Youth and Family Ministry

The Youth and Family Ministry degree is designed to train and equip you for youth ministry. This program introduces a theological understanding and focus on youth culture, youth development, and spiritual ministry. Furthermore, you will undergo an internship and gain the experience necessary to work effectively in your community.

Possible Jobs or Ministries:
  • Youth Pastor
  • Youth Leader
  • Youth Worker
  • Camp Director
  • Family Ministry
  • Worship Leader

Flexible and Tailored

Our program offers you the ability to customize and tailor your studies according to your experience, interests, and ministry goals. Furthermore, classes are available during the day, evening, weekend, or online for part-time and full-time studies. You are able to adapt your schedule to fit your current needs to maintain workplace, ministry, or familial responsibilities.

Youth Ministry Focus

Our program is focused on producing trained youth pastors and youth leaders. To do so, you can take up to a full year of youth and family ministry-specific courses, such as Foundations of Ministry with Youth, Youth and Family in the Immigrant Church, and Evangelism and Discipleship in the Contemporary Adolescent World. This program will uniquely prepare you with the necessary skills and abilities to work in diverse church settings.

Holistic Family Approach

You will learn how to integrate working with youth and their families. This contemporary approach recognizes the need to holistically provide support to the entire family unit. In addition to core courses in Christian history, theology, and biblical studies, our faculty teaches courses such as Counselling Adolescents and their Families for effective youth ministry in the 21st century.

 

The Master of Divinity is a three-year professional ministry degree that provides you with knowledge and skills to be an effective and holistic ministry leader. The MDiv blends academic study, mentored learning and practical experience in a comprehensive program that will prepare you for ordained ministry or for Christian leadership in its various forms.

MDiv students will acquire foundational preparation for ordained ministry and for Christian leadership in congregations and other settings. Students will:

  1. develop breadth of knowledge and critical understanding of the theological disciplines;
  2. acquire capacities for understanding and engaging the cultural, social, and global context of God’s mission in the world;
  3. experience personal and professional growth through a process of intellectual, spiritual and ministry formation;
  4. develop and hone skills for theologically reflective ministry practice in its various forms.

 

Program Requirements

Biblical Studies (5 Courses)
  • [BIBL 0501] Biblical Interpretation: Interpreting and Applying the Biblical Text
  • [OLDT 0511] Old Testament Theology and History
  • [NEWT 0522] New Testament Theology and History
  • OLDT ___ Old Testament course
  • NEWT ___ New Testament course
Biblical Languages (3 Courses)
  • [NEWT 0321] Elementary Greek I or [OLDT 0611] Hebrew Grammar I
  • [NEWT 0322] Elementary Greek II or [OLDT 0612] Hebrew Grammar II
  • [NEWT 0523] Greek Exegesis I or [OLDT 0711] Hebrew Exegesis I
Theology (3 Courses)
  • [THEO 0531] Systematic Theology I
  • [THEO 0532] Systematic Theology II
  • [THEO ___] Theology course
Christian History (2 Courses)
  • [HIST 0561] History of Christianity I
  • [HIST 0562] History of Christianity II
Ministry Formation (6 Courses)
  • [CHED ___] Christian Education and Formation course
  • [LEAD 0510] Leadership Development
  • [MISS 0782] Gospel, Church, and Culture
  • [SPIR 0700] Spiritual Formation
  • [YMIN 0701] Youth and Family Ministry Internship
  • [PAST ___] Pastoral Ministry course
Youth and Family Ministry major courses (4 Courses)
  • [YMIN 0592] Foundations of Ministry with Youth
  • [YMIN 0693] Evangelism and Discipleship
  • [YMIN 0697] Engaging the Next Generation
  • [YMIN ___] Youth and Family Ministry course
Electives (4 Courses)

Total MDiv Courses: 27

Program requirements subject to change.
View Major Sheets »

The Master of Theological Studies is a two-year graduate degree that helps you understand the biblical, theological and historical foundations of the Christian faith. The MTS is flexible program that can be tailored to meet your learning and ministry interests, or help you prepare you for further studies. Students may select electives from across the curriculum, or use them to focus their studies in a chosen concentration.

Students completing the MTS program will acquire a broad understanding of the theological disciplines for Christian faith and practice. Students will:

  1. gain theological understanding and insight through study of the heritage of Christian scripture, history, theology and ministry;
  2. develop aptitudes for thinking critically, theologically and biblically in relation to faith, vocation and ministry; 
  3. acquire critical awareness of God’s mission in the world in its social, cultural and global contexts;
  4. demonstrate depth of understanding in a particular field (for those opting to concentrate in an area of study).

The MTS Modular is a specialized, cohort-based program that allows students to complete the degree, one evening per week, in a fixed sequence of courses delivered over three years. 

Program Requirements

Bible, Theology and History Courses (7 Courses)
  • [BIBL 0501] Biblical Interpretation: Interpreting and Applying the Biblical Text
  • [HIST 0561] History of Christianity I
  • [HIST 0562] History of Christianity II
  • [OLDT 0511] Old Testament Theology and History
  • [NEWT 0522] New Testament Theology and History
  • [THEO 0531] Systematic Theology I
  • [THEO 0532] Systematic Theology II
Ministry Formation (3 Courses)
  • [LEAD 0510] Leadership Development
  • [MISS 0782] Gospel, Church, and Culture
  • [SPIR 0700] Spiritual Formation
Electives (8 Courses)

Total MTS Courses: 18

Program requirements subject to change.
View Major Sheets »

The one-year Graduate Diploma program provides you with a foundation of biblical, theological and ministry studies for your spiritual growth and ministry development. The Graduate Diploma allows you to tailor your studies to meet your learning and ministry needs. You may choose a concentration in Christian Studies, Leadership, Global Mission and Intercultural Studies, Pastoral and Chinese Ministry Foundations, Pentecostal Studies, Spiritual Formation or Youth and Family Ministry.

The Diploma in Christian Studies may also be taken on Monday evenings in a modular, cohort-based format with a fixed sequence of nine (9) courses delivered over one and a half years. The MTS (Christian Studies) may be taken entirely online.

All successfully-completed coursework can be transferred to the MDiv and MTS programs.

Program Requirements

Core Requirements (4)

  • [THEO ___] Theology course
  • [HIST ___] History course

One of

  • [BIBL ___] Biblical Studies course
  • [OLDT ___] Old Testament course
  • [NEWT ___] New Testament course

One of

  • [LEAD 0510] Leadership Development
  • [SPIR 0700] Spiritual Formation
  • [MISS 0782] Gospel, Church and Culture

Youth and Family Ministry Courses (4)

  • [YMIN ___] Youth and Family Ministry course
  • [YMIN ___] Youth and Family Ministry course
  • [YMIN ___] Youth and Family Ministry course
  • [YMIN ___] Youth and Family Ministry course

Elective (1)

Total Course Requirements: 9

Program Coordinator: Rev. Dr. David Overholt

Program requirements subject to change.
View Major Sheets »

Whether you're interested in vocational ministry and leadership or personal study and enrichment, Tyndale offers a wide range of degree options that will meet your needs and goals.

Graduate Diploma** MTS
Master of Theological Studies**		 MDiv
Master of Divinity***		 ThM
Master of Theology		 DMin
Doctor of Ministry		  
A program geared toward adult learners interested in being equipped for ministry in their chosen profession A degree that will develop students' theological understanding for general educational purposes A degree designed primarily for those considering vocational, church-based ministry An advanced academic degree that provides an opportunity toexplore biblical, theological or historical studies in preparation for a PhD or ThD program An advanced professional degree designed for church leaders whose ministry will be integrated into their study and research Description
9 18 27 6 courses + thesis 6 intensive modules + a major project

Courses
Required
1 year 2 years 3 years 1 year 3 years Duration*
Want to enhance your biblical and theological understandings in a setting that will engage your intellect and deepen your faith Are seeking a foundational graduate degree that can be utilized in a wide range of professional and ministerial contexts Wish to prepare for ordained ministry or for general pastoral and religious leadership responsibilities in congregations and other settings Have completed an MDiv or MTS and wish to enhance your ministerial and missional practice with additional scholarship, or prepare for further study at the doctoral level Have completed an MDiv or equivalent and are engaged in substantive ministry further developing your skills and capacities for effective leadership Pursue if...
Notes:
* Program durations are based on a traditional, full-time course load of nine courses per year.
** Also offered in a modular format designed to meet the needs of students with full-time demands such as family, church or career.
*** Tyndale also offers an In-Ministry MDiv degree program for people who are engaged in part-time or full-time in vocational Christian ministry.
» Program Coordinator

Rev. Dr. David Overholt

Adjunct Professor of Youth and Family Ministries

doverholt@tyndale.ca
416.226.6620 Ext. 2713

BSc, Wheaton College, 1983
MRE, McMaster Divinity College, 1993
EdD, OISE, University of Toronto, 2001

Area of Specialization: Youth Ministry, Next Generation Church Ministry, Mentoring, Leadership Development and Creativity

Rev. Dr. Dave Overholt is the founding pastor of Church on the Rock, one of the largest and longest running youth-targeted churches in North America. In addition to 27 years in youth ministry, Dr. Overholt has a doctorate in philosophy of education from University of Toronto with a thesis in “Adults Mentoring Adolescents.” His books include: Reasons to Believe (a youth apologetic), Live What You Believe, (a youth growth project), Soul Searching the Millennial Generation, (a youth worker’s guide to teen work) and New Beginnings (a youth devotional). Dr. Overholt speaks to thousands of students each year through a wide-ranging speaking and consulting ministry.

View all Seminary Faculty » | View all Faculty »

 
» Program Faculty

Dr. Robert Shaughnessy

Adjunct Professor of Christian Ministry

rshaughnessy@tyndale.ca
416.226.6620 Ext. 2239

BA , Bishop's University, 1981
MDiv & MRE, McMaster Divinity College, 1986
DMin Acadia Divinity College, 2000

Areas of Specialization: Pastoral Ministry, Pastoral Counselling, Mentorship & Leadership Development.

Dr. Shaughnessy brings a breadth of experience that has been garnered from 21 years of full-time pastoral ministry. Dr. Shaughnessy has served as a pastor in a small town, senior pastor in a city, senior pastor in a multiple-staff city church, pastor in a church plant congregation, and senior chaplain/pastor and senior administrator at an international multicultural school in India. He has led numerous retreats and workshops. He has intentionally focused on attaining insights, and developing skills, in the area of counselling. His passion is journeying with individuals and groups into a deeper understanding of life, faith and service as followers of Jesus Christ. Dr. Shaughnessy is an ordained pastor in the Baptist Church of Ontario and Quebec.

View all Seminary Faculty » | View all Faculty »

Dr. Vincent Poon

Professor Emeritus, Counselling

vpoon@tyndale.ca
416.226.6620 Ext. 6786

BSc, University of Manitoba, 1968
MD, University of Manitoba, 1972
MTS, Tyndale Seminary, 1982
DMin, Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1988
PsyD, Newport University, 1991

Areas of Specialization: Marriage and family therapy, Whole Person and Family Centered Care, Family Medicine, Psychotherapy and Psychology, Pastoral Counselling, Family Ministry.

Dr. Poon joined the Tyndale counselling ministries faculty in 1991. He has a wealth of experience in the disciplines of family medicine, theology, counselling, psychology, pastoral counselling and marriage and family therapy. He is an approved supervisor with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, a Fellow of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, a Fellow and Diplomate of the American Board of Medical Psychotherapists and a faculty member of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. He has published widely and has presented many papers both in Canada and internationally. He ascribes to a truly whole-person and family-centered approach in the well being of individuals and families by looking at the bio-psycho-social-cultural-spiritual aspects of persons. Dr. Poon was a key member of the team that founded the Chinese Ministry Program at Tyndale in 1988. His teaching involvement at Tyndale includes counselling, pastoral counselling, family ministry and pastoral and Chinese ministry. He has served as the Chair of the Advisory Council at Tyndale. He directs the Mentoring and Pastoral Support Network of the Hudson Taylor Centre. Dr. Poon is an ordained counselling minister with the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec.

View all Seminary Faculty » | View all Faculty »

Apply as Full-time Student | Part-time Student | Visiting/Occasional student
 
Application for full-time and part-time students:
View Admission Requirements
 

Requirements

Admission requirements for the following students:

Canadian
International
DMin
CCST

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Application

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For the following students: International (PDF) 
DMin
CCST

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Have your references complete the proper form:

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1) Pastoral/Character
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Complete the application supplement if the program you are applying to is:

Please mail all paper forms, references and official transcripts to:

Tyndale Admissions Office
3377 Bayview Avenue
Toronto, ON M2M-3S4
Canada

 
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

The program seeks to provide candidates with a collegial, academic and professional milieu in which you will advance your understanding of the nature, purposes, and practice of ministry; enhance your leadership and formational competencies in discernment, theological reflection, and in-ministry research; gain opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. Learn More | View Requirements

Canadian Chinese School of Theology (CCST)

Tyndale University College & Seminary (Tyndale) and Association of Canadian Chinese Theological Education (ACCTE) have collaborated in a strategic partnership to organize the Canadian Chinese School of Theology (Toronto). Learn More | View Requirements

Visiting/Occasional Students

I wish to take classes at Tyndale Seminary but do not want to be admitted into a degree or certificate program. If you have completed a bachelor's degree and wish to take graduate-level course you can become an occasional student or audit a course. Or if you are registered at another graduate theological institution and are eligible to take courses at Tyndale Seminary, you can submit a Letter of Permission. Apply as a visiting/occasional student

Need help? Contact Admissions at: 1.877.TYNDALE (896.3253) | 416.218.6757 (local) | admissions@tyndale.ca

The following is a list of all degrees, diplomas, and areas of study offered at Tyndale Seminary. As a graduate theological school, Tyndale Seminary admits students who have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college (see admissions requirements). Click on each of the items below to find descriptions, opportunities and course requirements.

Areas of Study

Degrees & Diplomas

Special Programs