youthwork TALKTalk about youth ministry and life…

August 2009 – Youth Ministry 3.0 – Mark Oestreicher

I waited to read this book since if I am honest, I was a little skeptical about the title. However, having read this book now, I have come to appreciate ‘Marko’s honest dialogue on the state of youth ministry. He asserts that the “2.0″ way of doing ministry is simply not working any longer. The way we have programmed, planned and enacted ministry simply does not keep the majority of students in a lasting relationship with God and the church. I could go into this more, but it’s better if you read it for yourself.

There are a lot reviews out there bashing this book, since it does not provide clear cut ideas on how to establish a 3.0 ministry… But, in reality, that is what Marko would call “2.0 thinking”. (In other words, let’s take an idea from an expert and cookie cutter it to our context). What I love about this book is that Marko throws a number of ideas and alternatives at me with the ability for me to critically think and apply these idea to my context. It requires me to stop and evaluate what is best for MY students in MY context.

Overall, this is a good book that has more questions than answers, (which I think is a very good thing). I would disagree that all our past ideas of doing ministry are ineffective, but I would agree that we all need to pause and consider how we do ministry from now on.

June 2009

Now Discover Your Strengths – Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton

This is an excellent book for anyone in youth ministry who is looking to improve their ministry impact by discovering and developing their strengths, rather than fitting the ‘usual mode’ of a youth ministry specialist. I have read ‘Go Put Your Strengths to Work’ by Buckingham and greatly enjoyed the premise to focus on strenghths and manage around weaknesses. My recomendation is to read ‘Now Discover Your Strengths’ first, unlike how I did it!!!

April 2009

The Expeditionary Man – Rich Wagner

This has been a very busy season in ministry for me and my family. At times like this, I am often tempted to pick a book on ministry and how to be more efficient or how to do things better. However, I am learning to make sure that my times to busy schedules are met with an investment in my own walk with God and an investment in my family. That’s why I am reading this book…

So far Rick has explored the issues that busy schedules and life bring for the average guy. He is already drawing the parallel between a ‘lone climber’ and ‘expedition climber’. It’s a great read and I already highly recommend it!

February 2009

IT – How Churches and Leaders can get IT and keep IT, Craig Groeshel.

Ever wondered what ‘it’ is that the church down the road seems to be doing so well to reach people, keep and grow them? Ever wonder what the difference is between a stagnant church (or youth ministry) and a vibrant one? Craig Groeshel, pastor from lifechurch.tv has seen and been apart of both. This book takes a look at what ’it’is that churches can do to get ’it’and keep ’it’. ‘It’s’ all about the ’it’ factor… Don’t worry, my review should make clearer…

January 13th 2009

Simple Church – Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples.

This is a book that I am just starting to read with a few of our staff at my church. So far I am enjoying it and like the ideas that they present. I do believe that people in church and church workers desire to come back to a simple (but deep) way to do church and ministry.

I will review the book when I am done and I hope that the ideas and concepts are applicable to youth ministry too.

Stay posted.

January 2009

Inside the Mind of Youth Pastors, Mark Riddle.

A great book for every youth pastor to read to understand themselves, their responsibilites and pressures. It is an excellent book for every youth pastor to buy for their senior pastor and begin a healthy dialogue. If you want to find out more about Mark and what he thinks, check out his blog: Mark Riddles Blog

December 2008

i am not, but i know I AM. by Louie Giglio

I read this one a couple of years ago, but picked it up recently because I felt like I was in need of a reminder of who REALLY makes ministry happen…

Great book for  anyone, especially for those in ministry. Sometimes it’s real easy to look at everyone around you and feel like others have it all together and their ministry is where it’s at. We find ourselves feeling like we are not up to the task and someone else is doing better… It’s important to be reminded that Jesus promised to build His church… we are just His workers…

“i am not, but i know I AM” takes a look at the power of who GOD is and how He can change, mold and use each of us… If only  we realize confidently that, “i am not, but i know I AM”….