Baptist B.E.S.T. Initiative for Youth Ministry Training

Do you desire formal training in youth development that will empower you in your ministry as you reach teenagers for Christ?

The Emerging Leaders Team of the Virginia Baptist Mission Board (VBMB) is teaming up with the Southwest Virginia Christian Leadership Network to bring the B.E.S.T. (Building Exemplary Systems for Training) Initiative for Youth Ministry Training to southwest Virginia.

The B.E.S.T. Initiative for Youth Ministry Training is a partnership between the Emerging Leaders Team; Alternatives, Inc., a nationally recognized youth development agency in Hampton; and Thomas Nelson Community College (TNCC).

The Baptist B.E.S.T. Initiative allows youth ministers and youth workers to receive quality training in principles of youth development to enhance their ministry. Ultimately, this training may culminate in a “Career Studies Certificate in Youth Development” from TNCC—a 29 credit-hour program that you may earn while continuing to work and serve in your own community. At completion of a course, students are eligible to receive a transcript from TNCC.

The VBMB offers the following two courses: (1) Advancing Youth Development (AYD); and (2) Creativity and Youth Engagement (CYE).

Advancing Youth Development (AYD) — is a two-credit, 30-hour class that teaches youth workers to apply youth development principles. AYD is taught in multiple sessions (attendance at all sessions required) and requires 18 hours of independent study. Cost for the AYD class is the standard TNCC rate of $150, plus $50 for the course notebook. However, tuition reimbursement for class and notebook costs, (a total of $200) is available to the first 15 participants from BGAV-affiliated churches that enroll in the program. Tuition reimbursement is only granted upon the successful completion (grade of C or higher) of the course by students.

Creativity and Youth Engagement (CYE) — is a three-credit, 45-hour class that teaches youth workers how to awaken
creativity in young people and how creativity can bring a fresh perspective and new approaches to existing work. CYE will be taught in multiple sessions (attendance at all sessions required) and requires 26 hours of independent study. Cost for the CYE class is the standard TNCC rate of $225, plus $50 for the course notebook. However, tuition reimbursement for the class and notebook costs, (a total of $275) is available to the first 15 participants from BGAV-affiliated churches that enroll in the program. Tuition reimbursement is only granted upon the successful completion (grade of C or higher) of the course by students.

To participate in either or both courses, please complete the attached registration form and send payment to:
Virginia Baptist Mission Board; Attn: Kathryn Freiburger; 2828 Emerywood Parkway; Richmond, VA 23294.
Checks can be made payable: Virginia Baptist Mission Board. Memo: CYE or AYD class.

For more details, email or call Leslie Straw at leslie.straw@vbmb.org or 800.ALL.BGAV (255-2428), x2244.