Four Views of Youth Ministry and the Church

by Mark H. Senter III, Chap Clark

Join the conversation as experts propose, defend, and explore Four Views of Youth Ministry and the Church. In a dialog that often gets downright feisty, four youth ministry academicians delineate their distinct philosophical and ecclesiological views regarding how youth ministry relates to the church at large--and leave a taste of what’s profound and what’s not in these four typologies: Inclusive congregational (Malan Nel). What happens when a church thoroughly integrates its adolescents, making them full partners in every aspect of congregational life? Preparatory (Wesley Black). Why and how should a church consider its teenagers as disciples-in-training and its youth ministry a school of preparation for future participation in church life? Missional (Chap Clark). What does a church look like, whose youth ministry does not necessarily nurture "church kids" but is essentially evangelistic? Whose youths and youth workers are considered missionaries? Strategic (Mark Senter). How feasible is it for a youth ministry to become a new church on its own--the youth pastor becoming the pastor, and the new church planted with the blessing of the mother church? In Four View of Your Ministry and the Church, solid academic writing and an inviting tone and design create a compelling text for both in-the-field, practicing youth workers and undergraduates and graduate students.

Genres: Nonfiction, Teen

192 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2001

Reviews

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is that it wasn't a typical warm-fuzzy youth ministry book--the writers were both experienced and dedicated to research. I appreciated their 'cutting the crap' and speaking to the heart of the issue rather than 'candles, darkness, and spiritual highs' B.S. that is often covered. ;)

The 4 views may seem to overlap at first glance, but each writer did a good job on distinction. I appreciated the space for critique from each of the four views and allowing space for a rebuttal as well. It's important to identify (IMHO) the one that the youth minister grew up in (assuming she/he grew up in the church) and whether or not your current youth group needs to function differently than how you grew up (which is most likely the case, I have found). This makes things more challenging, but it can work.

I felt that the authors seemed pretty genuine as well. That's a big deal in church work! (Sorry guys--I'm a pastor's kid. I've seen it all.)

I wish there were more books like this for youth ministers, actually. Things that I appreciated from the authors is that they all agreed:
1) that things need to change in youth ministry (since around half our teens are leaving the church once they are on their own--not sure if this is still the current statistic),
2) that there is no one 'correct' answer to youth ministry, and across the board,
3) that things need to change regardless of which of the four views you "line up" with.

Youth ministry isn't about consumption and parties--it's about helping teens figure out what to do with this whole "God thing" into adulthood--and being open with the fact that we're still figuring that out ourselves.

For my own records, (and for those who actually read this and are curious) I grew up in the 2nd model. My current church is a combo of the 1st and 4th model--probably more the 4th (but church planting isn't solely done by teens--it's by groups of people who feel called/committed to an area).

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of the best things about these counterpoint books is that it allows for the authors to get at the heart of the issue by interacting directly with each author from an opposing viewpoint. And yet in every response and rejoinder, 3/4 of the space was devoted to platitudes about how well the author of the particular essay has done in portraying their viewpoint and ways in which the other authors appreciate them. It almost read like one author was trying to write about four different view points and remain overly civil and non-combative in their responses. Just generally unhelpful.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a very engaging read. Interesting to consider how churches engage youth though

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. It helped me understand different approaches to youth ministry, why some work and some don't, and what might work in our church. I don't think there's one right way for everyone to do youth ministry, but it is important to consider the different options and the reasons behind them. For a youth ministry that is struggling and needs to be refocused, this book would be invaluable.

[Alvan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well this is certainly quite different from PDYM--the current bestseller among youth ministers. It makes you think...hard.

Four views are given by each author, along with matching critiques by the rest.

Read it if you want to expand your youth ministry horizon. Probably not for starting leaders though.

[James Vang · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in the summer while i was interning at a church. The title is pretty much self-explanatory. The four views are 1) inclusive congregational approach, 2) preparatory approach, 3) Missional approach and 4) strategic approach.