Andrew Root critically explores youth, faith, and ministry, drawing on theological and sociological insights to understand the contemporary challenges facing young people within the church. His work frequently examines how young individuals can find meaning and connection in a world marked by secularization and alienation. Root investigates how practical theology might help rekindle deeper religious experiences in young lives. His writing appeals to readers seeking a profound understanding of the intersection between faith and the younger generation.
A leading practical theologian articulates why congregations feel pressured by the speed of change in modern life and encourages an approach that doesn't fall into the negative traps of our secular age.
Named a 2014 Jesus Creed Book of the Year (Biography)Best New Contribution to Bonhoeffer Studies & Best Youth Ministry Book for 2014, Hearts & Minds BooksThe youth ministry focus of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life is often forgotten or overlooked, even though he did much work with young people and wrote a number of papers, sermons, and addresses about or for the youth of the church. However, youth ministry expert Andrew Root explains that this focus is central to Bonhoeffer's story and thought. Root presents Bonhoeffer as the forefather and model of the growing theological turn in youth ministry. By linking contemporary youth workers with this epic theologian, the author shows the depth of youth ministry work and underscores its importance in the church. He also shows how Bonhoeffer's life and thought impact present-day youth ministry practice.
This book offers a theological reexamination of the church's role in contemporary society, addressing the challenges posed by postmodern skepticism. It explores how the ministry can adapt to engage effectively with a world marked by doubt and uncertainty, providing insights and strategies for revitalizing faith-based outreach. Through thoughtful analysis, it encourages a deeper understanding of the church's mission in a changing cultural landscape.
Through an abundance of examples, this book explores how pastors have both perpetuated and responded to our secular age, and provides a new vision for pastoral ministry today.
Congregations often seek to combat decline by using innovation to produce new resources. Leading practical theologian Andrew Root shows that the church's crisis is not in the loss of resources but in the loss of life--and that life can return only when we remain open to God's encountering presence.
Andrew Root reviews the history of relational/incarnational youth ministry in American evangelicalism and recasts the practice as one of "place-sharing"--not so much "earning the right to be heard" as honoring the human dignity of youth and locating God in their midst.
The chronicles of Nadia -- What happens in Vegas -- Rethinking adolescence -- The foolishness of the cross -- Nadia's talk -- Why is it so hard to talk about sin? -- Living from the cross
Using an innovative first-person fictional narrative, an expert in youth ministry diagnoses the challenges facing the church today and offers a new way to think about what youth ministry can be for: not happiness, but joy.
Andrew Root explores the concept of relational ministry, advocating for the emergence of an "empathic minister" in churches. By connecting contemporary practices with incarnational theology, he seeks to deepen the understanding of the relationships within the body of Christ, challenging existing notions and encouraging a more profound engagement in ministry.
2012 Christianity Today Book Award of Merit winner! What haunts your youth group? So often we avoid talking about doubts and fears because we feel inadequately equipped to address them in any meaningful way. The crisis of existence can't be answered with pat Sunday school formulas or a few Bible verses, let alone another relay race. The questions our youth have are often the same ones that perplexed the great theologians, driving them to search for God in the places God didn't appear to be--places of brokenness, suffering and confusion. What if we let these questions drive our search for God too? Andrew Root and Kenda Creasy Dean invite you to envision youth ministries full of practical theologians, addressing the deep questions of life with a wonderfully adolescent mix of idealism, cynicism and prophetic intolerance for hypocrisy. Follow them into reflection on your own practice of theology, and learn how to share that theology through rich, compassionate conversation and purposeful experience.