Biblical Theology of Youth Ministry by Michael McGarry

Who should read it

This book is designed for those who want to approach youth ministry from a biblical foundation. It presents a fairly comprehensive overview of the biblical and historical material regarding young people and their place amongst the people of God.

Why

Biblical Theology of Youth Ministry gives an overview of where and how ministry to young people has featured in the life of the people of God. It presents Five Pillars of Gospel Centred Youth Ministry which outline how the gospel shapes youth ministry. McGarry starts by outlining what he considers to be three foundational problems facing modern youth ministry - the dropout rate, the influence on teenagers that the broader culture of apathy towards Christianity has, and the fragmentation of youth ministry, family and church.

He then sets out on a tour of the Old and New Testaments, as well as church history and theology to show how God's people have traditionally approached ministry to young people. McGarry then outlines his 'Five Pillars of Gospel-Centred Youth Ministry':

1) gospel centrality

2) theological depth through expository, biblical teaching

3) relational discipleship

4) partnership with parents

5) intergenerational integration.

The book concludes with McGarry suggesting that given the transient nature of youth ministry, the nature of the Church and the biblical mandate for parents to have the primary role of discipleship, the place of youth ministry is to act as a bridge between the church and the home.

Publisher

Randall House Publications, 2019