Transformational youth ministry: The development of youth ministry in 20th century America through the lens of transformative learning theory

It is through this lens of transformative learning theory that I will trace the development of youth ministry in 20th century America, and suggest a new framework for the spiritual transformation of young people for the future. The first chapter of this thesis is a historical survey of the practice of youth ministry beginning in 1930. This survey will show that transformation in youth ministry yesterday was facilitated through experts with technical (i.e. salvific) knowledge. Chapter two focuses on the practice of youth ministry outside of the dominant movements, as it surveys the development of youth ministry in the African American experience. Chapter three is an ethnographic study of youth ministry today, the present era of youth ministry, dating back to 1970. Great attention is given in this chapter to the transformational approach of facilitators who build relationships with young people. The fourth and final chapter offers a new vision for youth ministry tomorrow and will contend that this coming era will be characterized by conversation partners engaged in theological reflection. Each chapter will conclude with the unique themes and critiques that are present in that era. The project will conclude with what implications transformational youth ministry has for the future of the church.