About the Youth Ministry Institute
Our Purpose
The Youth Ministry Institute is a two year program that helps youth ministers become skilled and effective youth ministers by providing instructional training (leadership, theological and ministry application), coaching from more experienced youth ministers, and support through networking with peers in youth ministry and providing consultation to the local church regarding their youth ministry.
Instructional Training
The Youth Ministry Institute meets monthly engaging youth ministers in Biblical study, discussion of relevant issues and exploration of the skill sets needed to be an effective minister to youth.
YMI participation includes attendance to multiple five-day youth ministry schools or conventions per year. These include the Perkins School of Youth Ministry in Dallas, Shift in Chicago, and Youth Specialties' National Youth Workers Convention which is in a different location each year.
YMI has selected a number of books on leadership, youth ministry and theology that participants read and discuss.
YMI participants attend additional mid-week retreats with a faculty of featured seminarians, experienced youth ministers and ordained clergy.
YMI has partnered with Southwestern College to provide bachelors and masters degrees in specialized ministry at a discounted tuition rate. More information can be found on the Partners page.
Coaching
Success is dependant upon relationships. While participating in YMI, each youth minister has a coach who has at least ten years of youth ministry experience. Participants meet with their coaches monthly and are able to contact them with questions or concerns at any time. Monthly coaching sessions follow a curriculum prepared by Holy Moments.
Support
Like the coaching relationship, participants in the Youth Ministry Institute are supported in a number of ways. The local church receives support through consulting services that are provided from the pre-hiring phase throughout the two-year participation in the program and include a three-day consultation session provided by the Youth Ministry Architects resulting in an eighteen-month blueprint for youth ministry. The youth minister receives support through their coach as well as experiencing the camaraderie of other youth ministers participating in the Institute. Attendance at the various youth ministry schools and conventions also helps the youth minister network and gain access to resources from across the nation.
Financial Considerations
The Youth Ministry Institute is a two year program that encompasses three calendar years. Participants enroll in May of Year One and complete the Institute in April of Year Three. A total of $12,000 over three calendar years is paid to the Youth Ministry Institute for instructional education, coaching, and consulting services.
See the Financing page for detailed breakdown of YMI financing.
Steve Schneeberger, Executive Director
Steve Schneeberger began his career in youth ministry over twenty years ago in Lawrence, Kansas. Before moving to Orlando in 1994, he lived and worked in Clearwater for six years. Steve lives in Orlando with his wife Carol and their three children Hannah, Bobby, and Michael. Currently, Steve is the youth minister of the First United Methodist Church of Orlando.
Contact Steve