Redeemer University College in Ancaster, Ontario, is now offering a certificate program specifically for church youth workers. The program will allow those already involved in youth ministry an opportunity to develop professional skills through research and hands-on work.
Designed to be completed over three summers, the program is offered in partnership with Youth Unlimited, the parachurch organization that supports youth ministry in the Christian Reformed Church.
Signing the youth ministry certificate agreement, from left: Syd Hielema, Jeffrey Kruithoff, and Marcel deRegt. Witnessing the signing are Rachel Jenecek, Richard Wikkerink, Mark Knetsch, Rick Roeda, Grace-Emma Van Til, and Dina Zomer.
Monica deRegt
Eight university-level courses are required to earn the certificate, many of which students can choose themselves. Courses range in topic from Reformation Theology to Development Psychology in Adolescents to Religion and Film.
Marcel deRegt, leadership development director of Youth Unlimited, has been listening to the stories of youth workers for more than 15 years. “I am privileged to sit down and talk with phenomenal youth workers across North America,” he said.
DeRegt said he “saw a need to raise the bar so that youth ministry is not perceived as a stepping-stone to some other form of ministry, but as one’s call to ministry.”
He is pleased that there is now a youth-worker training program from a Reformed perspective.
The initiative launched Sept. 29 with a celebration luncheon and covenant signing.
