In the past three months, two important books have been published on youth ministry in Africa. One is written by a practical theologian, Presbyterian minister and theological educator from Kenya. The other is edited by a practical theologian, Baptist pastor and theological educator from Nigeria. Both see youth ministry as crucial, not only for the future of African churches, but also for the flourishing of African societies.
Youth Ministry After the Pandemic
Title: Youth Ministry After the Pandemic: A Practical Theology from the Global South
Author: Kevin Muriithi Ndereba
Imprint: Wipf and Stock
Description
Youth faith formation usually takes the form of a narrow privatized or spiritualized perspective. Since young people are a critical demographic in the Global South, and Africa more specifically, their faith formation must shape them to engage public life so as to enhance human flourishing. While much of the literature on youth and theology is Western in orientation, this book makes use of scholarly sources in African and Global Christianity so as to shape youth work in the Global South. It shows that young people can help guide the African church to fulfill both the Great Commission and the Great Commandment and so achieve its spiritual and prophetic mandate. It engages with youth culture, emerging non-religious identities, digital church or ecclesiology, ecotheology and climate change, and economic justice.
Endorsements
“By pulling together the growing body of African-centered scholarship with his own distinctive work in Kenya, Ndereba invites readers in the Global North to learn from youth ministry on a continent that is growing younger and more religiously diverse. More important, however, he invites readers in the Global South to seize this critical moment as an opportunity to develop more relevant, theologically grounded ministries with youth.”
Elizabeth W. Corrie, Professor in the Practice of Youth Education and Peacebuilding, Emory University
“Youth Ministry After the Pandemic by Kevin Ndereba will be an important book not only for youth ministry or practical theology but will be vital for global Christianity in general! In this book, Ndereba captures research and insights from the grassroots and sheds light on issues that can speak to the church no matter where you are in the world. I highly recommend this book to those interested in youth ministry and practical theology but also for a perspective on Christianity in the twenty-first century in general.”
Gretchen Schoon Tanis, Pastor, Hope Church RCA, Michigan
“Definitions reframed, challenges explored through biblical and historical tradition employing quantitative and qualitative research and seeking answers using different models appropriate to specific problems is what you will find in this book. By reflecting Kenyan youth ministry within global youth ministry, this work serves as a valuable resource for youth ministry worldwide. Kevin Ndereba’s work could be aptly titled ‘Pastoral Response to Current and Future Challenges in African Youth Ministry.’”
Joyson K. Cherian, Regional Vice-President, Manna Group of Ministries
Youth Ministry in Africa
Title: Youth Ministry in Africa: A Biblical Perspective
Author: Nathan H. Chiroma
Imprint: HippoBooks
Description
Across the globe, there is a need to empower young people to live out their faith within the complexities of their own diverse contexts. This is particularly true in Africa, the continent with the world’s youngest population. Yet despite the general popularity of youth ministry, there is a lack of relevant resources addressing the specific challenges and opportunities faced by young people growing up on the African continent. This book seeks to address that gap.
Written specifically by African authors, for an African context, this collection of essays provides a biblical and theological framework for culturally relevant youth ministry. Each chapter examines the cultural, socio-economic, and spiritual factors that shape the experiences of young people on the continent, and contributors highlight the importance of addressing such issues as identity, sexuality, community development, social justice, and digital media, all while remaining faithful to the gospel. Filled with practical concepts for ministry and action, this book seeks to empower African youth by equipping them with the biblical knowledge and leadership skills they need to become agents of change in their own communities.
This resource is designed for pastors, youth leaders, and anyone passionate about nurturing the next generation of believers and providing them with the tools to cultivate vibrant, resilient faith in the face of modern challenges – in Africa and beyond.
Endorsements
This book is written with Africa in mind. It helps to give African youth an identity by offering a fission from Western expressions of spirituality, sexuality, and youth culture. Forging an African identity is critical to empowering youth participation within their worshipping community and society at large. In this day and age, where conspiracy theories and suspect philosophies rule the internet space, forging a Christian identity as a youth in Africa is critical. It aids in understanding God’s world around them and helps to build capacity to seize opportunities for participation in church and society. This book is an eye-opener for all who interact with young people in institutions of learning, church, and family.
Rev. Mukomunene Muthuri, DMin, Youth and Teens Minister, Lavington United Church, Nairobi, Kenya
As a youth pastor, it can sometimes be challenging to locate books that reflect the evolving nature of African youth, youth ministry, and the influence of surrounding culture. This book not only captures these aspects but also provides a path forward.
Kwizera Samuel, Youth Pastor, New Life Bible Church, Rwanda
This book brings together much-needed responses to significant questions facing African society concerning youth and how to minister to them. There has been a long overdue need for books on youth ministry within the African context to help build a counter-movement against the onslaught of neo-colonial, foreign, and ungodly concepts and lifestyles being peddled as human freedom. This book addresses pressing questions that must be answered in youth ministry today. This book boldly contributes to the hard debates concerning youth on the African continent, covering topics such as sexuality and identity, spirituality, the biblical view of gender, and the role of the church in shaping the youth for Africa’s development. It is a must-read for all who desire to understand youth ministry from an African perspective.
Rev. Smith F. K. Tettey, PhD, Chairperson, Kumasi Presbytery, Global Evangelical Church; Research Associate, University of Pretoria, South Africa
