Seminary isn't just for that Masters of Divinity anymore. Two Episcopal seminaries, the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest (ETSS), located in Austin, Texas, and Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS), in Alexandria, Virginia, offer unique programming, training, and networking opportunities for youth ministers. For more on this article, click below.

Youth ministry is a tough business, with the average life expectancy of a youth minister being only 18 months.  A lot of times churches hire youth ministry people based on age, energy, and potential rather than experience and training.  But the fact of the matter is that in the past, other than books and manuals, there really hasn't been a lot of education opportunities for youth ministers in the Episcopal church.  That is no longer the case.  More and more diocese are offering workshops and trainings, but more importantly, so are Episcopal seminaries.  Two such programs are the Certification in Youth Ministry/Director of Religious Education at ETSS in Austin, and Masters program offered through the Center for the Ministry of Teaching at VTS in Alexandria.

The three-year certification program offered at ETSS is broken down into two one-week sessions, typically in January and June, and 12 continuing education units are offered for every two sessions completed.  All classes at ETSS are taught by seminary professors or lay professionals from around the Austin area.  Dates for 2008 sessions are January 20-28 and June 8-14.  Not only will participants receive top-notch seminary classes, but each night is designed to teach ministry personnel about new ways to incorporate faith into their program.  Presentations on the Anglican Rosary, Photo Language, and Lectio Divina are only a few of the offerings.  Others included discussions about different programs, outreach, trip planning, and general networking with other youth ministry professionals.  The cost is $1800/year (includes both sessions) and includes housing and meals.  For more information on the certification program click here, or contact the program coordinator, Molly Bennett.

Through the Center for the Ministry of Teaching (CMT), Virginia Theological offers two Masters programs; Master of Arts in Christian Education (MACE) and Master of Arts in Christian Education and Youth Ministry (MACE/YM).  Both programs are fully accredited Masters programs through the seminary and offer coursework in church polity, youth ministry, children's ministry, and many other areas.  The masters program does require some fieldwork education as well as a thesis.  The total hours of coursework for the masters program is 54 hours, with 42 in the classroom.  These programs are only offered during the summer term at VTS.  For more information on the programs offered at Virginia Theological and to download a program brochure, visit them here.