Unpacking Scripture in Youth Ministry

by Andrew Root

Unpacking Scripture in Youth Ministry focuses on how to teach and present the Bible in the lives of teenagers. Andrew Root argues that teens are constant interpreters – always asking the questions, who am I? and what do others think of me? – and so youth ministers must teach them to interpret the actions of God as revealed in the Bible. This view is different than teaching biblical knowledge – memory verses and Bible facts – and it’s different than teaching them to interpret the Bible themselves. Rather, they are to view the Bible as a tool for interpreting God’s actions and then respond with their own actions.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Biblical Studies, Young Adult

128 pages, Hardcover

First published December 25, 2012

About the author

Andrew Root joined Luther Seminary in 2005 as assistant professor of youth and family ministry. Previously he was an adjunct professor at Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington D.C., and Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, N.J.

Root received his bachelor of arts degree from Bethel College, St. Paul, Minn., in 1997. He earned his master of divinity (2000) and his master of theology (2001) degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Calif. He completed his doctoral degree from Princeton Theological Seminary in 2005.

Root's ministry experience includes being a gang prevention counselor in Los Angeles, youth outreach directed in a congregation, staff member of Young Life, and a confirmation teacher. He has also been a research fellow for Princeton Theological Seminary's Faith Practices Project.

Root has published articles in the Journal of Youth and Theology, The International Journal of Practical Theology, and Word and World.

He is a member of the International Association for the Study of Youth Ministry and the International Bonhoeffer Society.

Reviews

[Dustin Tramel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mixed with some unhelpful liberal theology but the main goal is very helpful. The Bible is a communal book and it is meant to be read together. "The goal of Bible reading is not to fill them up with information, but to invite them into the action of interpretation." p.37 "The point of our reading is not just to glimpse God's activity but to bear witness to it, to testify to what God is doing in our world." p. 103 "What is it that God is doing through the dead-and-now-risen Christ?" p. 102 "We read to give testimony to how God is acting." p.103

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly helpful paradigm for understanding what scriptures is, how it functions and connecting it to youth ministry.

[Autumn Dauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciate this book! Root did a wonderful job at making this easy to read and understand while pushing the reader to think a little differently and deeper. He does a great job coming up with real situations and questions that Youth Workers face both from students and adult church members. I think this book would be especially beneficial to read and discuss/process in a group setting with other Youth Workers.

[Josh Trice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully simple, yet profoundly simple book that explores the core text of the Christian faith in a way that is fresh, engaging, challenging and ultimately persuasive. If we want to reach the next generation and be responsible disciple-makers, then, Root challenges us, we may need to change the way we see and approach Scripture.

[Jason Foreman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful insights regarding the purpose of Scripture and how it functions as a witness to God and His actions throughout history.

Engaging and easy to read with just enough theological depth to begin a conversation about how to use Scripture in student ministry.

[Troy Earnest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful book. I loved the overall thoughts.

[Ryan Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essentially a really easy to understand synopsis of Barth’s hermeneutical approach.

[Oddmund Horpestad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ei utmerka bok for å kort og konkret få innblikk i kva Bibelen er og nokre tankar rundt korleis kan ta den med og bruke den for at unge skal lære Gud å kjenne gjennom den.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third installment in Root's chronicles of Nadia--a youth worker who is learning to think theologically about life and ministry. In previous volumes Nadia learned that youth ministry was participating in God's action and that central to that action was the cross of Christ. This book reflects on the place of scripture in youth ministry. What does it mean to read scripture? How should we read it? How should we teach scripture to youth?

Root talks about the three-fold-form of the Word of God (cribbed from Barth, no doubt)--the Word of God revealed most fully in Jesus, the Word of God written (the Bible) and the Word of God proclaimed (preaching). He articulates a doctrine of revelation which sees the Bible as pointing to Jesus (the Word, but derived from the Word).

The narrative eschews learning the Bible in such a manner as to be able to parrot back particular Bible verses. Root is much more concerned that we learn to interpret scripture, and our own lives, in light of the larger story of Christ's coming.

Some thoughtful reflections here. The narrative is more of a device to talk about this stuff than it is a compelling read (didactic fiction). But good food for thought (and not just for youth ministers).