Book Description

Ward combines theologically-based theory and practical application to encourage youthworkers to meet kids where they re at, befriend them, and then begin to introduce them to Christ. Helpful discussion questions follow each chapter. Ward s passion for God s word and youth is evident. He has a unique uncompromising ability to maintain an integrity and consistency in theology while making ministry to teenagers practical and culturally relevant." " Steve Gerali, Judson College . . . A fresh perspective. . . . [Ward] integrates the theology, sociology, and missiology of youthwork in a way that will force church leaders to rethink youth ministry and youthworkers to rethink the church. " Paul Borthwick, Director, World Evangelical Fellowship Commission "Too much of today's youth ministry is shaped by a thin brew of pragmatism and panic that talks about 'how' without ever talking about 'why.' The end result is a generation of youthworkers who have been well trained in general to do nothing in particular. In "God at the Mall," Pete Ward's keen mind and warm heart offer us that rare combination of thoughtfulness and passion that asks not only 'how do we get there?' but also 'where are we going?' and 'what kind of cultural landscape are we passing through to get there?' I don't know of any youth ministry thinker who has done more to translate in-depth sociological research into the world of everyday, real-life youthwork. Don't read this book unless you're ready to think, and pray, and rethink the way you do youth ministry." " Duffy Robbins, Chair, Department of Youth Ministry, Eastern College "Pete Ward is uniquely gifted as a cultural observer, . . . as one who can relateespecially to rebellious young people, and as a leader of leaders as well as of youth." " Dean Borgman, Charles E. Culpeper Professor of Youth Ministries, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (from the foreword)