Optional Degree Track
MLI works with academic partners to offer college credit for completing the two-year course of study.
What you’ll get
300
hours
of applicable classroom instruction, combining theology and practical ministry training
100
hours
of individualized mentoring and StrengthsFinders coaching conversations
100%
of costs
are covered after you arrive at our retreat locations, including books, meals, and hotels
The MLI Certificate Program with CYMT is a two-year youth and children’s ministry course of study that develops authentic, intentional, proficient, and theologically informed ministers, church staff, and lay leaders who serve in a variety of congregational settings. We adapt the instruction to each church by providing the student with on-site consulting support and individualized mentoring and StrengthsFinders coaching.
The program is designed to pair monthly learning opportunities with follow-up coaching conversations, so newly instructed material will be immediately applied in each ministry setting. Learn about adolescent development, youth culture, training volunteers, counseling foundations, Biblical studies, soul-tending (including your own!), and teaching Scripture to your young people.
Because classes meet monthly and mentors interact with cohort participants on their own schedule, participants have the ability to balance classwork with family and ministry responsibilities. If desired, classwork also offers a degree pathway with participating undergraduate schools.
Download our brochure to learn more.
Zach Walker teaches class in 2016.
who you’ll learn from
Theological education meets practical training
A core of expert instructors, composed of pastors, counselors, educators, and experienced youth ministers provide practical ministry training. A robust team of theology professors and instructors teach theological education. Experienced coaches and mentors help individualize the instructional material in each church setting. Participating youth and children’s ministers enrich the lives of young people, contributing to the life and vitality of partnering congregations.
Director Matt Vaughan & Dr. Phil Meckley with the 2019 Cohort.
ministries we serve
Who can participate?
Congregations who can send a participant by car or air to Kansas City are invited to participate in the MLI Certificate Program with CYMT. Youth and children’s ministry leaders participate in monthly instructional retreats (some online), primarily in the Kansas City metro area. MLI partners with churches in mainline Protestant denominations, including Presbyterian (USA), the United Methodist Church, Lutheran (ELCA and others), UCC, Disciples of Christ, Episcopal, Nazarene, American Baptist, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, and Mennonite Brethren.
are we equipped to serve your specific denomination?
2019 Cohort Commissioning.
What’s the result?
Our commissioned youth and children’s ministers have higher satisfaction rates in their jobs because they are highly proficient. Youth groups and children’s ministries become more meaningful to young people, often doubling in size. Retention between children’s ministry and youth ministry greatly improves. Your resulting family ministry will provide more opportunities for parents, youth, and children to experience the love and grace of Jesus Christ in your church.
ready to get started?
“
I know I needed this cohort. The education I received on theology, child psychology, curriculum assembly, time management, Scriptural studies, and a host of other topics has already proven to be invaluable to me as a youth and children’s minister.
Ryan King, Commissioned for Ministry in 2019
