Youth Ministry in the 21st Century: Five Views - Paperback

by Chap Clark (Editor)

There are many philosophies and strategies that drive today's youth ministry. To most people, they are variations on a single goal: to make faithful disciples of young people. However, digging deeper into various programs, books, and concepts reveals substantive differences among approaches.

Bestselling author Chap Clark is one of the leading voices in youth ministry today. In this multiview work, he brings together a diverse group of leaders to present major views on youth ministry. Chapters are written in essay/response fashion by Fernando Arzola, Greg Stier, Ron Hunter, Brian Cosby, and Chap Clark. As the contributors present their views and respond to each of the other views, they discuss their task and calling, giving readers the resources they need to develop their own approach to youth ministry. Offering a model of critical thinking and respectful dialogue, this volume provides a balanced, irenic approach to a topic with which every church wrestles.

Back Jacket

In Youth Ministry in the 21st Century, Fernando Arzola, Greg Stier, Ron Hunter, Brian Cosby, and Chap Clark present the major contemporary views on youth ministry. They also respond to one another's views, helping readers develop their own approach to youth ministry.

"Teenagers need thoughtful, theologically grounded youth leaders more than ever. Youth Ministry in the 21st Century asks the right questions and helps leaders devise innovative responses. It's a new day in youth ministry, and the insights contained in these pages will lead us all toward more transformative ministry. Together."
--Kara Powell, Fuller Youth Institute

"As youth ministry models continue to develop and evolve, we all need to submit our closely held models to that beautiful process of iron rubbing against and sharpening iron. In the end, God will have made us all better for it! That's what happens in this thought-provoking book. This grace-filled, five-way conversation is powerful and challenging. Not only will it force you to evaluate and adjust your own model of ministry, it offers a model for how to generously and humbly 'talk amongst yourselves, ' particularly with those with whom you don't agree."
--Walt Mueller, Center for Parent/Youth Understanding

"When I read a book by Chap Clark, I know I'm going to read a book that is thoughtful, theologically sound, and pulsing with the heart of a youthworker. And Youth Ministry in the 21st Century, with its iron-sharpening-iron approach, demonstrates Chap at his best, challenging us to think beyond our favorite youth ministry strategies to consider theological roots, ministry implications, and practical outcomes. You'll be pushed and pulled a bit in this book, but I'm confident these stretching exercises will only make your ministry stronger."
--Duffy Robbins, Eastern University

"I love this book. I felt like I was in a room listening in on an incredible dialogue with some of the finest thinkers in the field of youth ministry. All these youth specialists are brilliant and have a deep love for young people. There is something to learn on every page and from every viewpoint."
--Jim Burns, HomeWord Center for Youth and Family, Azusa Pacific University

Author Biography

Chap Clark (PhD, University of Denver) is professor and chair of the youth, family, and culture department at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is on the teaching team at Harbor Christian Center church in Gig Harbor, Washington, is president of ParenTeen, and works closely with Young Life. Clark has authored or coauthored numerous books, including Hurt 2.0 and Sticky Faith.