Author

Andrew Root

Professor, Luther Seminary

Andrew Root is an author and the Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn., who teaches classes on youth ministry, young adults, family, church and culture. Root directs the Thriving Congregations project at Luther Seminary. He is the author of numerous books, including "The Grace of Dogs," "Bonhoeffer as Youth Worker," “Taking Theology to Youth Ministry,” “The Children of Divorce: The Loss of Family as the Loss of Being” and “The Promise of Despair: The Way of the Cross as the Way of the Church.”

Andrew Root: Just wait

By Andrew Root Professor, Luther Seminary

Youth ministry isn’t about helping young people create a successful future but about standing with them, waiting for the fullness of God’s action. A youth ministry scholar and author of "The Relational Pastor" reflects on Advent, eschatology and young people.

Tim Soerens

Applications now open for Reflective Leadership Grants

“This was a game-changer for us. The chance to climb up from the ‘dance floor’ of our everyday activity and discern a clarified organization future from the ‘balcony’ was the gift we needed even more than we understood at the time.

If possible, please pursue this extraordinary opportunity.”

— Tim Soerens, Parish Collective

Christian leaders from a variety of roles are welcome to apply. The grants provide “balcony time” to reflect on accomplishments, broaden perspectives and discern next steps. The application deadline is May 2, 2025.

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