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A Biblical Theology of Youth Ministry: Teenagers in The Life of The Church
Youth ministry today has fallen on hard times. Many churches continue to employ the same methods that have become entrenched over the last few decades, while others are questioning the need for it at all. Michael McGarry explores the foundation of youth ministry in the Old and New Testaments and brings that together with Church history in a compelling way. This contemplative and well-researched book provides a careful critique of youth ministry along with practical guidance for those serving in ministry. The author directs the reader toward a new era of youth ministry where parents and intergenerational ministry play a more significant role. McGarry shares five pillars of gospel-centered youth ministry and reminds readers of the spiritual priority of parents. The author also provides an excellent list of essential building blocks for youth ministry, and practical advice for creating a bridge-building youth ministry connecting church and home.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 9, 2019
Dr. Michael McGarry’s new book, “A Biblical Theology of Youth Ministry,” is an important resource for the youth ministry community. He powerfully addresses the need for, and the importance of, youth ministry from a number of perspectives.
An experienced youth pastor, McGarry opens the book addressing one of the fundamental concerns many youth ministry veterans and experts have identified; the drop out rate from church is far too high when young people graduate from the youth ministry. We can’t just keep replicating the approaches and systems that have contributed to this problem.
McGarry writes, “the emphasis of this book is on presenting a clear and simple but thoroughly biblical framework for thinking about youth ministry as the church’s expression of partnership with the family for co-evangelizing and co-discipling the next generation.” (p.3)
Towards that end, he does something I have seen done before; he works through the modern landscape of youth ministry, youth ministry in the Old Testament and New Testament, youth ministry in church history, the theology of youth ministry, and ultimately how this all connects to the family and the local church. For me, this systematic working through youth ministry in each of these contexts is what makes this book so important. He creates a backdrop of history and story that gives weight to his final chapters describing the important components of a healthy approach to youth ministry.
I love his quote, “Youth ministry is for adolescence, the family is for life, and the Church is for eternity.” (p.143) This theme is repeated throughout the book and plays a critical role in shaping a biblical theology of youth ministry.
At 164 pages, this is an easy read. While part of the Randall House Academic line, McGarry does a great job of balancing solid research and methodology with an approachable writing style making this a book for youth ministry professionals and volunteers alike. I highly recommend the book; it is definitely a must read for anyone who wants to see young people and families impacted for God.
An experienced youth pastor, McGarry opens the book addressing one of the fundamental concerns many youth ministry veterans and experts have identified; the drop out rate from church is far too high when young people graduate from the youth ministry. We can’t just keep replicating the approaches and systems that have contributed to this problem.
McGarry writes, “the emphasis of this book is on presenting a clear and simple but thoroughly biblical framework for thinking about youth ministry as the church’s expression of partnership with the family for co-evangelizing and co-discipling the next generation.” (p.3)
Towards that end, he does something I have seen done before; he works through the modern landscape of youth ministry, youth ministry in the Old Testament and New Testament, youth ministry in church history, the theology of youth ministry, and ultimately how this all connects to the family and the local church. For me, this systematic working through youth ministry in each of these contexts is what makes this book so important. He creates a backdrop of history and story that gives weight to his final chapters describing the important components of a healthy approach to youth ministry.
I love his quote, “Youth ministry is for adolescence, the family is for life, and the Church is for eternity.” (p.143) This theme is repeated throughout the book and plays a critical role in shaping a biblical theology of youth ministry.
At 164 pages, this is an easy read. While part of the Randall House Academic line, McGarry does a great job of balancing solid research and methodology with an approachable writing style making this a book for youth ministry professionals and volunteers alike. I highly recommend the book; it is definitely a must read for anyone who wants to see young people and families impacted for God.
August 24, 2022
One of the best, most comprehensive and biblically rooted books on youth ministry I have ever read. It is a brilliant exposition of both youth ministry orthodoxy and orthopraxy. McGarry does an excellent job of tracing both the history and importance of youth ministry through the Old Testament, New Testament, Early Church History and history in a way that bolsters the conviction to invest in and disciple the next generation in the faith. His emphasis on co-discipling and co-evangelizing teenagers alongside of parents, as well as youth ministry being a valuable yet temporary bridge between families and the church in order to produce faithful, long term adult disciples is so fundamental yet revolutionary in the wake of what youth ministry has been in the past and what it must become in the future. I would highly recommend this to any youth pastor, youth volunteer, parent or simply church goer if you want to have a greater understanding of the "why" of youth ministry as well as the "what" and "how".
January 30, 2023
In trying to make sense of the role of youth ministry in churches, there are few books that put youth ministry into its context with the Bible, preferring to offer tips for how to wrangle groups of teenagers and provide them with a religious alternative to secular supervision.
McGarry’s book is different, explaining what youth ministry sets out to achieve, and setting forth both a vision to see young people maturing into adult disciples, and also providing a way forward to improve dialogue between youth leaders and both parents and church leaders.
Well worth reading with your youth ministry team.
McGarry’s book is different, explaining what youth ministry sets out to achieve, and setting forth both a vision to see young people maturing into adult disciples, and also providing a way forward to improve dialogue between youth leaders and both parents and church leaders.
Well worth reading with your youth ministry team.
October 30, 2020
Youth ministry professional required read
This book lays a great foundation for youth ministry. It gives a sweeping view of youth and how they have been ministered to throughout biblical and church history. It gives practical ways to apply this newfound understanding of the theology of youth. Finally a Theology of Youth Ministry I highly recommend this book!
This book lays a great foundation for youth ministry. It gives a sweeping view of youth and how they have been ministered to throughout biblical and church history. It gives practical ways to apply this newfound understanding of the theology of youth. Finally a Theology of Youth Ministry I highly recommend this book!
July 20, 2022
Are you in church leadership?
Then you must read this book (also make sure you read the bible).
It doesn't matter what role you take in the church this book will be invaluable. Great for youth leaders and all Pastors alike, this book lays out solid biblical foundations for youth ministry and calls for the needed change.
Then you must read this book (also make sure you read the bible).
It doesn't matter what role you take in the church this book will be invaluable. Great for youth leaders and all Pastors alike, this book lays out solid biblical foundations for youth ministry and calls for the needed change.
February 2, 2023
Good book on foundation of Youth Ministry
The author does a great job of providing a biblical framework for youth ministry and presenting the challenges of getting there. Love the look at the history of the church and how it did ministry to young people. This is a good book for not just youth leaders but parents and pastors
The author does a great job of providing a biblical framework for youth ministry and presenting the challenges of getting there. Love the look at the history of the church and how it did ministry to young people. This is a good book for not just youth leaders but parents and pastors
August 21, 2021
A great book to help you rethink the youth ministry you grew up with
I recommend this book for anyone who is not concerned with having the biggest youth ministry, but the most effective youth ministry.
I recommend this book for anyone who is not concerned with having the biggest youth ministry, but the most effective youth ministry.
November 5, 2023
There aren’t many books that offer a gospel-centered take on youth ministry. There are even fewer that do so while also upholding healthy and biblical ecclesiology. While there are a few concerns, on the whole this volume does both well.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews