Student Ministry Archives

Student Ministry by the Book: Biblical Foundations of Student Ministry

by Ed Newton and R. Scott Pace

We recently spoke with co-author R. Scott Pace to discuss his new book Student Ministry by the Book: Biblical Foundations of Student Ministry. Read on to find out more about why Pace and Newton wrote this timely volume:

What motivated you to write this book?

I have a great, personal love for students and their families, and my passion is to see the next generation spiritually nourished and nurtured. I hope to be able to equip others who serve in the area of student ministry within the local church, and ultimately to see students grow into fully devoted disciples through these programs.

Are you working with students at the moment?

I am involved in my local church ministry through various speaking and discipleship capacities, including serving student ministries by speaking at conferences, camps, and retreat weekends. Over the last 20 years, I have served as a pastor in a variety of full-time and interim capacities, and I have always loved working with students.

How does your book support the ministry of the Church?

Student ministry and ministry to families of students is a primary demographic in the local church, and this particular ministry is absolutely essential to the church. Our book seeks to train, equip, and encourage those who lead and serve in this crucial ministry area.

Who do you see benefitting most from this volume?

I think that student pastors, leaders, and parents will all find it helpful in their ministry. Particularly, I believe that those training for student ministry leadership in an academic or internship setting will benefit greatly from this book. It can serve as both a primer on the subject of student ministry and as a foundational classroom resource.

R. Scott Pace currently serves as the Johnny Hunt Chair of Biblical Preaching, associate professor of preaching and pastoral ministry, director of the Center for Preaching and Pastoral Ministry, and the director of the Hunt Scholars Program at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina. Scott’s greatest passion is for his family. He and his wife, Dana, have been married since 1999. They have four children – Gracelyn, Tyler, Tessa, and Cassie.

Description

The field of youth ministry is often driven by fads and trends. Leaders attempt to reach students by chasing the ever-changing tides of teenage culture, but their heartfelt and painstaking efforts are often met with a lack of authentic spiritual transformation. Student Ministry by the Book addresses these and other common missteps by providing a biblical philosophy and practical guide for youth ministry. Student pastors, youth leaders, and parents of teens will all benefit from this thoroughly biblical and practical approach, designed as a handbook for starting, strengthening, and sustaining a youth ministry in the local church.

Endorsements

“This is a book that is just as beneficial to a parent as it is to a youth pastor. I can’t wait to give copies to the student ministry team at our church!”

—Brent Crowe, vice president, Student Leadership University

“If you want to be more than an activities director and begin to build student disciples, this is the place to start.”

—Andy Harrison, student ministries specialist and Falls Creek program director, Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma

“I enthusiastically recommend Student Ministry by the Book to every youth pastor and person preparing to be one. This one belongs in your library.”

—Richard Ross, professor of student ministry, J.M. Price Chair of Religious Education, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary