Christian Youth Work in Theory and Practice

Sally Nash is the Director of the Midlands Institute for Children Youth and Mission (MCYM) at St John's College Nottingham and a Curate in Hodge Hill in Birmingham. Jo Whitehead is the Assistant Director of MCYM and is an experienced youth worker, church leader, facilitator and writer.

Churches today face unique challenges as they seek to help young people engage with the Christian faith and youth workers, whether employed or volunteer, play a key role in supporting this process. This book provides a comprehensive overview of Christian youth work, drawing together practice, theory and theology in a format which is both engaging and informative. Serving as both a text and workbook, it brings together key youth ministry thinkers and grass-roots practitioners to explore significant themes and issues. It will be invaluable to those thinking about youth work at a strategic level as well as youth work practitioners. Each of the sixteen chapters is followed by a response written from a different perspective, modelling reflective practice and theological reflection. Topics covered include mission, church, adolescent identity, appropriate relationships, spiritual practices, youth culture, pastoral care, work with families, education, leadership and management, inclusive youth work, theology, lifelong learning, ethical dilemmas and the Kingdom of God.

1. Being a Christian Youth Worker: Finding Ourselves by Losing Ourselves Nick Shepherd 2. Being a Reflective Practitioner and Lifelong Learner: Pursuing Wisdom and Fruitfulness Sally Nash 3. Youth Culture: A Theoretical Examination for the Sake of Ministry with Young People Andrew Root 4. Theological Inquiry in Christian Youth Work Jeremy Thompson 5. Christian Youth Work and the Kingdom of God Graeme McMeekin 6. Inclusive Youth Work Andrew Smith 7. Adolescent Identity Development Amy Jacober 8. Appropriate Relationships: 'Like a Friend' Sam Richards 9. The Church Matt Brain 10. Spiritual Practices and Faith Formation Jo Whitehead 11. Holistic Pastoral Care Karen Jones 12. Mission Terry Linhart 13. Education and Curriculum Simon Davies 14. Working with Families Colin Bennett 15. Ethical Dilemmas and Practice Paul Nash 16. Leadership and Management Liz Dumain