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Apologetics-Focused Education to Disciple the Next Generation
Youth Ministry Training
at Southern Evangelical Seminary
Engaging Today’s Youth:
Empower Students to Respond to Culture with Biblical Truth
Youth ministry is more than entertainment and activities—it is about discipleship, apologetics, and equipping young believers to stand firm in their faith. Today’s youth have so many issues to navigate and more information at the tips of their fingers than ever before. With false ideas about God and Christianity running rampant, youth pastors must train to engage and disciple young minds effectively.
We have a generation searching for more; who will point them to the Gospel?
Meet Laura.
She sat in church every Sunday, knowing the Bible stories. She went to youth group, played the games, dressed up on theme nights, and posted pics with her friends, but deep down, she wondered, “Does any of this really matter?”
By college, she left. She never saw how faith mattered.
Laura is not alone. Millions of young people feel the same way. Yet, they are not rejecting Jesus. According to Barna’s Gen Z Vol. 3 research, 77% of teens say they are at least somewhat motivated to learn about Jesus, with 52% reporting they are very motivated. Only 20% of teenagers said they were unmotivated to learn about Jesus, while 7% were unsure.
Additional research shows this is not just a Gen Z trend. A 2022 survey of 2,000 U.S. adults found that 77% believe in a higher power, and 74% want to grow spiritually. The problem is not that young people aren’t interested in faith. The problem is that the Church isn’t engaging them in relevant, authentic, and transformative ways.
Answer the Call: Train for Youth Ministry with SES
Through integrated apologetics-focused Christian education, Southern Evangelical Seminary (SES) equips you to form a complete and systematic Christian worldview. Our vital training provides the knowledge and confidence you need for effective evangelism and discipleship with our next generation of disciples, with tools you can practically incorporate into your ministry to engage today’s youth with clarity and conviction and help them remain steadfast in the truth.
*”Biblical Worldview” is defined here as making sure our understanding/choices are consistent with God’s principles and commands.
Example SES Degrees for Youth Pastors
Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.)
36 HOURS
Our most basic and versatile M.A. degree that will prepare you well for future graduate studies, or use it as a stand-alone degree
Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics (M.A.C.A.)
36 HOURS
Dig into the meat of classical apologetics with this foundational M.A. degree; be equipped for ministry or further studies
Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in Apologetics
84 HOURS
For a more traditional seminary degree with an apologetics focus, this M.Div. may the right path for your future ministry
What will the SES degree in apologetics do for you as a youth pastor?
"SES taught me to see the gap in my discipleship strategy. I was faithfully teaching what to believe biblically, but I was leaving out the why we believe it and why it matters both personally and culturally to have a correct view of reality. My education at SES has strengthened me as a discipler and I am grateful!"
John Johnson
YOUTH PASTOR, SES ALUM
Overcoming the Challenges
of Youth Ministry
- Relating to Today’s Youth – Understanding and engaging with Gen Z in an ever-changing culture.
- Biblical and Theological Depth – Ensuring teachings remain biblically sound and doctrinally strong.
- Ministry Leadership Skills – Managing youth programs, counseling students, and leading volunteers effectively.
- Time & Financial Constraints – Finding a program that offers flexibility and affordability.
SES addresses these concerns with flexible online programs, Smart Tuition payment plans, scholarship opportunities, and a strong commitment to biblical truth in every degree and certificate offering.
Ready to Apply Now?
Start the admission process today. You can begin in just a few minutes by filling out our initial application and it will open the door for us to have an exploratory conversation about your educational priorities and hopes for ministry. We have an entire team at SES who is ready to help you in the process of discerning your gifts and calling to ministry so you can engage our culture in the conversations that matter the most.
Strengthen Your Calling with SES’s
Unique Approach to Theological Education
You may already have a foundation in Christian apologetics and have explored books like Tactics by Gregory Koukl, Lewis' Mere Christianity, or I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist by SES alum Frank Turek and SES co-founder Norman Geisler. These resources provide valuable insights, but as you continue to deepen your understanding, you may find yourself seeking a more structured, comprehensive approach to apologetics and theology.
At SES, we believe apologetics and theology reach their full potential when grounded in sound philosophy. Developing this foundation strengthens your ability to defend the faith and enriches your spiritual growth and ministry. SES is here to equip you with the training and support you need to sharpen your reasoning skills, confidently engage with tough questions, or deepen your biblical worldview. Watch the short video below to learn more.
How SES Prepares You for Effective Youth Ministry
- Form strong connections between core biblical doctrines and contemporary cultural and apologetic issues
- Cultivate effective rhetorical strategies for cultural engagement that are grounded in apologetics, philosophy, and theology
- Explore both the historical and philosophical development of critical ideas and how they are present in current theologies, philosophies, and ethical issues
- Grow in your own likeness to Christ as manifested in love for God, love for others, and evidence of the fruit of the Spirit
- Learn to communicate the truth of God effectively in a wide variety of contexts
- Interact with professors during many live-streamed classes, and conduct research in one of the most expansive digital theological libraries available
See the Vital Need for Apologetics-Focused Education
Engaging real-world issues for the sake of the Gospel
- The Denial of Objectivity
- The Adoption of ‘Wokeness’ Ideology
- The Weakening of Biblical Inerrancy
