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.

Think about sin and the cross—the way that salvation changes who we are and how God sees us. It’s a central part of our faith, and yet it’s one of the most confusing and difficult things to teach. Especially to a room full of teenagers. In Taking the Cross to Youth Ministry, Andrew Root invites you along on a journey with Nadia—a fictional youth worker who is wrestling with how to present the cross to her own students in a meaningful way. Using Nadia’s narrative, along with his own insights, Root helps you reimagine how the cross, sin, and salvation can be taught to students in a way that leads them to embrace a lifestyle that chases after Jesus, rather than creating teenagers who just try to “be good.”

In Unlocking Mission and Eschatology in Youth Ministry Root argues that youth ministers should teach teens to recognize that as Jesus’ disciples they are participating in the very action of God to bring forth the future of God. He argues that our service to him on this earth (mission) is a sign of the new reality that Jesus will bring when he returns (eschatology).

Helps readers move beyond the wounds and baggage of bitterness, disagreements, and broken relationships. "True or false: most Christian pastors and counselors agree on what forgiveness is and how it should take place." This question is part of Chris Brauns's Forgiveness Quiz that draws readers into his book and gets them thinking about the subject of forgiveness. The truth is, pastors and counselors disagree profoundly on this subject. Unpacking Forgiveness combines sound theological thinking and honesty about the complicated questions many face to provide readers with a solid understanding of biblical forgiveness. Only God's Word can unpack forgiveness. The wounds are too deep for us to find healing on our own, and the questions are too complex to be unraveled by anything but the wisdom of God. This book goes beyond a feel-good doctrine of automatic forgiveness, balancing the beauty of God's grace and the necessity of forgiveness with the teaching that forgiveness must take place in a way that is consistent with justice.

Youth work . . . Time for a reboot? We need youth ministry that · has the Bible at its heart · offers firm foundations · is designed to outlive the youth worker ‘May this book contribute to the revival of biblical youth ministry.’ Ajith Fernando ‘Essential reading for every Christian youth worker.’ Andy du Feu ‘Combines a vast knowledge of the Bible and youth ministry with an easy-to-read and witty style.’ Ruth Jackson ‘An important read and worth reading for the sake of our young people.’ Phil Moon ‘Encouraging, constructive, challenging and provocative . . . A must-read, this book will captivate and stretch you.’ Neil O’Boyle ‘This book is 100% fresh, and it shouldn’t be. Read it and you will see what I mean!’ Mark Oestreicher ‘Argues powerfully why we need to encourage young people to love God and love his word.’ Mark Russell ‘Tim’s passion to ensure that the Bible shapes – rather than just informs – our work is both admirable and infectious.’ Martin Saunders ‘Shows us how youth ministry is . . . about living out the biblical story.’ Graham Stanton Tim Gough is Director of Llandudno Youth for Christ, Wales, UK, and the editor of the multi-award-winning blog www.youthworkhacks.com.

The youth ministry focus of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life is often forgotten or overlooked, even though he did much work with young people and wrote a number of papers, sermons, and addresses about or for the youth of the church. However, youth ministry expert Andrew Root explains that this focus is central to Bonhoeffer's story and thought. Root presents Bonhoeffer as the forefather and model of the growing theological turn in youth ministry. By linking contemporary youth workers with this epic theologian, the author shows the depth of youth ministry work and underscores its importance in the church. He also shows how Bonhoeffer's life and thought impact present-day youth ministry practice.

With decades of student ministry experience, Barry Shafer helps you develop a Bible study approach that will take your students to a whole new level. You'll gain confidence and competence in leading students deeper in Bible studies and you'll find a whole new appreciation for God's Word---for yourself and for your ministry.

This book is a theology of youth ministry, or theological reflections on the youth culture, for those who love God and young people--those who want to know what in the world God is doing with young people these days.

In an expressivist culture, effective engagement must acknowledge teenagers’ freedom to choose their own spiritual path. Yet, in an evangelical theology, faithful formation must hold on to biblical authority. As we seek to engage young people with the Bible, key questions need to be explored. Such questions include: how can pedagogical freedom be affirmed without undermining theological authority; and how can authority be asserted without diminishing personal freedom? This study explores a freedom–authority dialectic in theological dialogue with the educational philosophy of Maxine Greene. Greene’s reflection on the arts and the imagination are brought into conversation with insights from Charles Taylor, Garret Green, and Nicholas Wolterstorff. As a work of practical theology, the book concludes with a framework to shape the purpose, content, and values for Bible engagement in contemporary youth ministry.

Filled with a variety of relevant, action-oriented resources for young people, this book includes lectionary and scripture citations, themes that relate to young people, a synopsis of scripture readings, and several activity ideas--all aimed at engaging the participants with God's word.