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becca_osborn
Four Views of Youth Ministry and the Church: Inclusive Congregational, Preparatory, Missional, Strategic
Malan Nel, Wesley Black, Chap Clark
This book is that it wasn't a typical warm-fuzzy youth ministry book--the writers were both experienced and dedicated to research. I appreciated their 'cutting the crap' and speaking to the heart of the issue rather than 'candles, darkness, and spiritual highs' B.S. that is often covered. ;)
The 4 views may seem to overlap at first glance, but each writer did a good job on distinction. I appreciated the space for critique from each of the four views and allowing space for a rebuttal as well. It's important to identify (IMHO) the one that the youth minister grew up in (assuming she/he grew up in the church) and whether or not your current youth group needs to function differently than how you grew up (which is most likely the case, I have found). This makes things more challenging, but it can work.
I felt that the authors seemed pretty genuine as well. That's a big deal in church work! (Sorry guys--I'm a pastor's kid. I've seen it all.)
I wish there were more books like this for youth ministers, actually. Things that I appreciated from the authors is that they all agreed:
1) that things need to change in youth ministry (since around half our teens are leaving the church once they are on their own--not sure if this is still the current statistic),
2) that there is no one 'correct' answer to youth ministry, and across the board,
3) that things need to change regardless of which of the four views you "line up" with.
Youth ministry isn't about consumption and parties--it's about helping teens figure out what to do with this whole "God thing" into adulthood--and being open with the fact that we're still figuring that out ourselves.
For my own records, (and for those who actually read this and are curious) I grew up in the 2nd model. My current church is a combo of the 1st and 4th model--probably more the 4th (but church planting isn't solely done by teens--it's by groups of people who feel called/committed to an area).
The 4 views may seem to overlap at first glance, but each writer did a good job on distinction. I appreciated the space for critique from each of the four views and allowing space for a rebuttal as well. It's important to identify (IMHO) the one that the youth minister grew up in (assuming she/he grew up in the church) and whether or not your current youth group needs to function differently than how you grew up (which is most likely the case, I have found). This makes things more challenging, but it can work.
I felt that the authors seemed pretty genuine as well. That's a big deal in church work! (Sorry guys--I'm a pastor's kid. I've seen it all.)
I wish there were more books like this for youth ministers, actually. Things that I appreciated from the authors is that they all agreed:
1) that things need to change in youth ministry (since around half our teens are leaving the church once they are on their own--not sure if this is still the current statistic),
2) that there is no one 'correct' answer to youth ministry, and across the board,
3) that things need to change regardless of which of the four views you "line up" with.
Youth ministry isn't about consumption and parties--it's about helping teens figure out what to do with this whole "God thing" into adulthood--and being open with the fact that we're still figuring that out ourselves.
For my own records, (and for those who actually read this and are curious) I grew up in the 2nd model. My current church is a combo of the 1st and 4th model--probably more the 4th (but church planting isn't solely done by teens--it's by groups of people who feel called/committed to an area).
It only took me three years to finish this book! A lot of this was my season of life, and I’m glad I waited - there was a lot in this book I don’t think I’d have been ready for.
While this book could use some editing, Graham Cooke had a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the prophetic. He has become one of my “book mentors” and makes me feel so much less alone. Though I don’t agree with all his theology, this is sound information on how to move in the prophetic, as well as what discipleship and road blocks may look like. This is also the third in a series.
One of the best parts of his writings are the exercises at the end of each section. The way to move in the prophetic is to practice (scary!) and I imagine he is a wonderful teacher. I hope to take one of his classes someday!
While this book could use some editing, Graham Cooke had a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the prophetic. He has become one of my “book mentors” and makes me feel so much less alone. Though I don’t agree with all his theology, this is sound information on how to move in the prophetic, as well as what discipleship and road blocks may look like. This is also the third in a series.
One of the best parts of his writings are the exercises at the end of each section. The way to move in the prophetic is to practice (scary!) and I imagine he is a wonderful teacher. I hope to take one of his classes someday!
