A Biblical Theology of Youth Ministry: Teenagers in The Life of The Church

In A Biblical Theology of Youth Ministry: Teenagers in the Life of the Church, Dr. Michael McGarry presents the foundation behind effective student ministry from the Bible and the importance of ministering to the next generation in a theologically thoughtful way. McGarry begins by acknowledging the temporary nature of youth ministry. For youth ministry to be more than a fun teenage experience, it must be connected to the nuclear family, the church family, and the long-term spiritual growth of the student. Seeking to ground youth ministry within the biblical narrative, McGarry presents a case for ministry to teenagers from the Old and New Testaments as well as church history. In exploring youth ministry in the Old Testament, we see the community of faith coming together to raise up the next generation in the faith. The family of faith begins with the nuclear family, but it is also clearly expanded to the religious community as well. In the context of the New Testament, McGarry reminds his readers that Jesus’ disciples would have been most likely teenagers to guys in their mid-twenties so Jesus serves as a Rabbi leading the next generation of disciples. McGarry also points to the communal nature of faith as presented in Ephesians 2 to point to the importance of the community of faith coming alongside the nuclear family in raising up the next generation. Throughout church history, the process of catechesis shows the intention with which those who came before us approached discipling the next generation. In many modern church contexts that would push back on the idea of a formal catechesis, McGarry notes that “catechesis does not depend upon a rigid commitment to written catechisms; it rests upon a faithful commitment to evangelism and discipleship where the catechist (or, youth minister, in this case) methodically and intentionally teaches Christian doctrine and Christian living to those who have expressed the desire to learn” (p. 75). After addressing the biblical and historical foundations, McGarry addresses today’s application of youth ministry by exploring ecclesiology, the family, the gospel, and youth ministry as a bridge between the church and the home. In addressing ecclesiology, McGarry remarks “youth ministry is for adolescence. The family is for life. The church is for eternity. Therefore, a biblical theology of youth ministry must be primarily anchored in the Church, for this is the true family to which all Christians eternally belong” (p. 79). Youth ministry must never be divorced or siloed from the local church body. In addressing the family’s role in discipleship, McGarry notes “the biblical sense of family means that family discipleship is a community project” (p. 104). The balance between the role of the family and the church in discipleship of the next generation is a heated discussion. McGarry explores the tension by writing “it is unfortunate and unbiblical to set the disciple-making mission of the family aside for building a large youth ministry. It is also unbiblical to prioritize family-discipleship to the point that the family of faith has nothing to contribute to children and adolescent’s spiritual development. Both the Church and the family were created by God to multiply faithful worshippers - may this become an increasingly shared mission” (p. 113). At the center of discipling the next generation stands the message of the gospel. McGarry comments “the gospel has increasingly become an evangelistic tool that is treated as the entryway into the family of God (initial salvation) and as the exit (final salvation into glory), but the gospel has not shaped youth worker’s daily understanding of what it means to be a Christian: an adopted and beloved child of God (regardless of his/her worthiness)” (p. 127-128). He goes on to state “the gospel is not a doorway into and out of the Christian life, but the lifeblood itself” (p. 128). For a youth ministry to be gospel-centered, “the gospel is on the main stage at all times” (p. 131). In concluding A Biblical Theology of Youth Ministry, McGarry turns to the youth ministry as a bridge between the church and the home. He concludes “a well-run and exciting youth group is never the point of youth ministry. The goal of youth ministry is not even to produce teenage Christians. Instead, the purpose of youth ministry is to produce adult disciples whose faith took root and was nourished throughout their teen years” (p. 141). A Biblical Theology of Youth Ministry is a great gift and resource to those seeking to impact the next generation. With biblical and historical clarity paired with practical and thoughtful application, Michael McGarry has blessed the church with a book that will hopefully shape youth ministry for generations to come.

Dr. Michael McGarry’s new book, “A Biblical Theology of Youth Ministry,” is an important resource for the youth ministry community. He powerfully addresses the need for, and the importance of, youth ministry from a number of perspectives. An experienced youth pastor, McGarry opens the book addressing one of the fundamental concerns many youth ministry veterans and experts have identified; the drop out rate from church is far too high when young people graduate from the youth ministry. We can’t just keep replicating the approaches and systems that have contributed to this problem. McGarry writes, “the emphasis of this book is on presenting a clear and simple but thoroughly biblical framework for thinking about youth ministry as the church’s expression of partnership with the family for co-evangelizing and co-discipling the next generation.” (p.3) Towards that end, he does something I have seen done before; he works through the modern landscape of youth ministry, youth ministry in the Old Testament and New Testament, youth ministry in church history, the theology of youth ministry, and ultimately how this all connects to the family and the local church. For me, this systematic working through youth ministry in each of these contexts is what makes this book so important. He creates a backdrop of history and story that gives weight to his final chapters describing the important components of a healthy approach to youth ministry. I love his quote, “Youth ministry is for adolescence, the family is for life, and the Church is for eternity.” (p.143) This theme is repeated throughout the book and plays a critical role in shaping a biblical theology of youth ministry. At 164 pages, this is an easy read. While part of the Randall House Academic line, McGarry does a great job of balancing solid research and methodology with an approachable writing style making this a book for youth ministry professionals and volunteers alike. I highly recommend the book; it is definitely a must read for anyone who wants to see young people and families impacted for God.

Mike McGarry’s insight and guidance into youth ministry is not only on the mark in this book, but I can testify that it’s contents have been lived out and there’s no better guide for you. I’ve known Mike since we were children and started an FCA huddle together in high school. Since those early days, Mike has had a passion for youth to be both valued and thought of as essential parts of the body for the Church to most fully thrive. This book is an exceptional bridge between sound theological frameworks and practical insights into how to apply the framework to real-life scenarios. Thankful for his tireless efforts to devote himself so fully to this book and live out the principles of the book with his life. If you are wondering what the Church should make of this rising generation’s relationship with God, buy this book. It refreshed my faith in God’s plans for the youth around me, but even more importantly reminded me that I also need to learn from them as we all seem to glorify God and advance the Gospel. Mike’s thoughtful, practical, and timely book shows us how to live out the Gospel with truth and grace.

Michael McGarry has successfully provided a unique resource for those interested in youth ministry. To my knowledge, there have been few attempts to truly outline the biblical, theological, and historical foundations for youth ministry; however, this book stands as a biblically deep, theologically rich, and relevantly practical resource for today. McGarry provides a perspective that identifies the inadequacy of many contemporary youth ministry models without "throwing the baby out with the bath water." He labors to give a biblical, theological, and historical foundation for the efforts of youth ministry while addressing contemporary issues and struggles with Gen Z in light of scripture. Particularly helpful is his discussion on the development of youth ministry across church history (ch. 4), which provides insight on the importance of teaching through catechisms (a practice all but forgotten, yet fundamental for the historical church). In addition, his discussion on Ecclesiology and Youth Ministry (ch. 5) is timely. Many books emphasize the importance of involving youth in the local church without providing biblical and practical ways to do this. McGarry does just this. His discussion on baptism and church membership is particularly important. Finally, in contrast to contemporary movements that seek to remove youth ministry altogether, the author outlines the biblical understanding of family that emphasizes importance of the parents while also providing a rich understanding of the church as the spiritual family that is responsible (along with parents) to disciple the next generation together. Perhaps this is the most important contribution of the book. Overall, this is a helpful contribution to the study of youth ministry that remains immensely biblical as well as practical. In the youth ministry I lead, I intend to utilize this book in our internship program as a must-read. I would highly encourage it for any one interested in, serving in, supporting, or leading youth ministry. "It is both unbiblical and foolish to divorce youth ministry from the Bride of Christ. The Church, not Israel and not the family, is the central means through which God has chosen to continue His work until Christ's return. May these biblical and theological foundations for youth ministry serve as reminders to be a bridge, connecting the church and home while building lifelong disciples whose faith is firmly planted in the Church." (ps. 97-98)

This book lays a great foundation for youth ministry. It gives a sweeping view of youth and how they have been ministered to throughout biblical and church history. It gives practical ways to apply this newfound understanding of the theology of youth. Finally a Theology of Youth Ministry I highly recommend this book!