Martin Luther as Youth Worker: Insights from the Great Reformer for Modern Youth and Children's Ministry

Martin Luther is one of the most studied theologians in the history of the Christian church so it is difficult to find areas that have been neglected when it comes to this great reformer. However Luthers work with children and youth gets short shrift when compared to many other achievements. Martin Luther as a Youth Worker considers the reformer from this little-studied aspect of his work. Luthers practical care for children and youth his educational reforms his work in faith formation and his view of human reason are considered. Last the question is asked what it means to be a reformer with children and youth today. How can we live into Luthers reforming spirit in a way that addresses the needs of our current context? Hobart provides us with a fresh and engaging examination of Luthers commitment to children and youth making this both accessible and relevant for youth ministry today. He bridges well the realities of sixteenth-century Germany with todays complex and changing world in providing practical ways to appropriate Luthers theology commitment and practices to this ever important ministry of the church. --Craig Van Gelder Emeritus Professor of Congregational Mission Luther Seminary Todd Hobarts keen mind was able to retrieve from Luthers teachings and practice a refreshing approach to what it means to both care for and form children. Hobarts ability to tease out the importance of play in the life of children is often not valued by the church. Sadly play is seen as not being religious enough. Todds emphasis upon the role that Luther played in confronting the state and church with both the responsibility and value of providing education for all children is highly relevant. Perhaps most importantly this book demonstrates the necessity for the church to be engaged in the political process for the common good. I believe that every parent and pastor would benefit from reading Martin Luther as Youth Worker. --Kirby Unti Bishop Northwest Washington Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America It has been 500 years since Martin Luther triggered the Protestant reformation. Yet his work has rarely been mined for its implications on ministry with children and youth. Todd Hobart offers a creative and insightful look into how Luthers theology and practice influenced the work with children and youth in the church society and the home. This is a timely addition to both the field of youth ministry and Luther studies. --Jeremy Myers PhD AiM Religion Department Youth and Family Ministry Augsburg College For congregations rooted in the Reformation and seeking new understandings of faith formation Martin Luther as Youth Worker is worth a look. Grounded in history with an eye to the present this book brings readers into Luthers life and asks questions that are real today. What is our calling as parents? What is societys role in preparing the next generation? How is faith formed? How do the absurdities of the Christian faith translate into our actions in society? Short and easy to read Hobarts work is fitting for a variety of people--youth workers parents educators and congregational leaders seeking to rethink forming faith. I highly recommend it. --Terri Martinson Elton Associate Professor of Leadership Luther Seminary St. Paul MN Todd Hobart works for Olive Crest Western Washington as the Safe Families Supervisor. He completed a PhD in Congregational Mission and Leadership from Luther Seminary in 2009 and has worked for more than fifteen years in youth ministry.