The relationship between the Church and young people has long been a difficult topic in wider social debates and debates within the Church. The author sets out to look for a basic theory of church action with, among and through young people. In doing so he examines the social framework for growing up today, the history of the church=s youth work and contemporary theories for it that have been proposed. Using the concept of church as a koinonia (community), he offers a theory of relationship-oriented action appropriate to the situation of young people today and the way in which the church views itself. The book can be used to reflect on one=s own actions and also as an expert introduction to the theory of pastoral work and church work among young people.