Edited by Mark Oestreicher
Tyndale House Publishers, 2012, 1,616 pp., $44.99

The Way (NIV) is geared toward youth and includes a wide variety of tools from a long list of thoughtful contributors. Most of the contributors are youth workers or those who teach youth workers. The tools included with this Bible are introductions to the various books of the Bible, a topic and verse finder, a helpful index of the tools and great and unique photos.

Also included in this Bible are devotions, justice and service moments, testimonies and challenge sections that help the reader apply biblical truth. The tools and resources offered in this Bible are very well done. They are practical, accessible and reasonably sound theologically. There is a great diversity of tools offered in this Bible and great diversity within the individual tools. The photos are interesting and add a depth to this Bible. I think the combinations of tools work very well together and that this Bible is a great asset, especially to adolescents, parents and youth workers.

It is very missional in nature and would be a great tool or gift as a part of a mission trip or mission team; and probably best suited for high school youth, especially those who desire depth and have a passion for service. It would be a great Bible to use as a part of a high school or college-age small group or Bible study. Its more missional tone is especially relevant to a postmodern culture.

Its depth and discipleship tone could help the Bible come alive for many teenagers and young adults. It is clear that a lot of thought and effort went into the tools offered here. Youth workers may benefit from using some of the tools in their own lesson planning and study. I would consider using this most in preparing some of the lessons for youth mission teams. My only disappointment is that this Bible is only offered in the New Living Translation. I would love to see a Bible such as this in other translations, especially the NIV.