings.

Outcomes

Our youth ministry + Christian formation graduates are serving as mentors and leaders to children, youth and families in church, nonprofit and mission organizations across the country. They are pursuing seminary training, planting churches, building relationships with at-risk teens, and planning worship services.

Join our standout alumni at:

Baylor University

Waco, TX

BLVD Church

Holland, MI

Central Presbyterian Church

Des Moines, IA

Christ the King Lutheran Church

Hutchinson, MN

Western Theological Seminary

Holland, MI

#RaidersStandOut

STUDENTS

**Jaden** Mentored by his own youth pastor, Jaden is now seeking a role in ministry serving underprivileged youth.

ALUMNI

**Heather** Heather’s ministry experiences while a student at Northwestern prepared her for both the joys and challenges of children’s faith formation.

FACULTY

**Jason** Dr. Lief values teaching youth ministers and Christian educators the significance of popular culture within the context of faith.

Experience

Lead + serve

Internships

Enhanced cultural IQ

Nonprofit management

Study abroad

Northwestern's opportunities for worship leadership will give you experience planning and leading music for chapel services. Join the Justice + Service team to advocate for causes you care about, or participate in short-term missions during our 10-day Spring Service Partnerships or a 10-week Summer of Service. You can also apply to serve on the Campus Ministry Team or help lead weekly Bible studies in your dorm.