Essential Youth Ministry Reads (Part I)

Professionalism in youth ministry has brought the good, the bad and the ugly. Holistic ministry is arguably the way to go. However, when there is a children's pastor, youth pastor, young adults pastor, singles pastor, senior/lead pastor, small group pastor, etc. it's tough to create a holistic, family approached ministry.

It is vitally important to be a learner, to learn how to navigate the messiness of ministering to human beings, and I want to share some essential youth ministry reads that may reshape your philosophy of youth ministry and personal character in your youth ministry profession.

1. Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry by Doug Fields - 275 pages

Fan of purpose driven philosophy or not, this is a very practical, nuts and bolts type of book. Doug wisely and creatively addresses many real issues facing a novice youth minister, or a veteran minister who hasn't had much coaching or mentoring. From dealing with conflict to discouragement, to refreshment, and job descriptions, Fields covers it all in a succinct and down to earth way. It is a must read for youth workers: volunteer or paid.

2. Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley - 162 pages

A youth pastor has many roles. One of the key roles is being a leader; both to the students and to his volunteers, as well as to the youth ministry program as a whole. Andy's book boils leadership down to 5 key principles. Learning and applying these principles, I believe, separate the pack of youth leaders out there; it separates the good from the great.

Have you ever felt like you were overwhelmed with responsibility?

Have you ever hesitated to make a decision because of the flak you might receive?

Have you ever balked at taking your ministry to the next level because you were unsure of the outcome?

Have you ever wondered why your personal growth is stagnant?

Do you desire to be a leader worth following?

If those questions resonate, then pick this book up. Honestly, it's a quick read and well worth it.

3. Hurt by Chap Clark - 183 pagesChap Clark will literally take you into the world of today's teenagers (as a 'sabbatical' from his regular duties, he spent a good chunk of time substituting in a high school where this research was done). Written a few short years ago, it is a telling book about the state of today's adolescents. Let's face it. Many of us spend time with teenagers, and we think we have them pinpointed. I consider myself a pretty discerning person when it comes to a teen's underlying issue. What we often miss is that a teenager is like us in the way that they are multi-faceted and complex. They carry many different roles, and handle many different responsibilities. Chap draws these issues to the surface and delineates them to us in a very real way. From Family to Stress, Busyness, Morality, Ethics, and more, Chap Clark does a great job showing where students are at these days.

Stay tuned for more reviews of books that need to be in your library.