NNU's 75-credit graduate specialization in Youth, Children & Family Ministry offers you a more holistic approach to ministry across the generations. Whether you're in a vocational ministry role as a family ministry, youth or children's pastor, or you're a layperson wanting advanced training for parachurch, Christian schools or camp ministries, NNU's fully online Master of Divinity specialization in Youth, Children & Family Ministry offers a dynamic learning model grounded in developmental, cultural and spiritual formation within a practical theological framework.

Upon graduation from the program, you will be able to:

• Understand and be able to explain Wesleyan-Holiness theology as it relates to scripture, Christian tradition, reason and experience in the practice of ministry
• Identify characteristics of the cultural context of ministry and assess them through an appropriate theological perspective, compare existing cultures with alternative cultural expressions and develop personal and corporate practices consistent with God’s reign
• Practice the means of grace or spiritual disciplines, that lead to emotional and spiritual health, personal Christian virtue and responsible social engagement
• Integrate Christian theological themes in the understanding and practice of ministry and leadership
• Understand both the history and contemporary characteristics of human development, adolescence and family systems theory necessary for engaging in youth, children and family ministry
• Value the role of Practical Theology in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition and philosophy to inform practices fostering young persons and families
• Articulate and embody a biblical understanding of faith formation within the community of faith, including the family
• Demonstrate a dynamic integration of practice and philosophy of leadership suitable for ministry in the Church and in the world

NNU’s Graduate School of Theology is accredited by The Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools. The following degree programs are approved by The Commission on Accrediting: Master of Divinity; Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry; Master of Arts in Leadership & Formation with specializations in Missional Leadership; Spiritual Formation; Youth, Children & Family Ministry.

Since 1930, NNU has been continuously accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities, the same respected accrediting body that validates other leading educational institutions across the Pacific Northwest.