Beyond Me: Grounding Youth Ministry in God's Story [Paperback]

Wendell J. Loewen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 12, 2008

Effective ministry to youth today is more than pizza feeds and ski-trips says Wendell J. Loewen. More than ever people who work with youth in congregations are seeking ways to look beneath programs to understand the consumerism and alienation in postmodern youth culture and then respond with mature understandings of God's call.
Beyond Me is written accessibly and practically for all who are working and training to work in youth ministry, whether as youth ministers or as lay leaders. Rich in personal stories and practical examples, Loewen helps youth workers know what postmodern youth ministry looks like, but without simply giving another model to copy without thinking it through.

Editorial Reviews

Review

People involved in youth ministry today are attempting to shift away from a fragmented, isolated, consumer, and spectator philosophy of Christian nurture. Wendell Loewen has given us the pivotal guide for such change. He provides hope and strategy that is theologically solid, congregationally owned, and doable. --Chap Clark, Professor of Youth, Family, and Culture, Fuller Theological Seminary

About the Author

Wendell J. Loewen is a graduate of Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, and did his doctoral studies at Fuller Theological Seminary. His writing has appeared in Direction and Christian Leader.

Product Details

• Paperback: 168 pages
• Publisher: Herald Pr (June 12, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0836194039
• ISBN-13: 978-0836194036
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #705,269 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Where Has This Been Hiding?, January 8, 2009

By 

Joe Troyer (Canton, OH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beyond Me: Grounding Youth Ministry in God's Story (Paperback)

This book needs to be given to every youth worker I know. I have been starving for this and I just recently found it. The only reason this isn't rocketing off the shelves is because it is from a smaller publishing house.

This book has helped me see the importance of theology in youth ministry. It has helped me how to see through a new lens into postmodern culture. Pick it up. As a youth pastor, I couldn't recommend it more. Culture is changing. Youth ministry is changing. Wendell's got his finger on something here.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read, September 6, 2008

By 

C. Eidse (North Carolina) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beyond Me: Grounding Youth Ministry in God's Story (Paperback)

Wendell does a great job in the first 1/2 of the book at analyzing the culture in an interesting and gripping way. In the second 1/2 of the book he dives into depth at the core principles behind a successful and grounded youth ministry that will have lasting impact. I highly recommend this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Relational versus program oriented student ministry, August 11, 2008

By 

Hal L. Shrader - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beyond Me: Grounding Youth Ministry in God's Story (Paperback)

It is rare to see a book on
student ministry with such depth and theological grounding. The
emphasis on relational ministry as opposed to program or personality
driven ministry is relevant and timely for the culture in which we do
ministry.