Relationships Unfiltered

Andrew Root, who resides in St. Paul, MN and is assistant professor of youth and family ministry at Luther Seminary, has extensive youth ministry experience in churches, para-churches, and secular, social service programs. His main argument is that youth ministries need to be relationally driven.

Relational Youth Ministry - Isn't that what we are trying to do?
What makes this book so insightful is the time he takes to step back into the history of youth ministry. Looking at where we came from is key to figuring out where we are going in these shifts we are seeing in culture and in our churches. You are going to love the rich history of youth ministry you get here, whether or not you agree with his conclusions.
iLike
His main premise that relationships with teenagers are the means and the end. Period. If our goal is to influence them towards a belief system or influence them so that they influence others, in the end, you are just another adult with an agenda. He brings to light the staggering number of teens that fall away from churches after graduation, and relates it to what our main focus really was during those years we had with the teenagers.

iLike
He spends much of the book arguing his point. What I disliked about it was that I felt he was trying to hard to convince the reader of the point, that he spent more time on the theory and philosophy, rather than showing how he made that shift and offering nuggets of wisdom for those of us who the message resonates with. Readers, by the time they reach the end of this book may be beginning their paradigm shift from influence and towards relationships, but for me at least, having practical take-aways is vital for the shift to continue and stick.

The End
Overall, I definitely recommend this book. Though I disagree with some of his arguments, I think this shift needs to take place in our minds as youth leaders, because we tend err on the side of influence and programming.
I still place a high value of programs, but I see them more as platforms, a neutral ground where adults and teenagers can co-exist and develop healthy relationship.

Read a Sample here.
Purchase here.
Disclaimer: This is an unbiased review. I was not asked to perform this review, nor am I being compensated for it.