When Kumbaya Is Not Enough: A Practical Theology for Youth Ministry

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Summary: Publisher's Comments
Review: "In youth ministry it's not enough to know what to do. We must know why we do it. Dean Borgman's book gives us the why with depth. This is practical theology at its best." ---Tony Campolo, Professor of Sociology, Eastern College

"This book is a must for anyone involved in youth ministry. Dean Borgman is a man who has done his homework and paid his dues. "When Kumbaya Is Not Enough" gives the crucial theological framework necessary for youth ministry. It is relevant and accurate in its understanding of youth culture, particularly of urban youth culture." ---Allen A. Belton, Vice-President Multi-Ethnic and Urban Affairs, Youth for Christ USA

"Dean Borgman has been a wonderful mentor and teacher for hundreds of youth workers throughout the years. In this excellent work he brings theological integrity, depth, and years of wisdom like nothing else I have seen in our field." ---Jim Burns, President, National Institute of Youth Ministry

"On the subject of youth ministry Dean Borgman brings wisdom, a lifetime of experience, and a great track record. I highly recommend his book." ---Denny Rydberg, President, Young Life

Dean Borgman is the Charles E. Culpeper Professor of Youth Ministries at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and teaches courses at Fuller Theological Seminary and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Seminary. In addition to working with Young Life, Professor Borgman is founder and director of the Center for Youth Studies. He is an internationally recognized authority on youth culture and adolescent ministries. He is an ordained priest in the Episcopal Church.

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Summary: When Kumbaya is Not Enough
Review: Dean Borgman's When Kumbaya Is Not Enough expound on the theologies of various factors that influence the young person's life: exegesis of scripture, culture and self; growth and development; family and peers and finally theology in practice. He does well to encourage the youth minister to take him/herself seriously both in biblical and cultural studies as well as self-reflection. Borgman emphasizes the importance of a true and accurate exegesis even if one much turn to biblical scholars and theologians for help. Even more, for a proper exegesis, one must also be able to sufficiently exegete biblical passages, culture and finally, and perhaps most significantly, the self. Thus Borgman outlines 4 important questions at the heart of youth ministry: what's going on? Can we share stories? What dreams do you have? How are you doing to get there? These questions in turn move from past to present to future back to present.
In encouraging young people, Borgman reminds the youth worker of the foundational step of a proper self-understanding. Thus he writes, "if knowing ourselves does not lead us to serve others more effectively, then this study is surely in vain."
He goes on to write on the theology of growth and development and notes that "most young people will come to faith and maturity only as they share, grow and serve in positive and supportive peer groups." In view of this, the most basic support group of the young person, the family, has undergone and continues to undergo rapid change. In view of the realities facing family life today, youth workers, Borgman insists, must support and strengthen whatever kind of family exists around the young person. This includes understanding and accepting the full reality of vastly differing family lives.
Finally, Borgman touches on the theology of heart and hands. He writes that good theology should inevitably lead to healing and faith and faith commitment, forgiveness and empowerment, liberation and development.

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Summary: a fresh insight into youth ministry
Review: reading with a developing south east asian country background in mind, the book offer valuable insights into the evolving youth culture in my country. it not only help us understand why we are where we are today but also alert us of future challenges. it calls for a new attitude towards youth ministry while acknowledging the contribution of the past, the need to change or maintain a certain strategy when necessary.

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Summary: A must-read for everyone working with kids.
Review: Written by one of the brightest thinkers and experienced practitioners in youth ministry today, "When Kumbuya Is Not Enough" is a definite must-read for anyone in youth ministry. Dean Borgman has provided the youth ministry community with a practical challenge marked by depth. This is one of those books that will cause you to stand back and examine yourself and your ministry. The youth ministry world needs this book to steer us back on course. It's one of the best books on youth ministry I've read in years!

Rating:
Summary: a fresh insight into youth ministry
Review: Written by one of the brightest thinkers and experienced practitioners in youth ministry today, "When Kumbuya Is Not Enough" is a definite must-read for anyone in youth ministry. Dean Borgman has provided the youth ministry community with a practical challenge marked by depth. This is one of those books that will cause you to stand back and examine yourself and your ministry. The youth ministry world needs this book to steer us back on course. It's one of the best books on youth ministry I've read in years!