Designed to foster ministry competency, organizational and communication skills for youth ministry in church and parachurch contexts.
Diploma in Youth Work
Columbia’s Youth Work Diploma is for students interested in youth ministry in church and parachurch settings. In this two-year diploma, students will explore the pastoral heart of youth ministry, develop capacities for leading and shepherding ministry programs, consider their character as a ministry leader, and survey the cultural landscape that emerging generations are growing up in. The youth work diploma is perfect for any student who loves God, loves people, is oriented toward service, and has a desire to see the church thrive and grow.
Program Objectives
To view the Program Objectives for the Diploma in Youth Work, click here.
Bachelor of Arts in Practical Theology
Major in Church Ministry
The Church Ministry degree is for students interested in exploring a call to ministry and/or leadership within the local church. Students will develop a Christ-centered identity and will grow in both clarity and confidence regarding the unique contribution they can make as ministers and leaders. This program is built on Columbia’s core practical theology curriculum and equips students with a broad range of ministry and leadership skills. This major also includes the opportunity to add a 15-credit concentration in Youth Work, Worship Arts or Biblical Studies. The Church Ministry degree is perfect for any student who loves God, loves people, is oriented toward service, and has a desire to see the church thrive and grow.
Students who are interested in pursuing roles in Youth Ministry should consider pairing this degree with a Youth Work concentration.
What is Practical Theology?
Our theology (what we believe to be true about God) only matters when it permeates every part of who we are: our priorities, our lifestyle, our relationships, our identity, and our vocation. This is why Columbia takes such a balanced approach to education. Learn more about Columbia’s approach to the BA in Practical Theology.
Minors
Every degree student at Columbia has the option to select a minor. A minor is a group of five courses outside of a student’s major. A minor allows students to experience added breadth in their degree by exploring a secondary subject area. A Church Ministry student who is taking a concentration cannot take a minor. Learn more about available minors.
Columbia’s Youth Work minor is for students wishing to enrich their studies through exploring the pastoral heart of youth ministry, developing capacities for leading and shepherding ministry programs, considering the character of a ministry leader, and interpreting the cultural landscape that emerging generations are growing up in.
Internship
Practical, hands-on experience is an integral part of education. That’s why Columbia requires all degree students to complete an internship in their third or fourth year. Youth Work students have the unique opportunity to participate in an intensive 10-month internship in their third year. The internship places students in a youth ministry setting where they acquire valuable hands-on experience working in vocational ministry. The internship program is designed to provide a rich learning experience with practical skill development. For more information about Columbia’s internship program, including application forms and placement options, visit Integrated Learning.
Program Objectives
To view the Program Objectives for Church Ministry degree, visit the Church Ministry program page.
This program does not require approval by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training. As such, PTIB did not review this program.
Connect with Us
“Being at CBC over the past four years has been such a beautiful space of challenging growth and gentle encouragement. I think the biggest area of growth for myself has been learning to see my life as not something that I need to control but as something to be given freely into the hands of the Father to be used for his purposes, whatever and wherever those purposes may be.”
—Sarah T
“The most important thing I learned about the Bible at CBC is that God transforms the reader through studying it. It’s more than just a collection of letters and laws. It’s convicting, raw and beautiful. Wrestling with it is okay. Most importantly, we learn about and worship our King Jesus through it.
I discovered my passion for youth and kids at Columbia! I’ve already started my first job as a youth pastor, and I am living the dream! The future of the church lies with kids and youth, and if I can have a role to play in walking alongside these kids in their everyday lives, I would argue that is the biggest privilege of any vocation. I love talking about God and life with kids, and just hanging out with them, it’s the best!”
—Jack M
