(Part 1)

JBTM Book Reviews
159
ministry in which Scripture seems to lay that foundation. Although youth ministry resources
overflow with adjective-laden ministry concepts, many fail to provide a foundation for
ministry that effects and propagates a holistic ministry philosophy. That is to say, when a
foundation is off balance, the youth ministry inevitably will experience some form of atrophy
and degradation. Thankfully, this book lays a foundation that helps avoid such troubles.
Second, this book succeeds in addressing the major elements/categories of a gospelcentered
youth ministry. Of particular note are the chapters on expository teaching and
music in youth ministry. While most youth/family ministry books deal with issues of parental
integration, volunteering, activities, etc., they often assume (unfortunately) the major
elements in ministry: proclamation of the Word and musical worship. This book does a
delightful job placing these two elements in the context of youth ministry, while at the same
time keeping them founded on the good news of Christ. Echoing John Stott, contributor
Eric McKiddie argues that the goal of a youth minister’s sermon is to interpret the passage
and to communicate that truth clearly and simply to one’s students (55). Similarly, Tom
Olson provides a wonderful chapter on “Singing That Flows from the Gospel.” In a brief
space, Olson provides a solid theological and biblical framework for music in youth ministry.
Especially noteworthy is Olson’s practical application of walking ministers through the
difficult task of choosing biblically and theologically rich songs for their students (144–47).
For those youth ministers yearning for a deeper, thoroughly biblical approach to youth
ministry, this volume is a wonderful starting point. By providing a strong foundation and
an eye for detail on perennial characteristics of youth ministry, this book will prove to be a
staple among youth ministry resources for years to come.
- Christopher Talbot, Welch College, Nashville, Tennessee
Illustrated Bible Survey: An Introduction. By Edward E. Hindson and Elmer L. Towns.
Nashville: B&H Academic, 2013. 607 pages. Hardcover, $49.99.
Edward Hindson is the host of “The King Is Coming,” a syndicated television program
that is broadcast throughout the United States. He also serves as distinguished professor of
religion and biblical studies at Liberty University. His degrees include a ThD from Trinity
Graduate School, DMin from Westminster Theological Seminary, and DLitt et Phil from the
University of South Africa. He has written more than forty books, most of which concern
biblical prophecy and the return of Christ. He served as editor of five major study Bibles,
including the Knowing Jesus Study Bible, which won a Gold Medallion Award.
In 1971, Elmer L. Towns and Jerry Falwell cofounded Liberty University. Towns has
authored more than 100 books. He currently serves as distinguished professor of systematic