Books #3

I was told by somebody recently that they don’t read because they don’t have time. I found that interesting because to me that is saying, I don’t have time to learn. I’d rather figure it out the hard way. To be honest I am good reader but I never really enjoyed it until I realized that I could learn a lot more from others than I could trying to figure it out on my own and I realized very quickly that the pain was less harsh. I hope you take the chance to read and allow others to instill wisdom into your life…once again these are a few more books that are shaping me and the ministry I lead.

Help, I’m A Student Leader, What Matters Most, Refuel by Doug Fields, Saddleback Church and Simply Youth Ministry

Starving Jesus by Craig Gross and JR Mahon founders of XXX Church

In a Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day by Mark Batterson, Lead Pastor of National Community Church

Max Q by Andy Stanley, Lead Pastor of North Point Community Church

Youth Ministry 3.0 by Mark Oestreicher, President of Youth Specialties  This is the book that is currently challenging me and affirming me.  I have believed for a very long time that the way student ministry was being done was losing it’s effectiveness.  I so badly want churches to see how important before the age of eighteen is.  I thought the ideas that Mark shared in this book come from his extensive history working in middle school and his heart to see our impact to be a movement not an emotional gust.

Connection

I am reading a book titled, Youth Ministry 3.0 by Mark Oestreicher.  An incredible book that shows that the way ministry has been done may not be the way that ministry needs to be done.  In it there is a quote, “With increasing violence and substance abuse and more disadvantaged, broken homes than ever before, kids are just dying to be acknowledged.  They need somebody to connect with them on a personal level.  They need leaders who’ll take the time to listen and affirm that they’re okay, and they’re loved-no matter who they are, where they’re from, or what they’re dealing with.  If that connection isn’t made, it’s highly unlikely that youth will allow leaders to take them on something so sacred as a spiritual journey.”

I am so blessed to have the team that I have.  They love God, they love teenagers and they see a need to reach students differently than we have in the past.  They are so flexible and are willing to change whatever is needed to redefine student ministries in the Delaware Valley.  God has given us some tremendously gifted leaders that I have the privilege to work with and call friends.