Youth and Family Ministries, minor

Program Overview

Do you have a passion for the spiritual and personal development of young people? Do you feel called to help families seek God and grow together? If so, you should consider a minor in youth and family ministry. PLNU youth & family ministry minors delve into the complex landscape of multigenerational ministry, learning to competently engage a wide variety of situations, individuals, and family units.

You will expand your understanding of intergenerational ministry, developmentalism, counseling youth, and adolescent behavior. The knowledge you acquire, along with invaluable practical skills in interpersonal and group communication, will prepare you to navigate any number of social contexts, whether your dreams lie in ministry, psychology, teaching, social work, or any number of other careers.

Course List

For information about the courses required for the Youth and Family Ministries, minor program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Start Application

Are you ready to take the next step to begin your PLNU journey? Whether you’re a high school senior, college transfer student, or international student, find out what we’re looking for in our applicants and how you can apply.

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Student Support

For most students, the transition into college life is one full of adjustments. There is the excitement of newfound freedoms, but also some uncertainty as you begin to make choices and take responsibility for your own future. 

At PLNU, we’re committed to supporting you — academically, professionally, spiritually, personally — so that you may be successful both in your time as a student and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Student Support

Career Opportunities

A minor in youth & family ministry is beneficial if you are interested in pursuing a career or an advanced degree within ministry, social work, education, counseling, and nonprofit organizations. Alumnis' ability to critically evaluate social and cultural patterns, while also constructively engaging as agents of hope, make them desirable candidates for job opportunities and graduate school programs. Youth & family ministry minors at PLNU cultivate these strengths in a Christian context that nurtures their intellectual and spiritual lives and equips them to be reasoned and ethical leaders in a variety of careers.

A minor in youth & family ministry can be a useful and natural complement within a variety of careers and industries, including:

  • Ministry
  • Counseling
  • Social Work
  • Teaching
  • Nonprofit Agencies

Department Faculty

Get Involved

Polkinghorne, an older man, speaks from a podium to community in Crill Hall at PLNU

H. Orton Wiley Lecture Series

Do you enjoy intelligent discourse on subjects relevant to Christian life and ministry? The H. Orton Wiley Lecture series engages and enriches students.
A group of students sit in a living room and have class as part of the community classroom experience

Community Classroom

Do you have a desire to serve or work in a multicultural or cross-cultural setting? If so, you should take advantage of Community Classroom.
A female student leaving first chapel of the year

Theology and Christian Ministry School-Specific Scholarships

Are you called to serve in ministry, but concerned about the cost? PLNU understands this concern and aims to support the next generation of ministers.