Biblical Theology 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

Details

Hardcover

160 Pages

$19.99

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The Story of Scripture: An Introduction to Biblical Theology

Matthew Y. Emerson

Hobbs College Library, Volume 1

Description

Although the Bible contains sixty-six books, written by forty authors, it is one book written by one author, the Holy Spirit, with one subject: Jesus Christ. How do these books, from Genesis to Revelation, fit together? The Story of Scripture guides the reader through the four major themes of the Bible—Creation, Fall, Redemption, New Creation—showing how each individual book of the Bible tells a cohesive story centered on Jesus.

Endorsements

“It takes a courageous author to write an introduction to biblical theology, and Matt Emerson has written a careful and compelling work. The Story of Scripture is thoroughly biblical and immensely helpful, showing how all the parts of the redemptive narrative point to Jesus. This work helps us see the striking beauty of the story of Scripture, and leads us to respond in worship of the Savior.”
—Matt Boswell, hymn writer; founder, Doxology and Theology; and pastor of ministries and worship, Providence Church, Frisco, TX

“I believe it’s a sign of spiritual health that so many evangelicals have become interested in biblical theology. You hold in your hand (or see on your screen!) the best brief introduction to the discipline. In The Story of Scripture, Matt Emerson expertly translates technical concepts for general readers and thoughtfully applies biblical theology to life and ministry. The result is an indispensable resource and an excellent first entry in a promising series that will do much to equip pastors, strengthen churches, and advance Christ’s kingdom.”
—Nathan A. Finn, dean of the School of Theology and Missions and professor of Christian thought and tradition, Union University

“The Story of Scripture provides a robust perspective that speaks to the coherency and the unity of God’s redemptive narrative. This book vigorously testifies to the person and work of Jesus Christ as the central theme of the Bible in a way that is informative and encouraging. Matthew Emerson has given us a resource that will serve both the pulpit and the pew well. It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend this work.”
—Earon M. James Sr., lead teaching pastor, Relevant Life Church, Pace, FL

“If you have any interest in the Bible, then I encourage you to take up and read this little book! Many people know stories in the Bible, but they don’t know the story of the Bible. Emerson has provided an easy-to-read introduction of biblical theology, showing the marvelous unity of the Bible, of which Jesus is the hero. The Story of Scripture will help you understand the redemptive drama of Scripture better, and will also build your faith, as you consider the divine nature of Scripture. I will be using it for years to come.”
—Tony Merida, associate professor of preaching, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and pastor for preaching and vision, Imago Dei Church, Raleigh, NC

“If you are looking for a primer that combines a predictable evangelical high view of scripture with an unpredictable historic/Christocentric read of the Bible, you are holding it in your hand. Emerson has provided a faithful and helpful volume: broad enough in scope to grasp some of the principal points of biblical interpretation, yet readable enough for the curious beginner.”
—D. Jeffrey Mooney, professor of Old Testament interpretation and theology, California Baptist University, and senior pastor, Redeemer Baptist Church, Riverside, CA

“This first volume of the promising Hobbs College Library is an insightful, solid, faithful, and edifying introduction to the biblical story and biblical theology. It will strengthen pastors, students, and church leaders alike.”
—Christopher W. Morgan, dean of the School of Christian Ministries and professor of theology, California Baptist University

“The Story of Scripture masterfully demonstrates the continuity in the storyline of the Bible. Matthew Emerson offers a vivid, yet accessible, description of how biblical theology has been conducted throughout the course of church history, and traces the essential theme of redemption through the biblical narrative. The volume culminates with an invitation to participate in God’s story, which it masterfully tells.”
—Walter R. Strickland II, associate vice president for kingdom diversity and assistant professor of systematic and contextual theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Matt Emerson’s The Story of Scripture maps the theological unity of Scripture. The terrain of Scripture is presented through an insightful, close reading of the Bible. Emerson contributes to one’s understanding of the biblical storyline by connecting how many sub-plots of the story connect to its main plot. He also adds brief, perceptive explanations of the underlying theological themes that construct the contours of the Bible. Emerson believes knowing how to apply biblical truth to our lives depends on recognizing the biblical story and where one is in the story. He persuasively illustrates this in his discussion on preaching, doctrine, biblical counseling, the Christian life, and the church’s mission.”
—Keith S. Whitfield, dean of graduate studies, vice president for academic administration, and assistant professor of theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary