Institute for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults
Interest in youth and young adults may take a variety of forms.
- A calling to be a youth pastor or college chaplain
- Desire to include young people in all aspects of church life
- Concern for evangelism, conversion and baptism
- Psychology and spirituality for youth
- The gospel meeting contemporary culture
- Emerging church practices
- Historic practices speaking to young people today
- Mentoring lifelong disciples of Jesus
At Bethany, you will find professors and colleagues who share these interests.
Together, you can explore youth and young adult ministry and leadership through...
- Biblical insights,
- Empirical research,
- Theological models, and
- Practical experience.
Putting it into Practice
Inaugurated in 2000, the Institute for Ministry With Youth and Young Adults connects both contemporary academic scholarship and the life of local congregations to contribute to more effective youth and young adult ministries.
Our connections with the Youth and Young Adult Office of the Church of the Brethren and an active advisory board enhance the program. In addition, the Institute offers seminars and workshops in continuing education for pastors and lay leaders.
Youth and Young Adult Ministry Emphasis
Students with a special interest or experience in youth and young adult ministry may elect to add an emphasis to their MDiv or MA program, as reflected in the chart below. 
For more information on the Institute for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults, refer to the Bethany Catalog, or contact:
Russell Haitch, Associate Professor of Christian Education,
Director of the Institute for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults
haitcru@bethanyseminary.edu 765-983-1827















For nine years I felt the leading of God to ministry. I began my academic journey thinking that I had God all figured out. This journey began at Moody Bible Institute for several semesters, where I gleaned perspective on missions and evangelism. Because of a full-time missionary role, I suspended Moody classes to concentrate on raising support. During that time God began to speak...