Workshop Series Features

How it works and the benefits you will find.

  • How it Works

    This series provides a practical introduction to youth ministry. As a non-credit course, there are no tests or grades, just a course project and some readings. Each session includes pre-recorded videos providing a wealth of insight, as well as additional content and links.

  • What's Included

    Led by experienced youth ministers, including extensive video content, the 6 session course will explore topics including: • Introduction to Youth Ministry and discipleship • Developmental theory and Youth Ministry • Intro to programming • Planning and administration • Intro to counseling and group support • Working with volunteers and other personnel

  • Experienced Leaders

    The series was developed from a live workshop designed and led by Andrew Noe, Sara Clarke Turpin, and Justin Sizemore. Each of these persons brings years of experience in ministry with youth and their families.

Course curriculum

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3

    • Developmental Theory and Youth Ministry

      FREE PREVIEW

    • Introduction to Human Development

    • About Faith Development

    • Youth and Socio-Developmental Tasks

    • Youth and Congregational Theology

    • Talking About Development

    • Suggested Resources

    • Some Suggestions for Further Research, Action, and Reflection
  4. 4

    • Introduction to Programming

      FREE PREVIEW

    • How Curriculum Works

    • Effective Teaching Techniques

    • About Experimental Education

    • Introduction to Stunts and Challenges

    • Talking About Programming

    • Suggested Resources

    • Some Suggestions for Further Research, Action, and Reflection
  5. 5

    • Planning and Administration

      FREE PREVIEW

    • Why Planning Matters

    • Organizing a Leadership Team

    • Developing Youth Program Assets

    • Youth and Finances

    • How Not to Get Fired

    • Talking About Planning and Administration

    • Suggested Resources

    • Some Further Suggestions for Research, Action, and Reflection
  6. 6
  7. 7

    • Working with Volunteers and Other People

      FREE PREVIEW

    • Things to Know About Volunteers

    • How To Prepare Your Leaders for Events and the Everyday

    • Working With Outside Groups and Vendors

    • How To Survive a Road Trip

    • Dealing With the Unexpected

    • Parents

    • Talking About Volunteers

    • Suggested Resources

    • Some Further Suggestions for Research, Action, and Reflection
  8. 8

    • After the Course

    • Working with Families Affected by the Pandemic

Instructor(s)

Instructor

Sara Clarke Turpin

Rev. Sara Clarke Turpin is Associate Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Buechel Park Baptist Church in Louisville, KY, where she has served since 2013. She earned a Master of Divinity degree from BSK: Baptist Seminary of Kentucky, along with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science from Georgetown College with majors in Religion and Business Administration: Management and minors in Church Music and Psychology. She has been both a Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) Scholar and Fellow and served on the CBF Kentucky Coordinating Council and Executive Committee. Before coming to Buechel Park, Sara served as the Youth Minister at Melbourne Heights Baptist Church in Louisville for four years.

Instructor

Andrew Noe

Andrew Noe serves at East Leonard CRC in Grand Rapids, Michigan as the Pastor of Faith Formation. He is a proud graduate of the Baptist Seminary of Kentucky, is passionate about bringing creativity to ministry, and enjoys working with teenagers. He is married to the wonderful Hannah, and they have two spectacular kids - Gwen and Benjamin. His side passions are comic books, LEGO and video games.

Instructor

Justin Sizemore

Justin Sizemore is the Minister to Youth at Calvary Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky. He is a graduate of the McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University and a proud Georgetown College Tiger! He has been involved in Youth Ministry as a volunteer, assistant, chaperone, and now minister for over 14 years. Youth Ministry is his passion and calling. Justin is married to Abby Sizemore (The FABULOUS Director of Admissions for the Baptist Seminary of Kentucky!!!) and they have two wonderful daughters, Ann-Thomas and their most recent addition, Edith (Edie).