Rebooted

As someone who publishes youth ministry books, and has written many also, I can truthfully write that the vast majority of books about youth work are in one way or another a restatement of ideas or approaches that have been written about previously. What struck me most about this excellent and compelling book was two-fold: it is 100% fresh, and it shouldn't be. Read it and you'll see what I mean!

Rebooted strips Christian youth work back to its roots (maybe it should be called 're-rooted'?) in the tried-and-tested pages of Scripture. Tim stays clear of gimmicks and the 'gospel' of self-help, offering a fresh take on old themes. Essential reading for every Christian worker.

This is exactly the kind of book I needed when I was starting out in youth ministry. It places youth work within the context of a biblical narrative and a wide variety of practical outworkings. Tim writes really well; he is encouraging, constructive and provocative in part, and what's more, he combines both theology and years of youth work experience in a well-rounded manner. This is a must-read; it will captivate and stretch you.'

Tim's passion to ensure that the Bible shapes - rather than just informs - our work, is both admirable and infectious. In this book he presents a compelling model for youth ministry which doesn't feel tenuously extrapolated from Scripture, but completely faithful to the entire narrative arc of the Bible. It turns out that every part of the Good Book - from Genesis to Revelation - has something vital to say to us about the way we work with young people.

I'm so proud to see a book of this calibre coming from a Youth for Christ staff worker. I learned so much! It addresses a key reason why youth ministries are failing to nurture vibrant, mature adults who will devote themselves to serving God in church and society. If we follow this approach to life and ministry, we will nurture people equipped with a worldview that will help them withstand the challenges that come to their Christian life. May this book contribute to the revival of biblical youth ministry that we so need in the church today.

So you're a youth leader? Or will be soon? Or you want to support the youth ministry in your church? This book will be a huge help. It's a good read, an easy read, an important read, and it will be worth reading for the sake of your young people. So do read it! And then pray for help in putting it into practice tomorrow evening.

Tim's book reminds us that the old story of God's people in the Bible has plenty to say to help direct and shape our discipleship of young people today: calling youth workers to be facilitators of ministry among young people today. Tim shows us how youth ministry is essentially about living out the biblical story with young people.

Tim loves young people, loves Jesus, and works hard to help more young people love Jesus. This excellent new book is the fruit of years of experience, and Tim argues powerfully why we need young people to love God and love his Word.