Pastoral DegreeYouth & Family Concentration
Serving God’s Children with the Father’s Love
It could be argued that the Christian family is God’s greatest lighthouse for a world adrift.
The Youth & Family concentration in the accredited Pastoral ministry major at Appalachian Bible College focuses on the varied needs of different age groups in the church. The training provides a clear model of God’s pattern for the family and personhood to counter the destructive influences of the current culture.
The ABC Advantage
Our Program
Who will serve the desperate people ravaged by sexual and gender confusion and non-traditional family structures? The Gospel can transform lives — and you can be the messenger. Studying Pastoral - Youth & Family will equip you to minister in a culture where Biblical principles are increasingly controversial.
ABC believes Pastoral graduates must be grounded in Biblical truth, not current philosophy or the latest trendy method. The double major in Bible / Theology and Pastoral ministry with a Youth & Family concentration provides a solid foundation for ministry that lasts.
You will also take specialized courses that go beyond the core pastoral training to deal with
- children’s ministry
- contemporary issues
- parenting
- Biblical manhood and womanhood
Pastoral students are required to do an internship with an experienced local church pastor. This internship may be during a summer or over two semesters during school.
Our Faculty
Mr. John Stiles - Chair of the Pastoral Ministry Major
Over the last 35 years, God has allowed me the privilege to serve Him as a youth pastor in Pennsylvania, an overseas church planter in Peru, and a senior pastor in Maryland and West Virginia. In addition, I have been teaching pastoral students at ABC and MOBC, our Bible college within maximum-security prison. All these life experiences with many different types of people have prepared me to pour into the lives of the next generation of pastors—men who are desperately needed to reach our world with the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
Connect with me!
Why Pastoral - Youth & Family?
Overview
The Youth & Family concentration provides the most comprehensive curriculum for the pastoral student who wants to be well rounded in family ministry. Classes are selected from the former Youth & Family ministry major which was one of the most popular programs in the college. These courses provide the student with both general pastoral training and specialized training in issues related to the various age groups in the church.
Upon graduation, you will be suited to help guide the church in ministry to families and youth through discipleship, care, and the implementation of a Biblical philosophy of ministry.
Career Ministry Opportunities
- Youth Pastor
- Children’s Ministry
- Pastor of Family Ministry
- College & Career Ministry
- Pastoral Care & Discipleship
Objectives & Outcomes
| You will be trained in… | Leading to… |
|---|---|
| Sermon development based upon an accurate exposition of the Scriptures | challenging hearers to align themselves with God's truth. |
| Doctrinal and practical issues a pastor will face in ministry | resolving individual and church issues in a manner that pleases the Lord. |
| Helping the congregation to see the need for both evangelism and discipleship | implementing them in ways that are both Scripturally sound and God-honoring. |
