CERTIFICATE IN YOUTH MINISTRY
(offered in Spring 2002)

Each certificate requires the completion of 42 hours of course work and participation in a weekend retreat. Class participants will select the topic of the retreat with input from the instructor.

Courses are 6 hours long. They meet on the second week of the month, Thursday and Friday nights, from 6 to 9PM.

This certificate program is designed to provide adult leaders in youth ministry with training so that they may minister more effectively with youth.

Courses required for the Certification in Youth Ministry are:

1. Understanding Youth

2. Building the Youth Connection

3. Purpose-Centered Youth Ministry

4. Building an Effective Youth Program

5. Youth in Evangelism and Missions

6. Counseling Youth, Part 1

7. Counseling Youth, Part 2

8. Weekend Retreat/Workshop

MEET THE DIRECTOR

Dr. James Rimmer is the director of the Leadership Institute at Family First Sports Park in Erie. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Western Maryland College, a Master's of Divinity in Pastoral Counceling from Princeton Theological Seminary. He is a candidate for a Ph.D. in pastoral ministry form Southwest Bible College and Seminary. Rimmer, a Presbyterian Church (USA) minister, served as a chaplain in the U.S. Army Reserves and is a combat veteran of Operation Desert Storm, where he earned the Bronze Star for exceptional service. He has 27 years experience in successful leading renewal efforts for declining churches and non-profit organizations. He believes passionately in leadership, and sees leadership development as the key, both to self-development, and to the development of organizations and teams.

Dr. Rimmer is a national champion martial artist. He holds a 7th degree Master Black Belt Ranking in Tae Kwon Do and a 5th degree master in Black Belt Ranking in Yee Chong Mu Gow. In a three year period he coached martial arts students and teams to 14 national championship titles.