LOCAL ASSOCIATE PASTOR LENDS VOICE TO NEW YOUTH MINISTRY BOOK
COLUMBIA—Michael McEntyre, the associate pastor of youth, college and missions at First Baptist Church, is no stranger to citing chapter and verse. Now, he can cite a chapter of his own.
McEntyre contributed a chapter to a book titled “Adoptive Youth Ministry” by Chap Clark, who is considered one of the leading voices in youth ministry. The book was released in January 2016 by Baker Publishing Group.
McEntyre provides his expertise to a chapter titled “Thinking (Practical) Theology.” In his continuing pursuit of a doctorate degree in Youth, Family, and Culture from Fuller Theological Seminary, Clark (a professor and department chair at Fuller) served as the mentor for a group of students that included McEntyre. After working together on a separate project about Practical Theology, Clark invited his protégé to write a chapter for “Adoptive Youth Ministry.”
Reaching youth has always been McEntyre’s focus. Several years ago, he says he plateaued in regard to his youth ministry work. McEntyre sought more education through Fuller Seminary, where he says he’s come to a new understanding of ministry.
“I knew there was more I needed to be doing with my students, I just didn’t know how,” McEntyre says. “Through my work at Fuller I began to understand that a framework of Practical Theology helped me to be more Kingdom-focused yet remain culturally aware of the lives of my students. The chapter in the book is about that realization and the benefits it can bring to ministry.”
“Adoptive Youth Ministry” is available now at Amazon (suggested retail price $34.99).
Founded in 1823, First Baptist Church is a historic, vibrant community of faith located in the heart of downtown Columbia. Michael’s wife, Carol McEntyre, has served as Senior Pastor since 2012. Visit First Baptist Church online at fbc-columbia.org or call 573-449-1149.
