Revisiting Relational Youth Ministry - by Andrew Root (Paperback)

About the Book

Root reviews the history of relational/incarnational youth ministry in American evangelicalism and recasts the practice as one of "place-sharing," not so much "earning the right to be heard" as honoring the human dignity of youth and locating God in their midst. (Ministry & Pastoral Resources)

Book Synopsis

Andrew Root reviews the history of relational/incarnational youth ministry in American evangelicalism and recasts the practice as one of "place-sharing"--not so much "earning the right to be heard" as honoring the human dignity of youth and locating God in their midst.

Review Quotes

. . . The theological and philosophical ideas provide the groundwork for anyone seeking to develop a healthy congregational youth program.

. . . The theological and philosophical ideas provide the groundwork for anyone seeking to develop a healthy congregational youth program.

--Jason Lief, Pro Rege, June 2008

"Revisiting Relational Youth Ministry establishes Andrew Root as a seminal voice in a new generation of youth ministry scholars. Fresh, wise and disciplined, Root exposes the sand on which much 'relational youth ministry' of the late twentieth century has been based, and recasts the church's ministry with young people in the Christology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. In so doing, Root injects youth ministry with both a needed missional direction and a welcome theological humility. Drawing on 'real life' relational ministries, Root offers concrete practices that reestablish youth ministry's footing in the suffering love of God in Jesus Christ. Andrew Root is poised to lead the field in rethinking youth ministry as a practical theological discipline, and this book is a breathtaking step in the right direction."

"Revisiting Relational Youth Ministry establishes Andrew Root as a seminal voice in a new generation of youth ministry scholars. Fresh, wise and disciplined, Root exposes the sand on which much 'relational youth ministry' of the late twentieth century has been based, and recasts the church's ministry with young people in the Christology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. In so doing, Root injects youth ministry with both a needed missional direction and a welcome theological humility. Drawing on 'real life' relational ministries, Root offers concrete practices that reestablish youth ministry's footing in the suffering love of God in Jesus Christ. Andrew Root is poised to lead the field in rethinking youth ministry as a practical theological discipline, and this book is a breathtaking step in the right direction."

--Kenda Creasy Dean, M.Div., Ph.D., parent, pastor and associate professor of youth, church and culture, Princeton Theological Seminary

"Andy Root has unveiled the most significant challenge in youth ministry today--unconditional relationships. Too often we use relationships to achieve our goals and in the process abandon teenagers when those goals are not achieved. Andy has brilliantly laid before us an essential course correction for relational youth ministry that is faithful to the incarnation of Jesus."

"In this groundbreaking book, Andrew Root explodes the myth that those involved with youth ministry can be excused from being theologians and that theologians can be exempted from writing a theology for youth ministry. Drawing upon the incarnational and transformational theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, among others, Root argues for a relational ministry that is incarnational rather than merely instrumental. He presents Jesus as a living person rather than merely providing a pattern for incarnational ministry, and shows us how a relational ministry can go beyond merely connecting with others to create and inhabit a transforming space. Andy knows how to enter and interpret the culture of adolescence and youth, and shares this wisdom with us. His case studies and creative scenarios put faces on his facts and lend dramatic life to his theories. The book provides the course on theology of ministry that most youth leaders and pastors never got in Bible school or seminary, and the one indispensable text that professors of youth ministry have been longing for."

"In Andrew Root's debut, he has produced a book that every youth worker (and every sponsor, volunteer, parent and pastor) should read. With incisive thinking and articulate writing, Root argues that relationships are not a means to a goal--they are the goal. He treats history fairly, develops a compelling Christology and shows how Christ is present within human relationships. Without hyperbole, I predict this book will change the face of Christian youth ministry."

Root challenges youth pastors to go beyond doing mere jobs and live the incarnation of Christ with youth.

Root challenges youth pastors to go beyond doing mere jobs and live the incarnation of Christ with youth.

--Chris Maxwell in Ministry Today, March/April 2008

Root has established himself as a leader in a theological renewal for the practice of youth ministry. Engagement with this book will prove fruitful in rethinking your ministry with young people wherever it is. It already has for me.

Root has established himself as a leader in a theological renewal for the practice of youth ministry. Engagement with this book will prove fruitful in rethinking your ministry with young people wherever it is. It already has for me.

--Erik C. Leafblad, Word World, Summer 2008

Root urges readers to adopt a "being with" ministry to students, encouraging them to stand with people in need. Put this on your "buy now" list.

Root urges readers to adopt a "being with" ministry to students, encouraging them to stand with people in need. Put this on your "buy now" list.

--L. E. in The Journal of Student Ministries, March/April 2008

Root's book is a valuable asset to the field of youth ministry. In calling for an incarnational perspective of relational ministry, Root provides a biblical and theological foundation from which youth leaders can establish meaningful relationships with young people.

Root's book is a valuable asset to the field of youth ministry. In calling for an incarnational perspective of relational ministry, Root provides a biblical and theological foundation from which youth leaders can establish meaningful relationships with young people.

--Jason Lief, Pro Rege, June 2008

Too often we abandon teenagers when our relationship does not produce our predetermined results. Thankfully, Andy Root has brilliantly laid before us an essential course correction for relational ministry that is faithful to the incarnation of Jesus.

Too often we abandon teenagers when our relationship does not produce our predetermined results. Thankfully, Andy Root has brilliantly laid before us an essential course correction for relational ministry that is faithful to the incarnation of Jesus.

--YouthWorker eJournal, August 2007

About the Author

Andrew Root is assistant professor of youth and family ministry at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota. A former Young Life staffworker, he has served in churches and social service agencies as a youth outreach associate and a gang prevention counselor.