wfn.org | Pfeiffer University launches youth ministries degree for Southeast

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

Nov. 30, 1999 News media contact: Linda Green·(615)742-5470·Nashville, Tenn.
10-71B{641}

By United Methodist News Service

In January, Pfeiffer University will become the first United
Methodist-related institution east of the Mississippi River to offer an
undergraduate degree in youth ministries.

The new academic major is an extension of the Misenheimer, N.C., school's
commitment to offer degrees that enable students to pursue a church
vocation. The new degree also gives the university the distinction of being
among a very few United Methodist institutions across the country to offer
this academic discipline.

The program was developed by the Rev. Ed Trimmer, head of Pfeiffer's school
of religion and Christian education. The youth ministries major grew out of
his belief that opportunities for service, such as being a youth director,
are abundant in the Southeast and that the demand for qualified individuals
is increasing as churches respond to the concerns of their young people. He
said that churches out of necessity are being forced to hire people who lack
relevant training.

"Pfeiffer is uniquely situated to address the needs and concerns of churches
in youth ministry and Christian education in Virginia, Georgia and the
Carolinas," Trimmer said.

Graduates of the new youth ministries degree will be required to take
courses such as child and adolescent psychology, worship in Christian
education and youth ministry, and faith development. They also will choose
from elective courses such as "Topics of Human Relationships" and
"Interpersonal Communication."

The new major complements existing church-related degrees at the university.
For more information, contact the Pfeiffer University Admissions Office,
(704) 463-1360, Ext. 2060; or Trimmer at the same number, Ext. 2220, or by
e-mail at etrimmer@pfeiffer.edu.
# # #
This story was adapted from a press release from Matt Marvin, Pfeiffer's
public relations director.

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United Methodist News Service
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