Sustainable Youth Ministry
Author
Mark DeVries
Who should read it
This book if not only for youth ministry workers, but for churches who are serious about moving youth ministry from a reactionary, programmatic approach to a sustainable integrated system which continues bearing fruit over the long haul.
Why
In Sustainable Youth Ministry, DeVries shows that when church youth ministries are stuck, it's often because they are often built on a number of unspoken assumptions. He suggests that sustainable youth ministries are built upon a systems approach.
Throughout the book DeVries uses the illustration of the 'dance floor' to show the importance of stable structures. He suggests that "When the dance floor [i.e. undergirding structures of ministry] is in bad repair, talent is not enough. Right preparation is not enough. Not even passion and enthusiasm can prevent the inevitable dissatisfaction and disaster." (Devries, p. 52) Like all sustainable structures, a sustainable structure for youth ministry requires an intentional architecture with an intentional vision, which is clearly documented with measurable goals. It is not something that can be built overnight, but requires thoughtful and prayerful consideration over a longer period of time. He also suggests that within a sustainable youth ministry, the focus out to be on building and affirming the structure, rather than the perceived charisma or cultural flair of the youth ministry staff.
Publisher
Intervarsity Press, Downers Grove, 2008
Tactics for Teen Ministry
Author
Scott Petty
Who should read it
A clear and applicable guide, Tactics for Teen Ministry is a hugely valuable resource for building a principle driven youth ministry or re-evaluating your current ministry.
Why
If you’re building from scratch or remodelling your youth ministry, Tactics for Teen Ministry is a great place to start. Coming from years of experience in youth ministry, Scott Petty’s book looks at the foundations for building a youth ministry aimed at long lasting relational discipleship. Starting with the foundations and moving to practice, he explores with great clarity all the essentials for effective youth ministry. From structure and programming, to leadership recruitment and training, the value of small groups, camps, giving talks, the place of families and the importance of communication.
Publisher
Youthworks Press, 2014
Relational Children's Ministry
Author
Dan Lovaglia
Who should read it
Recommended for Children's Ministers, key lay coordinators, and any invested leaders who desire to be "change agents" in their local ministry.
Why
In Relational Children's Ministry, Lovaglia aims to help children's ministry leaders hit the "reset button". He considers 5 discipleship invitations modelled by Jesus and discusses ways to put these into practice in children's ministry. Children's ministry leaders will learn how to make their ministry a disciple-making ministry that shapes kids into lifelong followers of Jesus.
Publisher
Zondervan, 2016
Perspectives on Family Ministry: 3 views (2nd Edition)
Author
Renfro, Shields, Strother (Edited by T.P. Jones)
Who should read it
Useful for those in church leadership, those with children and those who are interested in exploring family ministry models.
Why
Family ministry advocate Timothy Paul Jones introduces the key question: there are more and more ministry workers convinced that family ministry is an integral part of reinvigorating the church but what does it look like? Three different perspectives are presented with interaction between the contributors in a following chapter. A great book to start exploring an important question.
Publisher
Baker Academic, 2019 (2nd edition)
Biblical Theology of Youth Ministry
Author
Michael McGarry
Who should read it
This book is designed for those who want to approach youth ministry from a biblical foundation. It presents a fairly comprehensive overview of the biblical and historical material regarding young people and their place amongst the people of God.
Why
Biblical Theology of Youth Ministry gives an overview of where and how ministry to young people has featured in the life of the people of God. It presents Five Pillars of Gospel Centred Youth Ministry which outline how the gospel shapes youth ministry. McGarry starts by outlining what he considers to be three foundational problems facing modern youth ministry - the dropout rate, the influence on teenagers that the broader culture of apathy towards Christianity has, and the fragmentation of youth ministry, family and church.
He then sets out on a tour of the Old and New Testaments, as well as church history and theology to show how God's people have traditionally approached ministry to young people. McGarry then outlines his 'Five Pillars of Gospel-Centred Youth Ministry':
gospel centrality
theological depth through expository, biblical teaching
relational discipleship
partnership with parents
intergenerational integration.
The book concludes with McGarry suggesting that given the transient nature of youth ministry, the nature of the Church and the biblical mandate for parents to have the primary role of discipleship, the place of youth ministry is to act as a bridge between the church and the home.
Publisher
Randall House Publications, 2019