Thanks to a generous donor, we have a limited number of 50% scholarships for our first CYML cohort in Fall 2025! This makes the cost only $600 for the entire two-semester program. Click Here To Request Info

Children and Youth Ministry Leadership Certificate (CYML)

Across the country, Christians are expressing deep concern about the next generation. Many young people are leaving the church—but what if that trend could be reversed?

At Leland Seminary, we believe that well-equipped, spiritually grounded leaders are essential to nurturing faith in children and teens. Our CYML Certificate empowers children and youth pastors, volunteers, and ministry leaders to be that transformative presence.

Many children and youth pastors feel isolated and undervalued—but not at Leland. The CYML program is built to equip, honor, and uplift youth ministry leaders with the training they deserve. We believe in the whole child and the whole journey—and we believe in you.

    • Spiritual Formation Retreat: Sept. 27 (in Richmond, VA)

    • Weekly Classes: Oct. 1 – Nov. 19

    • Six 2-hour classes (online or in-person at Arlington, VA campus)

    • Weekly Classes: January 12 – February 20; March 2 – April 17

    • Two courses: Six 2-hour online or in-person classes per course (12 classes total)

    • One-on-One Coaching: Three 1-hour sessions scheduled throughout semester

  • Program Cost: $1,200

    Graduation Fee: $150

Program Details

    • Theological Approaches & Ministry Philosophy

    • Contexts, Influences & Trends in Ministry

    • Curriculum Development & Evaluation

    • Partnering with Parents

    • Volunteer Recruitment & Screening

    • Biblical and Leadership Models

    • Management, Administration, Visioning & Goal-Setting

    • Calendaring & Event Planning

    • Adolescent Development in Ministry

    • Equipping for Worship, Evangelism, Missions, Justice & Community

The Children and Youth Ministry Leadership Certificate (CYML) is a two-semester, two-part certificate program designed to prepare and strengthen Christian leaders for impactful ministry with young people.

What You’ll Gain

  • Practical Tools for curriculum, leadership and engagement

  • Connections with others in ministry who understand the journey

  • Cultural Relevance through emerging strategies and “traditioned innovations”

  • Personal Growth with a spiritual gifts assessment at the retreat

  • Professional Confidence to be a recognized, respected voice in your church

  • Problem-Solving Skills for working with young people in critical formative stages

  • Increased Respect for children and youth ministry as a vital part of church life

“In hospitals and schools, specialists are trained to care for children. Shouldn’t the same be true in the church? At Leland, we equip youth leaders and workers to practice ministry in a way that shows an appreciation for the sights, sounds, smells and souls of youths' experiences.”

Rev. John McNeill, Director of School of Ministry

What Makes Leland’s CYML Program Unique?

  • Emphasis on practical application to real ministry challenges

  • Training for ministry to children (ages 4-11), with special focus on youth (ages 12–18)

  • A commitment to spiritual depth, cultural relevance, and community building

Applications are now open for our Fall 2025 cohort.

Deadline to enroll: September 2, 2025

Have questions? Schedule a one-on-one conversation with our staff to see if CYML is right for you.