Sam Halverson
The Youth Cartel, 2014, 153 pp., $15.99

At one time or another, every youth leader has been frustrated by the isolation of youth ministry—those practices and attitudes that seem to separate youth ministry from the center of congregational life. In contemporary terms, this is often referred to as silos—various ministries that are self-contained and do not cross into the fully integrated life of a people.

What Sam Halverson has accomplished in One Body is something of a compilation of philosophies and approaches that can help integrate youth ministry into the body, similar to the apostle Paul’s analogy of the many parts belonging to the whole (1 Cor. 12). There is nothing new here, but Halverson takes his cues from a variety of prominent sources (Willow Creek, Saddleback, Fuller Institute to name a few) and seems to be aware of the new Orange approach that is sweeping through the church.

At one juncture, Halverson also introduces a rather lengthy (and daunting) survey that churches can use to gauge their integration methods and perhaps form strategic plans for a more effective youth ministry of discipleship. He also introduces practical—and biblical—ideas that show how the old can mentor the young and how the young can help the older integrate into the kingdom. In essence, Halverson sees youth pastors and other church leaders as being agents of integration and disciple-making rather than simply staff members who serve in their respective, isolated silos.

One Body is one book written by one long-time youth pastor who has retained a heart and passion for teenagers—but not just youth ministry. This book can help distil and diffuse those ideas that are not serving the church well, but which might bring a new zest and wonder to the church when teenagers are integrated as leaders, shapers, dreamers and visionaries. It’s heady stuff, but in the end practical and doable.