
"This Way to Youth Ministry"
written by Duffy Robbins
Reviewed by Murray Brown
Firstly, this is not a youth ministry book for the newcomer
wanting to tentatively dip their toes into the world of youth
ministry. Nor is it light bedtime reading for the tired youth
ministry mind. Instead this book is a comprehensive youth
ministry textbook of nearly 600 pages for the youth ministry
student and the youth ministry veteran alike.
Yet don’t mistake textbook for meaning “dry
and dull”. Leafing through the pages it seems like
everywhere you turn are simple yet profound insights that
cover the full gamut of youth ministry.
Duffy begins with an introduction to the world of youth
ministry and the heart of the youth minister before wading
into the waters of adolescent development and adolescent
culture. He calls this section “Understanding the Terrain” and
it perfectly illustrates his ability to deal at depth with
subjects in a way that is clear and insightful. He weaves
these two elements together before introducing a third: the
church and it’s attempts at reaching young people.
This third element serves as a bridge into the third and
final section entitled “Charting a Course for the Journey” in
which he explores adolescent spirituality and a philosophy
of ministry.
Overall this is an outstanding and significant work - one
that should be on the bookshelf of every serious student
of youth ministry.
|