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February 9, 2004
Essentials Books for
Youth Leaders - Larry Gibson
In a society saturated with choices, sometimes it’s nice to receive some knowledgeable recommendations.
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Changing Lives by J. Dennis Miller (Church Development, Inc) *
This in-depth ministry development guide helps youth workers examine and formulate a unique ministry by working through four essential processes: 1) Developing a foundation for using principles; 2) Developing personal commitments to youth ministry; 3) Developing an effective leadership style; 4) Developing a youth ministry environment. An incredible and thought-provoking book!
The Secrets of the Simple Youth Ministry by Carl A Blunt (WinePress Publishing)
In the vein of Pilgrim’s Progress, this short allegory will take you on a journey of discovery. Follow Tanner, the main character, as he struggles through his calling and ministry. Simple and time-tested principles for youth ministry arise out of the story, and take you back to the heart of your walk with God and the heart of your ministry. An excellent read!
The Heart of Youth Ministry by Hule Goddard & Jorge Acevedo (Bristol Books)
Each young person in your youth group is on a different level of spiritual maturity. This book helps you systematically develop a plan to reach young people of all ages and levels of spiritual commitment. It strikes the balance between outlining a philosophy of youth ministry and giving a workable, nuts-and-bolts description of how to put it into practice in the real world.
Timeless Youth Ministry by Lee Vukich & Steve Vandegriff (Moody Press)
A handbook for successfully reaching today’s youth, this book examines afresh what it means to be an adolescent in today’s culture and how those who minister to young people can best reach them.
Youth Ministry That Works by Duffy Robbins (Victor Books) **
Youth Ministry That Works builds on the same principles presented in The Heart of Youth Ministry, and presents real-life application examples that further the reader’s understanding of building a youth ministry that truly works.
Youth Ministry Nuts & Bolts by Duffy Robbins (Youth Specialties) **
Subtitled Mastering The Ministry Behind the Scenes, this book is full of nuts of practical wisdom and bolts of advice, strategy, and field-tested ideas. Robbins makes a thorough exploration through the basic components of successful youth ministry.
The Ministry of Nurture by Duffy Robbins (Youth Specialties)
How can you build a faith into your kids that will stand up to real life? Robbins not only asks the question; he answers it definitively in this sensitive, in-depth, and practical look at building real-life discipleship into your youth.
Student Ministry for the 21st Century by Bo Boshers (Zondervan)
Boshers will challenge your thinking concerning youth group vs. student ministry. He teaches you how to apply values and principles in order to help students become devoted followers of Christ.
Reaching a Generation for Christ by Richard R. Dunn & Mark H. Senter III (Moody Press)
This is an academic textbook as well as a comprehensive guide to youth ministry. It is a valuable resource for any youth worker.
Any book by John Maxwell (especially The Winning Attitude, Developing the Leader Within You, and The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership) should be a part of every youth worker’s personal library.
ninetyandnine.com
© 2004, Larry Gibson
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Larry Gibson is a PK-turned-Youth Pastor who currently serves under Pastor Danny Lewis at Gateway Tabernacle (UPC) in Kirbyville, TX. Larry and his lovely wife Aline are the proud parents of teenage twin daughters, Christy and Misty! In addition to holding a public job and serving as Youth Pastor, Larry attempts to maintain a web portal for resources useful for Apostolic youth workers. Check it out at http://www.geocities.com/upcyouthworker
* No longer in print, this book should be available through your local library or through their inter-library loan program.
** No longer in print, this book should be available through your local library or through their inter-library loan program. Or you may contact the author at Eastern College in St. Davids, PA, to purchase books directly from him.