Promoting Positive Youth Development: A Crash Course for Youth Ministers

Abstract

This paper explores the role religion can play in the Positive Youth Development (PYD) approach to youth development. The relevant literature suggests there is a missing link between youth workers in religious institutions and training in youth development. The majority of youth workers (paid, volunteer, part- and full-time) in various religious institutions are not trained in youth development, particularly in the PYD approach due to lack of resources and availability. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to provide “a crash course for youth ministers” to gain an understanding of PYD and the role their programing and congregations can play in assisting adolescents to thrive in the transition from childhood to adulthood.