Foundations for Youth Ministry

Dean Borgman, a nationally known youth ministry expert, offers a new edition of his influential classic. Reaching a broadly ecumenical audience, this book challenges readers to think about the theological nature of youth ministry. Questions for discussion and reflection are included. This thoroughly updated edition was previously published as When Kumbaya Is Not Enough.

Praise for the first edition

"Writing with the lens of a theologian, the heart of a pastor, and welcome doctrinal breadth, Borgman has provided a 'field book' of pastoral theologies that takes seriously the social systems shaping the lives of adolescents. This book is a significant step toward the long-awaited conversation about theology and youth ministry in postmodern culture."--Kenda Creasy Dean, Princeton Theological Seminary; author of Almost Christian

"In this excellent work Borgman brings theological integrity, depth, and years of wisdom like nothing else I have seen in our field."--Jim Burns, author of Teenology: The Art of Raising Great Teenagers

“Dean Borgman’s When Kumbaya Is Not Enough was foundational for me at the beginning of my career as a youth ministry educator. My own interests in youth, theology, the arts, and social sciences meant his book was a touchstone for many of my courses. So naturally I am thrilled about Borgman’s newest work picking up where Kumbaya left off. Foundations for Youth Ministry is a bold project that considers holistic theology in the context of persons, relationships, and place. As a trailblazer who remains cutting-edge, Borgman challenges much of our traditional thinking about youth ministry. And he remains a must read.”
—Calenthia S. Dowdy, associate professor of youth ministry and anthropology, Eastern University

“If there is one person who has led the way in careful study of youth ministry, it is Dean Borgman. Unassuming, never one to seek the spotlight of fame or influence, Borgman has faithfully and consistently worked to remind the world that youth ministry matters. In this magnum opus, Dean has brought together decades of experience in direct ministry, teaching, and consulting to produce a grounding resource that summarizes the best contemporary thinking about the call of the church to kids. He is thoroughly current, thoughtfully integrated, and carefully critical, all while communicating a single message: God cares about young people, and so should we.”
—Chap Clark, associate provost and professor of youth, family, and culture, Fuller Theological Seminary; author of Hurt 2.0: Inside the World of Today’s Teenagers