"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.