Youth Ministry as Mission: A Conversation About Theology and Culture

by Brian C. Hull

Overview

Is ministering to youth like being a cross-cultural missionary? You'd better believe it.

The parallels between ministry within youth culture and global missions have long been touted by youth ministry experts, yet few resources exist to help youth workers benefit practically from the insights of missiologists. In Youth Ministry as Mission, Brian Hull and Patrick Mays fill this gap with an introduction to missiology, missions practice, and missionary witness tailored especially for a youth ministry context.

Youth ministers will discover missiological language that describes realities they face regularly and activities of cross-cultural missionaries that translate well into leaders within youth ministries. Hull and Mays address issues such as:

• Understanding the relationship of the incarnation to ministering in youth culture
• Translating stories and practicing storytelling as preparation for witnessing
• Teaching for witness in a multi-religious context

Youth Ministry as Mission will be a valuable guide for college and seminary students as well as a breath of fresh air to those already working in youth ministry.

"Hull and Mays show us how missiology can help us see a way forward in youth ministry, humbly discovering the mission of God right where we are--where we, too, have been sent to become living translations of the gospel for young people." --Brad M. Griffin, senior director, Fuller Youth Institute; author of 3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager

"With deferential scholarly humility, Hull and Mays have written a book that insists on integration over invention." --Dr. Dave Rahn, coauthor of Disrupting Teens with Joy

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780825477805
Publisher:	Kregel Publications
Publication date:	07/12/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Brian Hull (PhD, Asbury Theological Seminary) is associate professor of Youth Ministry at Asbury University and director of Asbury’s Youth Becoming Leaders Program. Among other books and journal articles, Hull is coauthor of Reachable Reconciliation with Fred Oduyoye (Youth Specialties/Zondervan).

Table of Contents

1 Introduction 9

2 What Is a Missionary? 19

3 Why Mission? 33

4 The Impact of the Incarnation 53

5 The Translatability of the Gospel 67

6 Engaging Culture 85

7 Cultural Relativism 111

8 Developing a Discerning Community 125

9 Telling the Story 139

10 Developing Leaders 161

11 World Religions … in Our Neighborhoods! 185

12 Social Justice 201

13 Short-Term Missions 241

14 Epilogue: Keeping the Conversation Going 253

Works Cited 257

Editorial Reviews

If we hope to reach young people today, we must both know their world and know them in their world. In Youth Ministry as Mission, Hull and Mays show us how missiology can help us see a way forward in youth ministry, humbly discovering the mission of God right where we are—where we, too, have been sent to become living translations of the gospel for young people.

senior director, Fuller Youth Institute - Brad M. Griffin

With deferential scholarly humility, Mays and Hull have written a book that insists on integration over invention. Both hefty and substantive, it's also winsome. The authors eagerly synthesize diverse contributions in pursuit of truly helpful answers. Compelling theological clarity gives shape to culturally savvy youth ministry practice; a missional mindset flows into biblically faithful activity. Thought leaders contemplating future church and 20-year olds aligning weekly youth ministry efforts with God’s purposes will find considerable value in this text. May our vision soar as we embrace life with Jesus among young people on mission!

co-author, Disrupting Teens with Joy - Dr Dave Rahn

The field of youth ministry is in need of an approachable, yet deeply theological, examination of cross-cultural missions. This is that book. Whether you are a devoted lay member, a seasoned youth pastor, or a youth ministry educator, this innovative and engaging book will be a valuable and timeless tool.

student ministries pastor, Northwood Church - Dr D.J. Coleman

Youth Ministry as Mission: A Conversation About Theology and Culture is a must-read for new and experienced youth ministers alike. Hull and Mays establish clear connections between youth ministry and Christian missiological principles that will provide fresh insights for communicating the gospel to and with youth. Their questions and suggestions for practical application have already encouraged our team to creatively engage our local church community in this important work.

youth ministry director, Bulverde UMC, advisory board member, Youth Becoming Leaders: High School Christian Leaders - Caleigh Smith