When God Shows Up

Mark H. Senter III, '64 
Baker Academic, 2010, ISBN 9780801035906

For more than two centuries, youth ministries have either strengthened teenagers after a special encounter with God or tried to retain them until such a moment When God Shows Up.

Here, veteran youth ministry expert Mark Senter provides the first substantial history of the phenomenon of American Protestant youth ministry. More than a history, this book highlights the evolution of adolescence and adolescent spirituality, outlines three distinct cycles in the history of youth ministry, describes the major shapers of youth ministry over the last century and helps readers understand trends and changes in youth ministry and their connections to broader church life.

About the Author

Mark H. Senter III, '64 graduated from the Moody Bible Institute, received his B.A. in history from the University of Illinois, his M.A. in Christian Education from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and his Doctor of Philosophy in foundations of education from Loyola University, Chicago. He is a member of the North American Professors of Christian Education and currently serves as chair of the Board of the Association of Youth Ministry Educators. Dr. Senter's teaching experience includes a two-year assignment at Torch Trinity Graduate School of Theology in Seoul, Korea, where he served as a visiting professor in education ministries. Dr. Senter's publications include Four Views of Youth Ministry and the Church (General editor; Zondervan, 2001), Reaching a Generation for Christ (coedited with Richard Dunn; Moody, 1997), The Coming Revolution in Youth Ministry (Victor, 1992), Recruiting Volunteers in the Church (Victor, 1990) and The Complete Book of Youth Ministry (coedited with Warren Benson; Moody, 1987).

Dr. Senter and his wife, Ruth, reside in north suburban Chicago. They have two grown children. Ruth is also an author. In his spare time, Dr. Senter enjoys sports, biking and photography.