When Kumbaya Is Not Enough: A Practical Theology for Youth Ministry

by Dean Borgman

"Writing with the lens of a theologian, the heart of a pastor, and welcome doctrinal breadth, Dean Borgman has provided a "field book" of pastoral theologies that take seriously the social systems shaping the lives of adolescents—never mind that Borgman knows more about youth culture than anybody alive. This book is a significant step toward the long-awaited conversation about theology and youth ministry in postmodern culture."
—Kenda Creasy Dean, Assistant Professor of Youth, Church and Culture, Princeton Theological Seminary “Dean Borgman has been a wonderful mentor and teacher for hundreds of youth workers throughout the years. In this excellent work he brings theological integrity, depth, and years of wisdom like nothing else I have seen in our field.”
—Jim Burns, President, National Institute of Youth Ministry Chapters address such issues as family and peer pressure, music, sexuality, growth and development, and modern culture.

241 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1995

About the author

Dean Borgman (MA, Fairfield University and Columbia University) is the Charles E. Culpeper Professor of Youth Ministries at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and teaches at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Seminary. An internationally recognized authority on youth culture and adolescent ministries, he established Young Life in New England and founded and directs the Center for Youth Studies. Borgman is the author of several other youth ministry books and hundreds of articles and is an Episcopal priest. He lives in Rockport, Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dean Borgman wrote this book decades ago, but it is relevant for youth ministers - all ministers today. As a missionary, I think a lot about culture, and Dean writes excellent questions about all kinds of issues that youth workers deal with, so that they can learn how to understand the Bible, themselves and youth culture better. It was required reading for my studies, but it is a really practical book.