Biography

Andrew Root joined Luther Seminary in 2005.  He is often mentioned as one of the leading scholars in youth ministry and practical theology in the world.  He is most recently the author of the six volume, Ministry in a Secular Age series, (The Church in the Age of Secular Mysticisms, Church After Innovation, Churches and the Crisis of Decline, The Congregation in a Secular Age, The Pastor in a Secular Age, and Faith Formation in a Secular Age), and The End of Youth Ministry?.  He has also authored Christopraxis: A Practical Theology of the Cross (Fortress, 2014) and Bonhoeffer as Youth Worker (Baker, 2014).  Root puts together theology and storytelling to explore how ministry leads us into encounter with divine action.  His book  The Relational Pastor (IVP, 2013) as well as a four book series with Zondervan called, A Theological Journey Through Youth Ministry, (titles include Taking Theology to Youth Ministry, Taking the Cross to Youth Ministry, Unpacking Scripture in Youth Ministry, and Unlocking Mission and Eschatology in Youth Ministry) break new ground in this direction.

In 2012  his book The Theological Turn in Youth Ministry (with Kenda Creasy Dean, IVP, 2011) was Christianity Today Book of Merit.  He has written a number of other books on ministry and theology such as The Children of Divorce: The Loss of Family as the Loss of Being (Baker Academic, 2010), The Promise of Despair (Abingdon, 2010), Revisiting Relational Youth Ministry: From a Strategy of Influence to a Theology of Incarnation (IVP, 2007) and Relationships Unfiltered (Zondervan/YS, 2009).  Andy has worked in congregations, parachurch ministries, and social service programs. He lives in St. Paul with his wife Kara, two children, Owen and Maisy, and their dog. When not reading, writing, or teaching, Andy spends far too much time watching TV and movies.

Root has also procured and overseen almost 5 million dollars in grant funds from funders like the Lilly Endowment and Templeton Foundation.

Andrew Root is a sought after speaker at conferences, colleges, and churches.  He is known for an engaging style that laces together stories, theological depth, and humor.  He has lectured and presented all over the world, including South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and throughout Europe.

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