You’re Not Wasting Your Degree in Youth Ministry – By Jon Coombs

This week, youth pastor and blogger Job Coombs shares his experience of being a Masters-level, theologically trained youth worker.

When working in youth ministry it doesn’t take long to realise that training is simply a must. In recent weeks Tim has been highlighting the need for more training within youth ministry, and I agree wholeheartedly. As someone who started out in ministry with absolutely no training, other than watching my Youth Pastors do their thing as I volunteered beside them, I am persuaded that the more training the better.

I started out in ministry in 2005 by heading to the Middle East to work in a school with the majority population. I was excited to be ‘on mission’, recognising my role as somewhat teacher, somewhat youth worker, and somewhat missionary. Within six months I knew it was time to get more training for ministry, and chose the Masters of Divinity (MDiv) program through my local theological college as a start. Now 15 years in, I’m more convinced than ever that the MDiv has provided me with a solid foundation for pastoral ministry to young people and the wider church.

It hasn’t been said to me explicitly, although perhaps in subtle undertones during conversation, but I gather there are some who would consider working in youth ministry with an MDiv a waste of money and education. You see, in my home country of Australia (and I believe it is the case in America as well) the MDiv is held up as the foundational theological degree for pastoral ministry. It is a degree which more than likely leads those who have one into a senior church leadership role soon after graduation. While this degree has been foundational for me, if I’m truly honest it didn’t teach me everything I needed to know for pastoral ministry, and really, who would expect it to?

There are aspects of this education, however, that have enabled me to be better equipped in my role in youth ministry. So here are four reasons how my degree has helped me for youth ministry.

First, it helps me to think clearly about Scripture

One of the main aspects to an MDiv is the deep dive into Scripture. Learning at a level that requires concentrated thought about various books of the Bible, and understanding the Old Testament and New testament as a comprehensive whole, has enabled me to think. I would never have investigated the various debates around authorship, textual criticism, or understood the progressive theological thought that has occurred through Christian history had I not undertaken this training. This, and more, has helped build up my understanding of God and his Word, while also providing helpful ways to think about Scripture and its interpretation.

We want our young people to understand and think clearly about Scripture as well. And so, the more I can understand that and (hopefully) teach it clearly to them, the more it provides an excellent foundation for youth ministry.

Second, it helps me deal with tough questions from teenagers

Everyone has questions, that’s part of life and part of wrestling with faith. Questions around good and evil, about God and who he is, about the world in which we live, about our own feelings and ideas, about sex, sexuality and relationships. During the teenage years and into young adulthood these questions come thick and fast.

Closely aligned to our first point is the ability to answer the tough questions with confidence. This is not answering questions because I know I am right; it is more the ability to think clearly and talk deeply about the questions teenagers have. These answers are to be wrestled with and taught through the lens of Scripture, and so with the biblical training provided through my degree I am able to answer more in line with God’s Word than I would otherwise.

Third, it helps me have confidence to teach, rebuke, correct and train others

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says,

“All scripture is inspired by God, and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, and that the man (person) of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (Christian Standard Bible)

There are times, whether it is in a Bible study, in a leaders meeting, or in a youth group talk where I may need to teach, rebuke, correct, or train others. Knowing more of Scripture, and being able to think clearly about it, provides a greater ability to do these things. I think of some of the youth talk drafts my leaders produce in the weeks leading up to being delivered at youth group. I have confidence, and I’d like to think my leaders have confidence in me too, that I can read through the talk and give good reasoning as to why there is the need for a change in language or understanding or theology. This is putting this verse into practice, and I guarantee my training has helped me with this.

Fourth, it helps me contribute to the wider church, not just a niche ministry

There is no doubt that some youth ministries and Youth Pastors are typecast. They are locked into their niche role and the wider church doesn’t truly see them as a pastor for the whole congregation. This is a shame.

I have found, possibly because of my education, that I am not viewed solely as the Youth Pastor but as one of the pastoral team. This could be unique to my church of course, but I suspect that because of the wider training I have, I can be a voice and make respected theological contributions to conversations the church is having. There is a sureness in my thinking and preaching because I am able to wrestle and converse with various aspects of Scripture. I’m not just seen as the guy who can run a good game of dodgeball and deliver a sex talk when needed.

These four points may not be the case for everyone, and I can’t say that working through the third semester of NT Greek was a particular joy! However, now seven years since graduation, the ongoing benefits of such foundational training are paying off. I’d encourage you not to view your training as a waste, because it never is. And I’d like to suggest you think about undertaking some rigorous academic study yourself and use it in your youth-focussed pastoral ministry.

 

Jon Coombs is the Associate Pastor for Youth & Young Adults at Rowville Baptist Church in Melbourne, Australia. For over 15 years he has been working with youth and young adults in churches, schools, mission agencies and not-for-profit organisations. He holds an MDiv from the Melbourne School of Theology and writes regularly at joncoombs.com. You can find and connect with him on Twitter or Facebook.

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