ELD3500EN - Faith and Spirituality of Youth

Course description

This course explores the faith and spirituality of youth following Jesus, focusing on how they cultivate a personal relationship with God, navigate self-discovery, and engage in community life. It addresses the impact that cultural influences, moral growth, and technology have on their spiritual journey. Students examine how youth integrate faith into daily life, confront doubts, and deepen their understanding of theological concepts. Emphasizing active participation in service and mission, the course highlights the essential role of mentors and faith communities in supporting spiritual development as young Christ-followers live out Jesus' teachings and mature in their faith.

How this course benefits students

This course enhances understanding of youth spirituality by examining their personal relationship with God, cultural influences, and moral development. It provides insights into the impact of technology, practical faith applications, and theological concepts. Students gain skills in mentorship, leadership, and community support, preparing them to foster spiritual growth and resilience in young people.

Why this course is important

This course is important because it equips students with a deep understanding of how youth following Jesus develop their spirituality in a complex world. By exploring personal faith development, cultural impacts, and the role of technology, students learn to support and guide young people effectively. The course emphasizes practical faith applications, the integration of biblical teachings into daily life, and the significance of mentorship and community, which are crucial for nurturing spiritual growth. This holistic approach helps prepare students to address the challenges youth face, fostering

Credit hours
3 hours
Subject area
Emerging Leadership
Educational level
Bachelor
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 by emphasizing several core elements: fostering a personal relationship with God, reflecting biblical teachings on individual connection with Jesus (John 15:4-5); exploring practical faith application in daily life in line with James 2:14-17; focusing on moral and ethical development guided by biblical values (Micah 6:8; Proverbs 3:5-6); examining the impact of cultural influences on faith through a biblical lens (Romans 12:2); promoting service and mission consistent with Jesus' call to serve and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 10:45); highlighting the importance of mentorship and community support as modeled in the Bible (Hebrews 10:24-25; 2 Timothy 2:2); and encouraging deeper theological understanding as instructed in Scripture (2 Peter 3:18).

Missionally driven

This course is missionally-driven as it  equips students to support and guide youth in their spiritual development within a complex world. Adresses personal faith growth, cultural influences, and the impact of technology, it prepares students to help young people integrate Christ-centered teachings into their daily lives. The course emphasizes practical faith applications and the importance of mentorship and community, aligning with mission-driven goals of nurturing spiritual growth and resilience. Additionally, it fosters active engagement in faith-based service, empowering students to contribute meaningfully to a missional life centered on communicating and living forth the gospel.

Contextually informed

This course is contextually informed as it addresses the multifaceted environment in which contemporary youth who follow Jesus develop their spirituality. By examining the influence of cultural factors, technological advancements, and modern societal challenges, the course provides a nuanced understanding of how these elements impact youth faith journeys. It incorporates an exploration of how biblical teachings are applied in today’s world, acknowledging the specific contexts that shape spiritual practices and moral decision-making. The focus on practical faith applications and the role of mentorship and community further ensures that the course is relevant to current issues and dynamics faced by young believers.

Interculturally focused

This course is interculturally focused by examining how diverse cultural contexts influence the faith and spirituality of youth. It explores how various cultural backgrounds shape their spiritual practices, beliefs, and community engagement, acknowledging the global and multicultural dimensions of contemporary Christ-centered belief. The course addresses how cultural influences impact moral growth, integration of faith into daily life, and responses to modern challenges. By incorporating these perspectives, the course ensures a broad understanding of how biblical teachings are lived out across different cultural settings, promoting cross-cultural empathy and effectiveness in guiding youth from various backgrounds.

Practically minded

This course is practically minded as it emphasizes the real-world application of scriptural teachings and spiritual principles. It focuses on how youth can integrate their faith into daily life through actionable practices, such as personal faith development, ethical decision-making, and community engagement. The course also addresses the practical impacts of cultural influences and technology on spiritual growth, providing students with tools to support and guide young people effectively. Additionally, it highlights the importance of active participation in service and missional work, offering hands-on strategies for fostering resilience and meaningful faith expression in everyday contexts.

Experientially transformed

This course is experientially-transforming by incorporating hands-on, interactive elements that engage students in practical, real-life applications of faith and spirituality. Through experiential learning methods such as service projects, community involvement, and case studies, students apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts. By exploring how Christ-centered youth navigate their spiritual journeys and confront challenges, the course enables students to gain firsthand experience and insights. This approach fosters a deeper, transformative understanding of the material, allowing students to connect abstract concepts with tangible experiences, thereby enhancing their personal and professional growth in ministry and youth support roles.