ELD5500EN - Issues & Trends in Faith and Spirituality of Youth

Course description

This course explores contemporary issues and trends shaping the faith and spirituality of youth. Students examine how young people develop personal relationships with God, navigate self-discovery, and engage with their communities amid cultural and technological influences. Key topics include moral and ethical growth, integration of faith into daily life, and the role of mentors and faith communities. Emphasizing practical applications, the course also covers strategies for addressing doubts, deepening theological understanding, and active participation in service and mission. By analyzing these dynamics, students gain insights into fostering spiritual development and resilience in today’s youth.

How this course benefits students

This course benefits students by offering a comprehensive understanding of youth spirituality, practical skills for ministry, cultural and technological competence, and enhanced leadership abilities. By addressing contemporary issues and providing real-world experience, the course prepares students to make a meaningful impact in their careers and communities, fostering the spiritual growth and resilience of young people.

Why this course is important

This course is important because it provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex factors shaping youth spirituality. By addressing contemporary challenges, enhancing practical skills, promoting holistic development, and fostering cultural and technological competence, the course equips students to effectively support and guide young people in their spiritual journeys. The focus on leadership, mentorship, resilience, and community engagement ensures that students are well-prepared for diverse careers and can make a significant impact in their professional and personal lives.

Credit hours
3 hours
Subject area
Emerging Leadership
Educational level
Master
Learning type
Instructional
Prerequisites
None
Upcoming terms
Pending
* Schedule subject to change. Please contact the Registrar's office with schedule questions.
Professor
Dr. David Flood, Professor of Gen Z and Urban Youth

How this course relates to missional core values

Biblically based

This course is biblically-based through its emphasis on personal relationship with God, integration of faith into daily life, moral and ethical development, cultural engagement with biblical wisdom, focus on service and mission, role of mentorship and community, theological understanding, and support for addressing doubts. By aligning its content and approach with biblical teachings and principles, the course provides students with a solid foundation for effectively guiding and supporting youth in their spiritual journeys.

Missionally driven

This course is missionally-driven through its emphasis on active participation in service and alignment with the mission of God, development of holistic strategies for urban contexts, effective networking and collaboration, leadership and conflict management, integration of theoretical and practical learning, empowerment for ministry, focus on adolescent spiritual growth, and addressing systemic social issues. Students are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to engage effectively in missional work, the course ensures that they are prepared to make a significant impact in their communities and contribute to the broader mission of the Church. This missional-centric approach is crucial for fostering meaningful change and supporting the spiritual and social development of young people.

Contextually informed

ocial issues, local and global perspectives, practical experience, holistic development, adaptation to emerging trends, and engagement with local community dynamics. By incorporating these contextual elements into its curriculum, the course ensures that students are well-equipped to navigate and respond to the diverse and dynamic environments in which they will be working. This contextual awareness is essential for effective mission and ministry and enables students to make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and the communities they serve.

Interculturally focused

This course is interculturally-focused through its exploration of cultural influences on faith, its emphasis on multicultural urban contexts, and its inclusion of global perspectives. The course addresses multicultural social issues, fosters cultural competency and intercultural communication, and integrates theological and cultural insights. By promoting inclusive ministry practices it equips students with the skills needed to engage effectively with diverse cultural backgrounds, the course ensures that students are well-prepared to navigate and contribute to the multicultural dimensions of youth ministry and mission work. This intercultural focus is essential for fostering meaningful connections and achieving positive outcomes in a globalized and diverse world.

Practically minded

This course is practically-minded through its emphasis on hands-on practicum experiences, the development of practical ministry skills, strategic planning, conflict management, networking, and collaboration. The course also integrates cultural and social issues into practical applications and provides students with the tools and resources needed for effective ministry. By focusing on translating theoretical knowledge into real-world practice, the course prepares students to successfully navigate the complexities of ministry work and make a meaningful impact in their communities. This practical orientation ensures that students are well-equipped to address the challenges they will encounter in their careers and to implement effective solutions that support the spiritual and developmental needs of youth.

Experientially transformed

This course is experientially-transformed through its emphasis on hands-on practicum experiences, real-world problem-solving, reflective practice, leadership development, and exposure to diverse contexts. By integrating theory with practice and addressing social issues, the course provides students with a transformative learning experience that enhances their practical skills, professional development, and personal growth. This experiential approach ensures that students are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of ministry and make a meaningful impact in their communities.