Youth Ministry Institute

YMI is about training the next generation of youth leaders. We exist to extend the mission of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary through leadership in quality training, advanced research, and practical resources for those who work with youth.

We exist to extend the mission of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
through leadership in quality training, advanced research, and practical resources
for those who work with youth.

Quality Training

YMI offers youth ministry training in three ways: on-campus, online, and workshop format.

Advanced Research

From its inception, YMI has focused on research that impacts youth ministry in the local church. Research topics include a competency-based approach to youth ministry training, media influences on teenagers, Generation Z, and Youth Ministry Arenas.

Practical Resources

YMI is here for you! We provide youth leaders with a variety of resources to help reach and disciple today's teenagers.

Youth Ministry courses are available at both the graduate and doctoral levels.
Youth Ministry courses can be taken as an elective in any degree plan.

A Youth Ministry emphasis prepares you to reach and disciple today’s teenagers.
These degree plans are for youth ministry-oriented students who desire to see young people transformed by the gospel
and led to reach the next generation for Christ.

Master of Divinity (MDiv) in Christian Education – 87 hours

  • Biblical Studies – 24 hours
  • Theological/Historical Studies – 21 hours
  • Applied Ministry Studies – 24 hours
  • Christian Education Specialization – 12 hours
  • Free Electives – Youth Ministry Courses – 6 hours

Master of Arts in Christian Education (MACE) – 63 hours

  • Biblical Studies – 12 hours
  • Theological/Historical Studies – 9 hours
  • Applied Ministry Studies – 6 hours
  • Christian Education Core – 21 hours
  • Christian Education Electives – Youth Ministry Courses – 9 hours
  • Free Electives – 6 hours

Master of Arts in Discipleship – 45 hour

  • Biblical Studies – 12 hours
  • Theological/Historical Studies – 9 hours
  • Applied Ministry Studies – 6 hours
  • Discipleship Core – 12 hours
  • Christian Education Electives – Youth Ministry Courses – 6 hours

Doctor of Educational Ministry (DEdMin) – 36 hours

  • Workshops – 6 hours
  • Christian Education Guided Elective Seminars – 9 hours
  • Christian Education Elective Seminars – Youth Ministry Seminars – 6 hours
  • General Elective Seminars – 9 hours
  • Project in Ministry – 6 hours

The following courses are designed to prepare you to handle youth ministry in an ever-changing world.
Any seminary student, regardless of the degree plan, can take youth ministry courses as an elective.

  • Leading Youth Ministry
  • Disciple Making with Youth and Families
  • Youth and College Culture
  • Ministering to Youth in Crisis
  • Understanding Contemporary Adolescents
  • Special Topics in Youth Ministry Leadership (Conclave)

Study youth ministry at the highest level either on-campus or online.
We offer both professional and research doctoral seminars. Develop your skills as a scholar
and lead the world of youth ministry in research and writing.

  • The Emerging Landscape of Youth Ministry (DMin/DEdMin)
  • Discipling Youth in a Family Ministry Context (DMin/DEdMin)
  • Youth Ministry in Cultural Contexts (PhD/EdD)
  • Adolescent Development (PhD/EdD)

YMI provides valuable resources for youth ministry.
Our latest resources are online assessment tools and surveys
designed to lead you to discover vital insights about your ministry to teenagers and parents.