The times are definitely changing. What was once simply referred to as a Nuclear Family in North America has morphed into labels such as Non-Traditional Families, Fragmented Families, Single-Parent Families, Gay-Partner Families, Blended Families, and beyond. It may not always be pretty, but it is reality, and that's the intersection between biblical ideal and ministry practice, writes editor Michael J. Anthony in A Theology for Family Ministry. With thoroughly researched input from a broad team of family experts, the book advises church and ministry leaders on how to make biblically and philo... View More...
It's one thing to know the story of the Bible. It's another thing to live it.Believe: Student Edition teaches you the core beliefs, practices, and virtues of Jesus-followers so that you can understand how to live out God's story in your own life today. The Bible is more than just a book of stories. It's a blueprint for living. Let the words of God change you as you learn how to think, act, and become more like Jesus.As you walk through the three big categories of Christian life--beliefs, practices, and virtues--you'll begin a journey that will take you closer to the heart of Jesus and deeper i... View More...
You're Ready to Play... Never be caught without a game again From front-line youth workers comes this tried-and-true collection. 300 Games in 3 Most-Requested Categories -Team-building games, --Bible-learning games, and -Energy-burning games. Games take from 2 minutes to one hour. Variations allow games to last longer, or add new twists for more fun. View More...
Why settle for a "youth group" . . . . . . when you can build a dynamic student ministry that keeps more and more students coming -- and keeps them growing From the director of Student Impact, one of the country's largest and most effective student ministries, here is a clear, step-by-step approach that takes you for a quantum leap beyond merely Maintaining a Youth Group . . . to Building a Student Ministry Activity-driven . . . To purpose-driven Unclear vision . . . To clear vision Inward focus, content with the "clique" . . . To outward focus, compassion for lost people Minimum growth . . .... View More...
Don't face college unprepared. Be ready. College Ready. You've waited your whole life and you've finally made it. Freedom. Good times. No parents. This is what life is all about, right? But maybe college isn't just parties and 2 a.m. fast-food runs. If no one has told you yet, Mom's not tagging along to do your laundry. During your college years everything changes. You'll need to know how to stay grounded with good friends but have fun at the same time. From choosing a major and learning time management to dating and spiritual growth, it's an entirely different world. And that's why we deve... View More...
Deep Ministry in a Shallow World will show you a new way to prayerfully reflect on the questions you face in your youth ministry every day so you can find the answers that will take it to deeper places. That's because authors Chap Clark and Kara Powell have gathered significant research findings that will help shift your ministry paradigm. Did you know that: - the typical strategies we use to build relationships with kids might actually cause them to trust us less because of what this generation has endured? - recent research on communication could help us move past the witty talks and funny s... View More...
Close to 60 percent of young people who went to church as teens drop out after high school. Now the bestselling author of "unChristian" trains his researcher's eye on these young believers. Where Kinnaman's first book "unChristian" showed the world what outsiders aged 16-29 think of Christianity, "You Lost Me" shows why younger Christians aged 16-29 are leaving the church and rethinking their faith. Based on new research, "You Lost Me" shows pastors, church leaders, and parents how we have failed to equip young people to live "in but not of" the world and how this has serious long-term consequ... View More...
You are a student leader for a reason. Maybe you chose to be, maybe someone else chose it for you--no matter how you got here, God has a plan to use you in ministry. You and your youth worker know that you're new at this thing. You have leadership abilities, but you're still a student--so how do you do it? Doug Fields has been a youth pastor for a long time, and he has helped a few students here and there figure out how to be leaders in his ministry. Now he's here to help you. You may be afraid or overwhelmed, or you may feel privileged ... or even a little cocky ... whatever the case, the too... View More...
A Life Together Resource Living with Purpose in Community Students understand that they were created for a reason they know God had something in mind when he knit them together. The challenge is helping your students unlock that knowledge and start living the life they were designed for. Experiencing Christ Together Student Edition (modeled after Experiencing Christ Together adult curriculum) brings your students face to face with Jesus, the one who holds the key to living for God. By studying Jesus words and life, these small group studies will take your students to the heart of what it means... View More...
Youth ministry only looks like it revolves around the youth room. You know better: a successful youth ministry involves a myriad of administrative and operational details. So what do you need today? A sample budget, then a form for creating one of your own? Release forms for trips? Clear direction on screening applicants for volunteer positions? Checklists, reminders, and tips for writing agendas, event flyers, and calendars?Whatever hits you when you walk into your office each morning, just pull Youth Ministry Management Tools for quick and accessible answers to your management, administrativ... View More...
Lives are changed. Decisions are made. Jokes are shared. Lifelong friendships are formed. If you're a small group leader, you probably ask yourself lots of questions. Am I making a difference? Am I wisely investing my time, energy, and resources? How can I maximize my impact in these kids' lives? Find the answers you're looking for in 99 Thoughts for Small Group Leaders. Like other books in our 99 Thoughts series, Joshua Griffin's latest book delivers insights, tips, and veteran advice for small group leaders. When put into play, these bite-size, consumable pieces of wisdom can help leaders "k... View More...
A new model of youth work and outreach is emerging across the UK and elsewhere, in which churches and faith communities are no longer content to invite outsiders across the great threshold that is the front door of the church. On the other hand, detached youth work has made great strides into taking the church out into the streets. Between these two polarities is nestled a third way. Middle Space models carve out space in the middle ground for dialogue, relationships, safe spaces, exchange of ideas, not to mention inclusive activities. The concept of Middle Space is simple. It's not our space,... View More...
- Unleash your God-given creative talents and become a more effective youth worker.- Transform your youth ministry with loads of brand-new, idea-generating exercises and practical learning experiences for Bible studies, worship, service projects, games, and more - Discover new methods of creativity that will help you customize your ministry for the exact needs of teenagers in your community.- Read real-life case studies that reveal insights from some of the most innovative youth leaders in the country.- Includes evaluation tools to help you measure your effectiveness, expand your reach, and en... View More...
