Book Review - Postmodern Youth Ministry

Wow! Finally! Praise the Lord! It's about time.

I hate it so much when the cover of a book makes it appear as if the book is about postmodernity but it actually isn't. That happens so much. In fact, right now I am staring at a few books in my library that claim to be about the postmodern shift, but between the covers there is hardly a mention of it.

Thats what excites me about this book. Tony Jones discusses the shifts in culture and how that effects Youth Ministry in a way that keeps one from wanting to put the book down. Not only that - but Jones is PRACTICAL in his approach. I love that word, practical. Say it with me, "practical." Ah, doesn't that feel good? That is a word that is left out too often in ministry, but needs to be on the front of our minds, as ministers of the Gospel.

Jones begins his book by giving a brief introduction of postmodernity. What is it? How did it get here? What does it have to do with the church? Can someone be postmodern and like saur kraut?, etc. Included in this section is a look at the history of the church, the early church fathers, and how they played a role in this cultural movement.

The author then begins to look at Teenagers and their role in this matrix. by studying their role, he helps youth workers of all types (Part-time, Full-time, volunteer) understand what needs to be done to help them understand what Christ truly means to us, but note...he doesn't tell you what to do (more on this later).

Although the Title of this Book is Postmodern Youth Ministry I feel like it will benefit church workers of all types, beyond the realms of Youth Ministry. Elders, Deacons, Sunday/Wednesday teachers, greeters, contribution counters, janitors will all be able to take a page out of Tony's book (no, don't literally rip it out). Throughout this book you'll be telling yourself "So that is why my church is like this!".

I didn't agree with everything Jones said. However, off of the top of my head I don't think I can recall a book that I agree with 100% of the content (besides the Bible, of course). So that being said, lets continue...

As mentioned earlier, Tony doesn't give a straight up, this is what we need to do answer (although he does give us great tips and things to think about). Most Youth Ministry books I've read have a formula such as "If you do these 10 things, you'll be a good youth minister" or "this is the only way you can get the church to grow", etc. Rather, Jones simply gives us the tools we need and leaves it up to us to figure out how to use them. I love that. He knows, as we all do, that mistakes will be made. He admits mistakes he has made himself. But since Jones was willing to share his knowledge, the ministers of the world (well, at least the ones who read this book) will grow from it.

I know not everyone is a Youth Minister. But PLEASE, PLEASE, PURTY PLEASE read this book if you serve any kind of role, whatsoever in your church. You'll benefit from it, I promise.

Weaknesses

- At times, the section of the history of the church seemed kind of boring. Perhaps that is just because I have heard it so much though.

- Um, the book isn't longer? I really can't think of any criticism about this book.

Strengths

-Excellently written. Information is given from a knowledgeable guy who knows what it is like "in the trenches" and doesn't present it in a "Holier than thou" attitude.

-Its a Postmodern book actually about Postmodernity

-Practical, Theological, Spiritual, all in one!

-OK, I'm getting tired of typing out all the things I like about this book. Just trust me, it's awesome! Now go pick up a copy!

Overall

9.5/10

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