The fourth book of the holiday was Jesus Centered Youth Ministry by Rick Lawrence, the editor of Group Magazine. The book takes Spurgeon’s premise that everything can and should lead to Jesus, and applies that to the field of youth ministry. Rick examines the topics of:
Discipleship- Mentoring
- Evangelism
- Small Groups
- Outreach
- Engaging Culture
- Counseling
- Volunteers
- Parents
- Communication
Each chapter starts with a comment piece from an experienced youth worker, e.g. Duffy Robbins, Greg Stier, Walt Mueller and Kurt Johnston to name a few.
In one sense there is nothing special to this book, but like Purpose Driven Youth Ministry by Doug Fields it deeply challenges the frame-work in which you do youth ministry and is immensely practical at suggesting different ways of working. If you’re involved in youth ministry and haven’t read this book, add it to your pile to read, it’s worth the time.
