A New Kinds of Youth Ministry
by: Chris Folmsbee
I do recommend this book to those searching for a way to direct youth ministry towards something that seems to reach students. Instead of the traditional "make a lot of events that attract youth and hope they apply the theology to their lives" discipleship Chris Folmsbee encourages a ministry that guides youth into a relationship where they live their daily lives (not just Church days) as disciples of Christ. A New Kind of Youth Ministry acknowledges that change is not easy and that many people in the church like the traditional event based youth ministry model because it is easy to see the results (X number of kids showed up etc) even if those results do not reveal the true health of the youth's spiritual life. Chris Folmsbee encourages those in youth ministry to "re-culture" their way of "doing" youth ministry so that the youth do not "graduate from Christ when they graduate from school." Instead let them graduate with a spiritual life they are already practicing and living out. A New Kind of Youth Ministry is a great read that has challenged me to pursue a youth ministry that walks with the youth engaging them and challenging them to live out Christ now and not being afraid of making mistakes along the way. Chris Folmsbee urges and guides those in youth ministry to have a plan for change, engage their volunteers, and have mentors to help and guide them along the way. The book is clear with examples and models to help those in youth ministry apply the concepts introduced into their own youth ministry. The book enables the reader to apply what he/she reads because the "how to" is reachable.
It has certainly encouraged me to pray, talk to mentors, and think about what God may have in store for me after I graduate from College next May. I feel less overwhelmed with possibilities (and sometimes the feeling of there not really being any options) and more directed. Certain areas of youth ministry have always stuck out to me and I have often felt helpless in knowing how to get from point A (college) to point B (a place I can best serve God and others). The book challenges those in youth ministry to make a plan of change (because without a plan it is likely no change will happen), and because the "how to's" are included I could apply these plans of change to my discerning, pulling out, and narrowing down where I can best serve God and others after graduation.
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1 comment:
sounds like this book should be read by every youth worker! Too many people are about the number of kids showing up and the spectacular entertaining event instead of being concerned about the youth's relationship with Christ!! Sounds like a good book!
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