A Scriptural Comparison and Evaluation of Three Models of Youth Ministry

This dissertation argues that the Preparatory Approach is most consistent with Scripture in its theological foundation, leadership development, and the role of teenagers in the church. This dissertation compares the Preparatory Approach to two other approaches, the Missional Approach and the Strategic Approach.;Chapter 1 introduces the thesis and how each approach will be studied. This chapter also gives the background and reviews any related literature.;Chapter 2 discusses the theological foundation. This chapter analyzes each approach's use of the Old Testament and the New Testament.;Chapter 3 discusses the importance of leadership development. This chapter demonstrates biblical leadership and how each approach trains leaders.;Chapter 4 discusses how each model assimilates teenagers into the church. This chapter discusses the biblical role of the teenager in each approach and which approach does the strongest job of using teenagers.;Chapter 5 provides a summary of the conclusions drawn from this dissertation. This chapter also gives suggestions for further research.