For more than two centuries, youth ministries have either strengthened teenagers after a special encounter with God or tried to retain them until such a moment when God shows up. Here veteran youth ministry expert Mark Senter provides the first substantial history of the phenomenon of American Protestant youth ministry. More than a history, this book highlights the evolution of adolescence and adolescent spirituality, outlines three distinct cycles in the history of youth ministry, describes the major shapers of youth ministry over the last century, and helps readers understand trends and changes in youth ministry and their connections to broader church life.

Author Biography

Mark H. Senter III (PhD, Loyola University) is professor of educational ministries and chair of the department at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. He is the president of the Association of Youth Ministry Educators, served as a youth pastor for eleven years, and is the author of The Coming Revolution in Youth Ministry.