Youth ministry is an essential part of most evangelical churches. And yet, there is a surprising lack of resources written specifically for youth workers focused on viewing all aspects of youth ministry through a gospel-focused lens. Featuring contributions from a host of experienced youth workers from a wide variety of churches, this how-to manual offers guidance related to every facet of youth ministry, from planning short-term mission trips to working with parents. Theologically rooted yet eminently practical, this handbook will equip youth leaders to effectively shepherd the young people under their care—training them to live faithfully in their homes, churches, and schools.
“Here is my basic, biblical assumption: the primary role of the youth pastor and the student ministry in the local church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ.” (source)
“Perhaps the most important thing a person ministering to youth can possess is an accurate appraisal of the fundamental problem in both people and the world and a clear understanding of the way God can restore them both.” (source)
“A disciple is a lifelong learner who is following and growing in relationship with Jesus Christ.” (source)
“Eve shifts from operating under the authority of what God verbally had revealed to her and now uses her own senses and judgment for her view of morality, herself, and God.” (source)
“Just as Jesus identified the sin in the life of the woman at the well, we are called to identify the sin in the lives of the young people in our ministries.” (source)
“Few of us take a trip without some kind of GPS device at our
side. We need help navigating the route, the traffic, and the
current road conditions, all in an effort to reach our final
destination. In humble, authentic and truth-tested ways,
Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry provides that level of
clarity to those who are passionate about engaging, connecting, and
discipling young people within the reach of their calling. With
advice anchored in the timeless truth of God’s Word,
Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry delivers light to the unlit
roads of working with young people. It underscores the priority of
this mission, while amplifying the impact that an effective student
ministry can have within a church community. Filled with wisdom,
light, hope, and guidance, the contributors point to a clear
objective—making lifelong followers of Jesus the Christ.”
—Dan Wolgemuth, President/CEO, Youth for
Christ
“This book is both theologically insightful and practical . . .
and a book about youth ministry must be both. This is a commendable
resource for youth pastors, volunteers, students in training, and
search teams looking for a youth pastor.”
—Jay S. Thomas, Lead Pastor, Chapel Hill Bible
Church, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
“We see the lamentable statistics about younger people walking
away from the church, despite every attempt over the last couple of
generations either to turn up the cool factor or to fight the
culture wars—or both. The contributors point to a better way. They
have tested his gospel-centered approach and honed and refined it
along the way. This book is not only a wake-up call, it is a
practical guide for ministry to our younger brothers and sisters.
I’ll be recommending this book far and wide.”
—Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor
of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary
California
“You are holding a very helpful, straight-to-the-point
examination of the fundamental how-to’s in youth ministry. Covered
here are the key areas of successful Christian youth leadership.
Broad in scope but sharp in focus, this book will clearly help
anyone who strives to have a ministry built on gold rather than
straw.”
—Ken Moser, Assistant Professor of Youth Ministry,
Briercrest College and Seminary; author, Changing the World
through Effective Youth Ministry
“The contributors to this volume have reflected deeply on the
nature and power of the gospel. Drawing from their years of
experience, they have given us theologically rich and practical
reflections on youth ministry that aim to exalt Christ, strengthen
the whole church, and equip teenagers for ministry.”
—Mary Willson Hannah, Associate Director of
Women’s Initiatives, The Gospel Coalition
“Gospel-centered youth ministry is the need of the hour. It’s
rare to find a book that brings together expertise on everything
from evangelism to small groups, from mission trips to social
justice, but Cameron Cole and Jon Nielson have given us the perfect
primer. I’m grateful for this book and look forward to putting it
in front of my students!”
—Alvin L. Reid, Professor of
Evangelism and Student Ministry, Southeastern Baptist Theological
Seminary; author, As You Go: Creating a Missional Culture of
Gospel-Centered Students
“Here are 14 chapters written by 14 practitioners each with his
or her own personality, writing style, and insight. Yet there is
one focus—Jesus. For these writers, youth ministry is not only
about teaching the teachings of Jesus, although that is important.
Youth ministry is about making disciples—life-long learners
personally following and growing in Jesus. These chapters are
heart-felt and teen sensitive, with a profound respect for the
gospel. That, plus a lot of practical insight make this a book
worth having in your youth ministry library.”
—Terry Dittmer, National Director of Youth
Ministry for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
“Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry is a substantial step
in the right direction toward faithful discipleship of students.
Not only should anyone in full time, part-time, or volunteer youth
ministry purchase this book, but pastors and parents need to pick
up a copy as well. Your church will be blessed by it.”
—John Perritt, Director of Resources,
Reformed Youth Ministries
“Cameron Cole and Jon Nielson provide a clear vision of holistic
ministry, encouraging and challenging readers to integrate the
gospel as the center of their ministry with youth.”
—Brian Cosby, Senior Pastor, Wayside Presbyterian
Church, Signal Mountain, Tennessee; Visiting Professor, Reformed
Theological Seminary, Atlanta
Cameron Cole (MA, Wake Forest University) is the founder of Rooted, a ministry dedicated to fostering gospel-centered student ministry. He is the author of Therefore I Have Hope: 12 Truths That Comfort, Sustain, and Redeem in Tragedy, and the coeditor of Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry and The Jesus I Wish I Knew in High School.