Yale University

Youth Ministry Institute

Youth Worship, Bible Study & Formation

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. [1 Chronicles 16:34]

When we worship with youth, not only do we show them how to worship, but they show us! Using Bible study and worship as a regular part of youth programming provides youth with a way to hear and understand the Scriptures, and to give praise to God in interactive and dynamic ways.

Sabbath Rest

Leading theologians and youth practitioners explore the importance of sabbath-keeping for both youth and youth workers.

4 Weeks
28 Lessons
Cultivating Worshipful Youth

This course explores the importance of worship for youth. Theologians and pastors explore different facets of worship, why we do […]

8 Weeks
60 Lessons
Spiritual Practices in Youth Ministry

Theologians, philosophers, and pastors examine the effects that habitual practices have on our lives and discuss the importance of prayer […]

7 Weeks
52 Lessons
Studying the Bible with Youth

Practical theologians and youth pastors discuss the best approaches, tools, and frameworks to use when leading adolescents in Bible study, […]

4 Weeks
26 Lessons
Practicing Faith at Home
Rev. Traci Smith, author of "Faithful Families" has created short, instructional videos to guide parents through creating faith practices around mindfulness, serving others, meal time and bedtime for children and youth of all ages.
Sample Materials and Outlines
Children’s Ministry Curriculum Resources
UCC Southern New England Conference outline on exploring curriculum resources for the pandemic and beyond.
Curriculum
The Gospel of Mark Bible Study for Youth – Lesson 7: Mark 16
A youth Bible study on the Gospel of Mark inspired by the Yale Bible Study series.
Bible Study Lessons
The Gospel of Mark Bible Study for Youth – Lesson 6: Mark 15
A youth Bible study on the Gospel of Mark inspired by the Yale Bible Study series.
Bible Study Lessons
The Gospel of Mark Bible Study for Youth – Lesson 5: Mark 11-14
A youth Bible study on the Gospel of Mark inspired by the Yale Bible Study series.
Bible Study Lessons
The Gospel of Mark Bible Study for Youth – Lesson 4: Mark 8-10
A youth Bible study on the Gospel of Mark inspired by the Yale Bible Study series.
Bible Study Lessons
The Gospel of Mark Bible Study for Youth – Lesson 3: Mark 4-7
A youth Bible study on the Gospel of Mark inspired by the Yale Bible Study series.
Bible Study Lessons
The Gospel of Mark Bible Study for Youth – Lesson 2: Mark 2-3
A youth Bible study on the Gospel of Mark inspired by the Yale Bible Study series.
Bible Study Lessons
The Gospel of Mark Bible Study for Youth – Lesson 1: Mark 1
A Bible study on the Gospel of Mark for youth based on the Yale Bible Study series.
Bible Study Lessons
Confirmation Best Practices
Considerations for Confirmation teachers as they create and formulate curricula for their classes.
Sample Materials and Outlines
Women in the Bible – Lesson 5: Mary the Mother of Jesus and Elizabeth
A youth Bible study on Women in the Bible based on the Yale Bible Study.
Bible Study Lessons
Women in the Bible – Lesson 4: Esther
A youth Bible study on Women in the Bible based on the Yale Bible Study.
Bible Study Lessons
Women in the Bible – Lesson 3: Ruth
A youth Bible study on Women in the Bible based on the Yale Bible Study.
Bible Study Lessons
Women in the Bible – Lesson 1: Sarah and Hagar
A youth Bible study on Women in the Bible based on the Yale Bible Study.
Bible Study Lessons
Women in the Bible – Lesson 8: Women in the Early Church, As Seen in the Epistles
A youth Bible study on Women in the Bible based on the Yale Bible Study.
Bible Study Lessons
Women in the Bible – Lesson 7: The Woman at the Well
A youth Bible study on Women in the Bible based on the Yale Bible Study.
Bible Study Lessons
Women in the Bible – Lesson 6: Mary Magdalene
A youth Bible study on Women in the Bible based on the Yale Bible Study.
Bible Study Lessons
Women in the Bible – Lesson 2: Tamar
A youth Bible study on Women in the Bible based on the Yale Bible Study.
Bible Study Lessons
Genesis Bible Study For Youth – Lesson 8: Genesis 37-50
A Bible study on the Book of Genesis for youth based on the Yale Bible Study series.
Bible Study Lessons
Genesis Bible Study For Youth – Lesson 7: Genesis 28-36
A Bible study on the Book of Genesis for youth based on the Yale Bible Study series.
Bible Study Lessons
Genesis Bible Study For Youth – Lesson 6: Genesis 24-27
A Bible study on the Book of Genesis for youth based on the Yale Bible Study series.
Bible Study Lessons
Genesis Bible Study For Youth – Lesson 5: Genesis 12-23
A Bible study on the Book of Genesis for youth based on the Yale Bible Study series.
Bible Study Lessons
Genesis Bible Study For Youth – Lesson 4: Genesis 7-9, 11
A Bible study on the Book of Genesis for youth based on the Yale Bible Study series.
Bible Study Lessons
Genesis Bible Study For Youth – Lesson 3: Genesis 5-6, 10
A Bible study on the Book of Genesis for youth based on the Yale Bible Study series.
Bible Study Lessons
Genesis Bible Study For Youth – Lesson 2: Genesis 3-4
A Bible study on the Book of Genesis for youth based on the Yale Bible Study series.
Bible Study Lessons
Genesis Bible Study for Youth – Lesson 1: Genesis 1-2
A Bible study on the Book of Genesis for youth based on the Yale Bible Study series.
Bible Study Lessons
Week 7 – Seven Weeks to Wisdom: The Importance of Knowing “the Proper Time”, Part 2
Lesson of the Quest for Truth "Seven Weeks to Wisdom" curriculum.
Quest for Truth
Week 6 – Seven Weeks to Wisdom: The Importance of Knowing “the Proper Time”, Part 1
Lesson 6 of the Quest for Truth "Seven Weeks to Wisdom" curriculum.
Quest for Truth
Week 5 – Seven Weeks to Wisdom: The Proverbial Wisdom of Cause and Effect/The Act-Consequence Relationship, Part 2
Lesson 5 of the Quest for Truth "Seven Weeks to Wisdom" curriculum.
Quest for Truth
Week 4 – Seven Weeks to Wisdom: The Proverbial Wisdom of Cause and Effect/The Act-Consequence Relationship, Part 1
Lesson 4 of the Quest for Truth "Seven Weeks to Wisdom" curriculum.
Quest for Truth
Week 3 – Seven Weeks to Wisdom: The Wisdom of Youth
Lesson 3 of the Quest for Truth "Seven Weeks to Wisdom" curriculum.
Quest for Truth
Week 2 – Seven Weeks to Wisdom: What is Wisdom? Part 2
Lesson 2 of the Quest for Truth "Seven Weeks to Wisdom" curriculum.
Quest for Truth
Week 1 – Seven Weeks to Wisdom: What is Wisdom?
Lesson 1 of the Quest for Truth "Seven Weeks to Wisdom" curriculum.
Quest for Truth
Reading the Bible with Youth – Lesson 2
A two-week study to introduce youth to the Bible.
Bible Study Lessons
Reading the Bible with Youth – Lesson 1
A two-week study to introduce youth to the Bible.
Bible Study Lessons
The Gospel of Luke Bible Study for Youth – Lesson 7: Luke 19-22
A bible study on the Gospel of Luke for youth based on the Yale Bible Study series.
Bible Study Lessons
The Gospel of Luke Bible Study for Youth – Lesson 8: Luke 23-34
A bible study on the Gospel of Luke for youth based on the Yale Bible Study series.
Bible Study Lessons
The Gospel of Luke Bible Study for Youth – Lesson 6: Luke 15-19
A bible study on the Gospel of Luke for youth based on the Yale Bible Study series.
Bible Study Lessons
The Gospel of Luke Bible Study for Youth – Lesson 5: Luke 12-14
A bible study on the Gospel of Luke for youth based on the Yale Bible Study series.
Bible Study Lessons
The Gospel of Luke Bible Study for Youth – Lesson 4: Luke 9-11
A bible study on the Gospel of Luke for youth based on the Yale Bible Study series.
Bible Study Lessons
The Gospel of Luke Bible Study for Youth – Lesson 3: Luke 6-8
A bible study on the Gospel of Luke for youth based on the Yale Bible Study series.
Bible Study Lessons
The Gospel of Luke Bible Study for Youth – Lesson 2: Luke 3-5
A bible study on the Gospel of Luke for youth based on the Yale Bible Study series.
Bible Study Lessons
The Gospel of Luke Bible Study for Youth – Introduction for Leaders
A bible study on the Gospel of Luke for youth based on the Yale Bible Study series.
Bible Study Lessons
The Gospel of Luke Bible Study for Youth – Lesson 1: Luke 1-2
A bible study on the Gospel of Luke for youth based on the Yale Bible Study series.
Bible Study Lessons
Fit for Time and Joy With God
In this lesson, youth will work together to create a weekly Sabbath-keeping plan.
Nurturing Joy
Finding a Grit Fit
In this lesson, youth will explore the habits that can equip them to enjoy life.
Nurturing Joy
Created for Joyful Worship
In this lesson we'll explore worship as a way to express joy and gratitude.
Nurturing Joy
The Misfit Commandment
In this lesson, youth explore the fourth commandment.
Nurturing Joy
Making Joyful Noises: Christian Youth and Young Adults Reflect on Joy and Worship
An article by Fred Edie on joy and worship from the Adolescent Faith and Flourishing project.
Articles and Readings
Lessons from the Road
A sermon by YMI founder, the Rev. Harold E. Masback, III. Focal scripture: Luke 24:13-35.
Articles and Readings
The Brass Ring
A sermon by YMI founder, the Rev. Harold E. Masback, III. Focal scripture: Psalm 23 and Luke 17:20-21.
Articles and Readings
Why?
A sermon by YMI founder, the Rev. Harold E. Masback, III. Focal scripture: Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 18:17-19, and Luke 12:48.
Articles and Readings
Packing Parachutes
A sermon by YMI founder, the Rev. Harold E. Masback, III. Focal scripture: Psalm 31:1-5, Luke 6:38, and 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.
Articles and Readings
The Shelter of Each Other: Our Ark in Stormy Seas
A sermon by YMI founder, the Rev. Harold E. Masback, III. Focal scripture: Deuteronomy 11:13-21 and 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1.
Articles and Readings
Happy Epiphany!
A sermon by YMI founder, the Rev. Harold E. Masback, III. Focal scripture: Isaiah 60:1-6 and Matthew 2:1-12.
Articles and Readings
And We Ourselves Heard
A sermon by YMI founder, the Rev. Harold E. Masback, III. Focal scripture: Exodus 24:12-18 and Matthew 17:1-9.
Articles and Readings
The Grace of Desire
A sermon by YMI founder, the Rev. Harold E. Masback, III. Focal scriptures: Psalm 63:1-8 and Luke 5:17-26.
Articles and Readings
Building an Ark Together: Faith as a Family Way of Life
A sermon by YMI founder, the Rev. Harold E. Masback, III. Focal scriptures: Genesis 6:11-6:17; 8:20-21; 9:8-13, and Matthew 26:26-29.
Articles and Readings
Time for Joy: Gritty Sabbath Rest with Adolescents
An essay by David Rahn and Ebonie Davis on sabbath and adolescents from the Joy and Adolescent Faith and Flourishing project.
Articles and Readings
Praise: Being Transformed in Joy
An essay by David Ford and Chris Russell on praise and joy from the Joy and Adolescent Faith and Flourishing project.
Articles and Readings
Grace: The Foundation of Joy
An essay by Tony Campolo and Shane Claiborne on grace from of the Joy and Adolescent Faith and Flourishing project.
Articles and Readings
Gratitude As the Foundation for Joy
An essay by Robert Emmons and Marc Afshar on gratitude as part of the Joy and Adolescent Faith and Flourishing project.
Articles and Readings
Sing for Joy! The Power of Sacred Narrative Among Urban Youth
An essay by Miriam Yvette Acevedo and Mark R. Gornik as part of the Joy and Adolescent Faith and Flourishing project.
Articles and Readings
Studying the Bible with Youth
Articles and resources on the best approaches, tools, and frameworks to use when leading adolescents in Bible study.
Articles and Readings
Spiritual Practices in Youth Ministry
Articles and resources on the importance of prayer and spiritual practices as habits that orient us towards God.
Articles and Readings
Cultivating Worshipful Youth
Articles and resources on the importance of worship for youth.
Articles and Readings
Hope: A Pathway to Adolescent Joy and Flourishing
This reading is a segment by Anne E. Streaty Wimblery and Sararh Farmer from "Joy: A Guide for Youth Ministry".
Articles and Readings
Ode to Joy: The Adolescent Experience of Joy as Arousal
Kenda Creasy Dean, Mary D. Synnott Professor of Youth, Church and Culture at Princeton Theological Seminary on joy in adolescence.
Articles and Readings
Adolescent Joy and Christian Worship
Frederick Edie, Professor at Duke Divinity School explores the connection between Christian worship and adolescent joy.
Articles and Readings
Scripture
Looking for scripture resources that relate to current issues? See our list of topics.
Articles and Readings