A.S.K.: Real World Questions / Real World Answer by David Robertson

Who should read it

This book is written for Christian teenagers, addressing their questions, curiosities and doubts about the Christian faith. Youth leaders will value the way Robertson frames his answers to the questions. Curious non-Christian teens will find clear, accessible answers to some of their own questions about the Christian faith of their friends.

Why

David Robertson has produced a clear, concise and readily accessible book on 52 questions that Christian teenagers have asked about their faith. Robertson sourced the questions from real-life teenagers across the globe and had provided succinct, yet substantive, answers that also bear witness to the authors pastoral heart. From the nature of God (“If God talked to Samuel, why can’t he talk to me?”), science and faith (“Why doesn’t Christianity accept the Big Bang?”), suffering (“Why did God kill my father and we suffered because we became orphans?”), theological quandaries (“Do dogs go to heaven?”) to the big cultural issues of today (“What should be a Christian’s response to mental illness?”), each chapter contains a bible reading, key verse, a two page explanation, questions to consider, recommended further readings and a prayer of response.

Publisher

Christian Focus Publications, 2019

Crucial Questions (Series) by R.C. Sproul

Who should read it

The Crucial Questions series is ideal for senior youth wanting to dig deeper into the Bible or Theology, as curriculum for a junior leadership program or as a resource for leaders in discipling young people.

Why

Crucial Questions is a series of short topical books, with over 30 titles in the series. Well regarded theologian and pastor R.C. Sproul briefly and accessibly covers one question in each book. The topics are wide ranging from Pastoral Theology (Can I be Sure I'm Saved? What Can I Do with my Guilt?), Apologetics (Can I Tust the Bible?), Evangelism (How Can I be Right with God?), Philiosophy (Does God Exist?), The Bible (What do Jesus Parables Mean?), Christian Living (How Should I think About Money) and Theology (What is the Trinity). One of the best things about this series is that each of the books is available free as an eBook on the Ligoniers Ministries website here.

Publisher

Reformation Trust, various years

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

The Bible Story Handbook by John H. Walton and Kim E. Walton

Who should read it

While written particularly with Primary School children in mind, The Bible Story Handbook is an excellent resource for every leader of children and youth (and even adult!) ministry as they prepare teaching times on narrative passages of the Bible.

Why

Husband and wife team, John and Kim Walton bring together John's expertise as a Bible scholar, with Kim's experience in writing and reviewing children's ministry curriculums, to prepare this excellent handbook. Each of the 175 narratives chosen explore the passage under 6 headings; (1) Lesson Focus, (2) Lesson Application, (3) Biblical Context, (4) Interpretational Issues, (5) Background Information, and (6) Mistakes to Avoid. The authors keep the big picture of the Bible at the forefront of their lesson guides, keeping the focus on God's meta-narrative of the Bible as central to each passage.

Publisher

Crossway, 2010