Below are examples of scholarly work by M.A. in Children, Youth and Family Ministry students.
The papers and video presentations were shared at the annual “Day of Defense” sponsored by Luther Seminary’s CYF program. The presentations offer a glimpse into the types of questions that CYF students ask, and how they turn their questions into substantive research findings.
2023 |2022 |2021 |2020 |2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009
2023 Winning Projects
Sam Garcia – Youth Group is for Losers: High School Ministry in The Age of Competition
Sam Garcia Paper
Sam Garcia Presentation
Matt Svestka – Jesus Loves Cartoons: Examining Animation’s Place for Ministry in A Secular World
Matt Svestka Paper
Matt Svestka Presentation
2022 Winning Projects
Yesie Irawan – Intergenerational Faith Transmission In The Secular Age: A Dialogue With Sanctorum Communio
Yesie Irawan Paper
Yesie Irawan Presentation (Timestamp: 47:20-1:10:31)
Brittany Deal – The New Middle Class’s Acceleration of Childhood And The Church’s Complicity
Brittany Deal Paper
Brittany Deal Presentation (Timestamp: 1:11:28 – 1:36:11)
2021 Winning Projects
- Phyllis Tettey – Discipleship: Leading Young Adults to Participate In God’s Mission in a Secular World (Presentation Timestamp: 3:34:23 – 3:59)
- Jenna Bergeson – Confessions of A Soon-To-Be Pastor: What My Time Outside The “Lutheran Bubble” Taught Me About Testimony (Presentation Timestamp: 5:06 – 5:33:30)
- Lara Moll – Moving Toward Embodiment: Bridging the Gap Between Christian Summer Camp and the Church (Presentation Timestamp: 5:36:14 – end)
2020 Winning Projects
Rebekah M. Moir, “Ministering with Youth and Young Adults Experiencing Climate Despair”
Rebekah M. Moir paper
Rebekah M. Moir presentation
William Tyler Parks, “Overcoming the Greatest Challenge in Faith Formation: Equipping and Encouraging Parents to Embrace Their Role as Faith Leaders”
William Tyler Parks paper
William Tyler Parks presentation
2019 Winning Projects
Finding God in Bibliodrama: A Constructive Use of Personal Narratives in Christian Education by Deomie Lynn Perez Rivamonte-Mokaya
Deomie Lynn Perez Rivamonte-Mokaya paper
Deomie Lynn Perez Rivamonte-Mokaya presentation
How Music Rooted in African Traditions Can Minister to Middle School Kids Who Have Experienced Trauma
by Gloria Osemenam
Gloria Osemenam paper
Gloria Osemenam presentation
2018 Winning Projects
From Busy Bags to Building Bridges by Billie Jo Wicks
Trusting God’s Promise: Unspoken Messages in First Communion Practices by Megan Floyd
2017 Winning Projects
I Believe, Lord Help My Unbelief: The Thin Christology of Austin Adolescents by Brianna Morris-Brock
Brianna Morris-Brock paper
Brianna Morris-Brock presentation
The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Grief by Kathryn Knutson
Kathryn Knutson paper
Kathryn Knutson presentation
2016 Winning Projects
Killing Kids for Jesus: A Practical Theology of Martyric Youth Ministry by Christian Gonzalez
Christian Gonzalez paper
Christian Gonzalez presentation
Renewing Communities: Renewal of the Church’s Missional Identity
by Molly Schroeder
Molly Schroeder paper
2015 Winning Projects
Putting the Puzzle Together Piece by Piece: How Genuine and Authentic Friendships Can Transform Faith by Kayla Billings
The Millenial Generation Crisis: Reimagining the Church’s Mission in a Secular World by Corey Lange
2014 Winning Projects
Corporate Worship’s Pedagogy by Culynn Curtis
The Sanctified Life: Modesty is Not the Best Policy by Ali Ferin
2013 Winning Projects
Bridging the Disconnect: Reframing Vocation for the Sake of Young Adults & the Church by Aaron Fuller
Narrative Beings: What Virtual Media is Revealing About Our Youth by Kyle Zvejnieks
2012 Winning Projects
A Future I Trust In: Identity and Vocation as the Parent-Leader by Karen Gieseke
Communities of Creativity: The Role of Symbols on Youth Formation by Andrew Kellner
2011 Winning Projects
Church & Canvas: Recreating the Engagement of Art with Youth & Young Adults by Katy Vitek
On Beyond Zebra: Thinking Beyond Traditional Models of Children’s Ministry by Amber Espinosa
2010 Winning Projects
Youth Homelessness: A Cry for Right Memory and Embrace by Matthew Maas
2009 Winning Projects
Youth as Co-Creators in Ministry by Derek Tronsgard