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Apologetics-Focused Education to Equip the Next Generation

Training for Youth Ministry

Is Your Youth Ministry Prepared to Penetrate the Culture with the Truth and Beauty of the Gospel?

Sadly, research shows that only 12% of Children's & Youth Pastors have a biblical worldview*

Yet, today’s youth have so many issues to navigate and more information at the tips of their fingers than ever before. As a result, without solid guidance, false ideas about God and Christianity run rampant. We all know the stats about the alarming number of youth leaving the church. Good apologetics addresses almost all of the main reasons given for their departure. Combine solid apologetics training with good biblical teaching and you have a winning combination for youth ministry. 

Through integrated apologetics-focused Christian education, undergirded with sound philosophy and theology, Southern Evangelical Seminary will equip you to form a complete and systematic Christian worldview. This vital training provides the necessary tools you need for effective evangelism and discipleship. These tools can be practically incorporated into your own ministry as you equip your youth to proclaim the Gospel and remain steadfast in the truth.

*”Biblical Worldview” is defined here as making sure our understanding/choices are consistent with God’s principles and commands.

Beyond Online Education

Youth pastors looking at online programs in theology, philosophy, apologetics, or biblical studies are impressed when they discover how our digital campus experience pushes far beyond the outdated models of asynchronous education most schools still use. Everything we have developed at SES will equip you to engage a culture that is hostile to the Gospel, and you can get this training without leaving your current youth ministry context.

Why Should You Seriously Consider Studying at SES?

You almost certainly have at least some basic — and perhaps even advanced — knowledge of Christian apologetics. Many new students at SES have studied 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 are all very helpful resources, but perhaps you have reached that point in your self-guided research where you hit a wall or find yourself out of your depth.

Apologetics, theology, and even Bible study will never reach their potential without being grounded in sound philosophy. It's not a matter of whether you're doing philosophy. It's a matter of whether you're doing it well or poorly. You can be a good philosopher without being a good apologist or theologian, but it does not work the other way around! Giving you the philosophical foundation you need for both theology and apologetics is just one of the ways that a degree or certificate from SES will serve you well. Watch the short video below to learn more.

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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

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By Training for Youth Ministry at SES, You Will:

  • 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

"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

A Valuable Degree with Exceptionally Affordable Tuition

Prospective students are almost always surprised to learn how affordable we keep our degree programs at Southern Evangelical Seminary. You will also not be bogged down with numerous fees.

You need effective training for ministry — not a crippling load of student loan debt. The value of a degree here pays off through your entire career and truly has an eternal value as well. 

As a result, we're delighted to tell you that you'll have a very difficult time finding a better tuition rate than what we offer at SES: $475 per credit hour (Graduate Level).

$475

per credit hour

Read more about our current tuition rates, flexible payment plans, and financial aid opportunities.

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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.

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Example 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

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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

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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

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All Degrees & Certificates