"Postmodern Youth Ministry"

written by Tony Jones

Reviewed by Murray Brown

“Postmodern Youth Ministry” is an effort by Tony Jones to develop an approach to youth ministry to fit what he sees is an emerging postmodern approach to life among young people. He begins with a description of postmodernism and falls into the perhaps unavoidable trap of trying to define that which resists definition. Yet despite his oversimplifications he provides as good a summary as any of postmodernism which will be particularly helpful to the newcomer.

He goes on to trace the churches response to culture over the years and calls us in youth ministry to adopt a more missional approach built on communities of young people focussed on authenticity and a sense of the transcendent God. Along the way unhelpful and even deceitful youth ministry practices of the “bait and switch” (bait young people with the promise of music and entertainment and then toward the end switch to a gospel presentation) rightfully come in for criticism.

Jones’ has some insightful things to say in places that are sure to challenge, and is not afraid to take a kick at some of the sacred cows of evangelicalism. The Church’s approach’s to evangelism and understanding the Bible along with the youth ministry profession itself all becomes targets of criticism with well reasoned and presented arguments and insights. Helpful are the comments dotted throughout the book from his peers who interact and at times even disagree (mildly) with his arguments.

However as he moves from philosophy to youth ministry practice, Jones’s arguments for a new style of youth ministry that is “postmodern” wear somewhat thin. He talks of a return to historical Christianity with more liturgical approaches to worship and catechistical approach to discipleship. In the process he gives descriptions of a vesper service and a year long confirmation class programme, which provide excellent ideas for youth pastors to reflect on, but the implication that this is a new (old) approach to youth ministry that meets the needs of postmodern young people is stretching it somewhat.

Yes, these approaches have some logical appeal to the postmodern mind, and Jones’ draws some convincing links, yet one wonders whether what is described has worked in his Church because it has particularly appealed to young people searching for variety and creativity in their experience God rather than because it is the way to do “postmodern youth ministry”.

Yet despite these reservations, this book is a worthwhile read which challenges notions about youth ministry within our culture. Rather than a definitive prescription for youth ministry in a postmodern setting, it is best read as one man’s perspectives and ideas working within a cultural setting which, by his own admission, is yet to be mainstream in America (let alone the world).

- Tony Jones is the minister to youth and young adults at Colonial Church of Edina in Minnesota. Postmodern Youth Ministry is published by Youth Specialties (2001)

- Murray Brown is the Director of YouthTRAIN