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The well-known African proverb reminds us, “It takes a village to raise a child.” We know that’s true for children, and we think it’s true for books, too.

Thanks to our executive committee at the Center for Youth and Family Ministry for supporting this book and helping it take shape.

Thanks to Paul Shrier, Andy Root, Ron Hammer, Bill Dyrness, Juan Martinez, Mark Lau Branson, Rick Beaton, and Tod Bolsinger for your ideas about how the academic discipline of practical theology can be both appealing and accessible for youth workers.

Thanks to Matt Westbrook, Brad Griffin, Cheryl Crawford, Mark Maines, Jason Djang, and Pam King for your willingness to read part or all of the manuscript. Your fingerprints are all over this final product.

A special thank you (and a great big hug) from Kara to Dave, as well as to Nathan and Krista, for your willingness to allow this book to become part of our family’s mission and ministry for the last nine months. Dave, your gentle strength makes me a deeper lover of Jesus and others. Nathan and Krista, I’m grateful for your patience when I had to place writing ahead of playing with soccer balls and Play-Doh. I’m even more grateful for those times when you knew I needed a break and dragged me to the living room to read a book or see your “new tricks.”

And thanks, too, from Chap to Dee, Katie, Rob, and Chap. You guys continue to teach me what it means to follow Jesus with depth, passion, and integrity.

And lastly, thanks to our colleagues and students at Fuller Theological Seminary. We cannot imagine a more integrated, warm, and dedicated community of scholar-practitioners who are committed to “deep ministry in a shallow world.” Your partnership in life and ministry has made this book possible.

“Backed by solid theological reflection and heartfelt experience, Chap Clark and Kara Powell invite all of us who care about kids to discover creative, natural, and inspired forms of youth ministry that have the power to cultivate a lasting faith.”

Mark Yaconelli, Author of Contemplative Youth Ministry

“Kara Powell and Chap Clark have presented an engaging project for those who care about the church and young people. In this text they push us away from our too-often-used consumer mentality of youth ministry (“tell me what will work”) and toward a reflective process (about ourselves, young people, God’s action). The authors also present a new paradigm called “deep design” which paints a picture of how one can do ministry at deeper levels, moving the youth worker from being a church programmer into being a reflective practitioner. This book will be of value to all youth workers who read it.”

Andrew Root, assistant professor of youth and family ministry, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN

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Front matter

Front matter

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS