October 17, 2022
Dr. Brian Hull, professor of pastoral and Christian ministries at Asbury University, co-wrote a new book, Youth Ministry as Mission: A Conversation About Theology and Culture, with Dr. Patrick Mays, professor of Christian ministry and campus pastor at LeTourneau University. Kregel Publishing launched the book in July of 2022.
“Our culture has changed, with the pandemic exponentially increasing our awareness that youth ministry work is cross-cultural,” Hull said during a faculty book reception in the Walt and Rowena Shaw Collaborative Learning Center in October. “Generation Z values authenticity and vulnerability without agendas. Anyone who is serious about youth ministry would be wise to read this book.”
Hull received his M.A. in Christian Education from Nazarene Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies from Asbury Theological Seminary. He joined the Asbury University faculty in 2008. Hull also serves as the Director of the Youth Becoming Leaders High School Christian Leadership Institute, a immersive summer opportunity for students to worship, learn, and experience God while receiving theological instruction from renowned faculty at Asbury University and Asbury Theological Seminary.
Hull also spoke on the Raising Up the Next Generation podcast, hosted by Dan McPherson, committed to “navigating a post-Christian, post-modern world, while discipling the generation behind us”: https://anchor.fm/raisingupthenextgen.
“Navigating our faith post-COVID, we have to see ourselves as missionaries, from preachers to laypeople,” Hull said. “The new context of this world brings questions about the models and methods implemented 20 to 50 years ago within the Church. We all can share about Jesus in our lives and build genuine relationships with those in our neighborhoods.”
“Collaborating with Dr. Hull on this book was enjoyable,” Mays said. “Learning the language and culture of our current generation is crucial for us to tell the Gospel story in a way that makes sense. In our increasingly post-Christian world, we need to employ missiological strategies both in and beyond youth ministry.”
The Asbury University Christian Studies and Philosophy Department offers seven majors and six minors for traditional undergraduate students, including youth ministry, Bible-theology, intercultural studies, and pastoral ministries. The Online program offers a major in leadership and ministry, with the next module beginning on October 17: https://www.asbury.edu/academics/degrees/online/leadership-ministry/.
Youth Ministry as Mission: A Conversation About Theology and Culture is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Youth-Ministry-Mission-Conversation-Theology/dp/0825447291/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=youth+ministry+as+mission&qid=1661344216&sprefix=youth+ministry+as+m%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-1&pldnSite=1.