Delegation tends to be fraught with fear of the unknown. Without saying so, many leaders hesitate to delegate simply because they fear giving up authority which they claim as theirs. One can sense a certain amount of carnality here as selfish pride wins the day. Often, however, leaders just don't know how.
Most delegatees will not perform the assigned task to the same level of competence the leader himself would have performed it. However, after exercising the responsibilities for a period of time, the level of competence will rise considerably and even approach that of the mentor. This can be both a blessing and a threat to the leader who might already be somewhat skeptical of the delegation process.
Some leaders fail to delegate because they do not want to commit the necessary time. In the initial stage, delegation takes more time than doing the task oneself. Making the assignment, issuing reminders, checking and double-checking results, possibly making some corrections, and other aspects of the delegation process tempt us to say, "I'd rather do it myself." But like planning, delegation is not an expense but an investment. Unfortunately, because the returns of the investment do not always appear immediately, discouragement can set in and lead some to forsake the process.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
What New Testament Leadership is
New Testament Church Leadership is Nurture
Nurture is a botanical term which describes the care and feeding of a young plant so that it grows properly to maturity. In 1 Thessalonians 2:7,8, Paul uses some distinctive words to describe nurture in the eyeball-to-eyeball relationships which accompany leadership responsibility.
He speaks of being "gentle," the word herioi, used often of a teacher, patient in the process of nurturing seemingly incorrigible students. As if that emphasis were not clear enough, he refers to the gentleness of a mother, not a hired baby-sitter. The word appears in the Old Testament to describe the Lord God's care of Israel, and in 2 Timothy 2:24 Paul uses the word to describe "the servant of the Lord".
But there is more to this emphasis on nurture. A gentle mother "cares for her little children." The word "care" is thalpe, which titerally means "to soften by heat" or "to keep warm." Deuteronomy 22:6, in the Septuagint, uses the word to describe a bird caring for its young by spreading its feathers over them in the nest. Such a mother loves those growing children (1 Thess. 2:7) Such yearning for the good of the group may ultimately result in a sacrifice on the part of the leader.
Where is assertiveness in all of this? The image of a sharp voice barking orders and running a tight ship? Again, a pagan culture distorts our understanding of spiritual reality. We identify leadership with toughness and ruggedness; God identifies it with tenderness. We think of leadership as "handling" adults; God thinks of it as nurturing children.
New Testament Leadership Is Example
The hard work of Paul's leadership spills out in verse 9. Both day and night, with great effort, he worked among the believers. His own life, and those of his colleagues, provided examples of holiness, justice, and blamelessness before God. Note that this behavior took place before the believers to facilitate evangelism.
In 2:5-6, Paul assures the Thessalonians that their leaders are human, not some kind of ecclesiastical giants who want to run the organization by sheer executive skill and personal power. The plural pronouns throughout this passage affirm again the biblical reality of team leadership
New Testament Leadership is Fatherhood
What does a father do? According to Ephesians 6:4, he, too, is responsible for the nurture of his children. In 1 Thessalonians 2:11, the words rendered "exhorted" and "comforted" are the words parakalountes and paramuthoumenoi, respectively. These commonly appear together in Paul's writing. The former is often used of divine ministry, but the latter is always a human word. Never used directly to mean God's comfort, it describes the way He works through people to minister to other people in the community of faith.
A father also "urges" his children (v.12). The word carries the idea of admonishing of witnessing truth so that they will walk in patterns acceptable to God.
Nurture is a botanical term which describes the care and feeding of a young plant so that it grows properly to maturity. In 1 Thessalonians 2:7,8, Paul uses some distinctive words to describe nurture in the eyeball-to-eyeball relationships which accompany leadership responsibility.
He speaks of being "gentle," the word herioi, used often of a teacher, patient in the process of nurturing seemingly incorrigible students. As if that emphasis were not clear enough, he refers to the gentleness of a mother, not a hired baby-sitter. The word appears in the Old Testament to describe the Lord God's care of Israel, and in 2 Timothy 2:24 Paul uses the word to describe "the servant of the Lord".
But there is more to this emphasis on nurture. A gentle mother "cares for her little children." The word "care" is thalpe, which titerally means "to soften by heat" or "to keep warm." Deuteronomy 22:6, in the Septuagint, uses the word to describe a bird caring for its young by spreading its feathers over them in the nest. Such a mother loves those growing children (1 Thess. 2:7) Such yearning for the good of the group may ultimately result in a sacrifice on the part of the leader.
Where is assertiveness in all of this? The image of a sharp voice barking orders and running a tight ship? Again, a pagan culture distorts our understanding of spiritual reality. We identify leadership with toughness and ruggedness; God identifies it with tenderness. We think of leadership as "handling" adults; God thinks of it as nurturing children.
New Testament Leadership Is Example
The hard work of Paul's leadership spills out in verse 9. Both day and night, with great effort, he worked among the believers. His own life, and those of his colleagues, provided examples of holiness, justice, and blamelessness before God. Note that this behavior took place before the believers to facilitate evangelism.
In 2:5-6, Paul assures the Thessalonians that their leaders are human, not some kind of ecclesiastical giants who want to run the organization by sheer executive skill and personal power. The plural pronouns throughout this passage affirm again the biblical reality of team leadership
New Testament Leadership is Fatherhood
What does a father do? According to Ephesians 6:4, he, too, is responsible for the nurture of his children. In 1 Thessalonians 2:11, the words rendered "exhorted" and "comforted" are the words parakalountes and paramuthoumenoi, respectively. These commonly appear together in Paul's writing. The former is often used of divine ministry, but the latter is always a human word. Never used directly to mean God's comfort, it describes the way He works through people to minister to other people in the community of faith.
A father also "urges" his children (v.12). The word carries the idea of admonishing of witnessing truth so that they will walk in patterns acceptable to God.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Friday, April 20, 2007
If You Want Happiness
If you want happiness for an hour--
take a nap.
If you want happiness for a day--
go fish.
If you want happiness for a month--
get married.
If you want happiness for a year--
inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime--
help others.
-Chinese Proverb-
take a nap.
If you want happiness for a day--
go fish.
If you want happiness for a month--
get married.
If you want happiness for a year--
inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime--
help others.
-Chinese Proverb-
The Be-With Factor student guide (Book reviews)
Six questions students need to ask bout life with God By Bo Boshers & Judson Poling
Having the right person in your life can make a huge difference. Jesus knew that. He spent time with his disciples, talking with them, listening to them, having fun with them. He chose to be with them in everyday life.
That's the kind of role a wise, caring mentor can have in your life. The discussions and activities in this book help you and your mentor experience the same relationship Jesus had with his disciples. And here's the key: it's not just about doing another Bible study, but also about personal connections, living life Jesus did.
Six engaging questions get you started.
- How does God show me He's real?
- What does God want from me?
- What purpose does God have for my life?
- Why does it matter what I believe about God?
- How does God help me stay strong when life is hard?
- What kind of people does God want in my life?
The Authors:
Bo Boshers is executive director of student ministries at the Willow Creek Association and the author of several books, including G-Force, Vision Moments, Student Ministry for the 21 st Century, and Becoming a Contagious Christian Youth Edition.
Judson Poling works with small group ministries at Willow Creek Community Church. He is coauthor of the Walking with God series, the Tough Questions series, general editor of The Journey: A Bible for the Spiritually Curious, and author of Taking the Old Testament Challenge.
ISBN-10: 0-310-27161-4
ISBN-13: 978-0-310-27161-1
The Greatest General
A man died and met Saint Peter
at the gates of heaven. Recognizing the saint's
knowledge and wisdom, he wanted to ask him a question.
"Saint Peter," he said, "I have been interested in military
history for many years. Tell me, who was
the greatest general of all times?"
Peter quickly responded, "O, that is a simple question.
It's that man right over there."
The man looked where Peter was pointing and answered,
"You must be mistaken. I knew that man on earth,
and he was just a common laborer."
"That's right," Peter remarked,
"But he would have been the greatest general
of all time- if he had been a general."
-Mark Twain-
at the gates of heaven. Recognizing the saint's
knowledge and wisdom, he wanted to ask him a question.
"Saint Peter," he said, "I have been interested in military
history for many years. Tell me, who was
the greatest general of all times?"
Peter quickly responded, "O, that is a simple question.
It's that man right over there."
The man looked where Peter was pointing and answered,
"You must be mistaken. I knew that man on earth,
and he was just a common laborer."
"That's right," Peter remarked,
"But he would have been the greatest general
of all time- if he had been a general."
-Mark Twain-
One Step Further
Do more than exist: live.
Do more than touch: feel.
Do more than look: observe.
Do more than read: absorb.
Do more than hear: listen.
Do more than listen: understand.
Do more than think: reflect.
Do more than just talk: say something
-Author Unknown-
Do more than touch: feel.
Do more than look: observe.
Do more than read: absorb.
Do more than hear: listen.
Do more than listen: understand.
Do more than think: reflect.
Do more than just talk: say something
-Author Unknown-
The Be-With Factor (Book reviews)
Mentoring students in everyday life
By Bo Boshers & Judson Poling
Do you every wonder if what you are doing is really making a difference? Have you ever thought about how Jesus would lead a youth ministry today? Then The Be-With Factor is right for you.
The Be-With Factor is a powerful, practical, and sustainable mentoring approach. It's patterned after Jesus' example of "being with" his disciples in a variety of real-life settings. It's not about another program, but about doing life with students. Youth faith shown in everyday situations can transform their lives--an impact that begins with one student and has the potential to reach a whole generation of Christ-followers.
Filled with true-life illustrations, this groundbreaking book and its counterpart, The Be-With Factor Student Guide, point the way to lasting spiritual transformation that comes through intentional mentoring relationships.
"Doing life with students is the easiest way I know to share Jesus with them. The Be-with Factor is just the encouragement and help you will need."
Doug Fields, pastor to students, Saddleback Church
"Today's students are the hope for tomorrow's church. If you want to make a lasting impact, step up to the challenge Bo and Judson lay out and live the Be-With lifestyle, and change the world... one life at a time."
Bill Hybels, Senior Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church
The Authors:
Bo Boshers is executive director of student ministries at the Willow Creek Association and the author of several books, including G-Force, Vision Moments, Student Ministry for the 21 st Century, and Becoming a Contagious Christian Youth Edition.
Judson Poling works with small group ministries at Willow Creek Community Church. He is coauthor of the Walking with God series, the Tough Questions series, general editor of The Journey: A Bible for the Spiritually Curious, and author of Taking the Old Testament Challenge.
ISBN-10: 0-310-27160-6
ISBN-13: 978-0-310-27160-4
In Twilight
Far better it is to dare mighty things
to win glorious triumphs,
even though checkered with failure,
than to take rank with those poor spirits who
neither enjoy much nor suffer much because
they live in the gray twilight that knows not
victory nor defeat.
-Theodore Roosevelt-
to win glorious triumphs,
even though checkered with failure,
than to take rank with those poor spirits who
neither enjoy much nor suffer much because
they live in the gray twilight that knows not
victory nor defeat.
-Theodore Roosevelt-
It's Easier
It's easier to settle for average
than strive for achievement.
It's easier to be saturated with complacency
than stirred with compassion.
It's easier to be skeptical
than successful.
It's easier to question
than conquer.
It's easier to rationalize your disappointments
than realize your dreams.
It's easier to belch the baloney
than bring home the bacon.
-Author Unknown-
than strive for achievement.
It's easier to be saturated with complacency
than stirred with compassion.
It's easier to be skeptical
than successful.
It's easier to question
than conquer.
It's easier to rationalize your disappointments
than realize your dreams.
It's easier to belch the baloney
than bring home the bacon.
-Author Unknown-
Rod of the Spirit (Book reviews)
A journey into the spirit-filled life
By Danny Lovett
Rod of the Spirit is one of the most exciting and captivating books I have ever read on the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Dr. Lovett does an excellent job of illustrating the spiritual significance of the biblical types and symbols of the Holy Spirit. I know of no other book that presents this concept so effectively.
--Ed Hindson, Assistant Chancellor, Liberty University, Lynchburg Virginia
Rod of the Spirit offers a fresh and innovative approach to the study of the Holy Spirit. The author's passion and perceptive analysis of biblical text, coupled with practical and insightful suggestions for personal spiritual growth are timely and heartwarming. The reader will be challenged to an ever-deepening relationship with this One that He will "abide with you forever."
--Daniel R. Mitchell, Associate Dean, Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary
As president of Liberty University, I have the opportunity to read many great books that contribute to my personal growth as a Christian. This book is one of the great ones for understanding God, the Holy Spirit. The Lord is working throughout this book and you will be challenged to walk in the spirit. I am confident The Rod of the Spirit will become a permanent part of your Christian library.
--John M. Borek, Jr. President, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA
The Author:
Danny Lovett accepted the call to pastor Open Door Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in December of 1980. From 40 in attendance the first Sunday, the church grew under his leadership to over 1,200 with the addition of a television ministry and a Christian School. In 1996, Dr. Lovett was appointed Dean of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, in Lynchburg, Virginia.
ISBN 0-9725719-6-5
Give God The First
Give God the first part of every day.
Give God the first day of every week.
Give God the first portion of your income.
Give God the first consideration in every decision.
Give God the first place in your life.
Give God the first day of every week.
Give God the first portion of your income.
Give God the first consideration in every decision.
Give God the first place in your life.
-John C. Maxwell-
Thursday, April 19, 2007
How to spell "success"
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children,
to earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others,
to leave the world a bit better
whether by a healthy child, a garden patch,
or a redeemed social condition;
to know even one life has breathed easier
because you lived.
This is to have succeeded.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson-
and the affection of children,
to earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others,
to leave the world a bit better
whether by a healthy child, a garden patch,
or a redeemed social condition;
to know even one life has breathed easier
because you lived.
This is to have succeeded.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson-
Right from Wrong (Book reviews)
By Josh McDowell & Bob Hostetler
The headlines scream daily of classroom violence, children selling drugs, gang killings, and rampant teenage sex--the natural behavior of a generation that has lost its belief in objective right and wrong. To them, truth is a matter of taste; morality of individual preference.
And these are not just the kids across the street; they are the young people in our own churches--in our own families. Church leaders and parents are painfully aware that their kids are veering away from biblical values at an alarming rate. Josh Mcdowell's new, extensive study of evangelical churched youth shows that 57 percent cannot affirm that an objective standard for right and wrong even exists. This study uncovers many other appalling trends:
- 66 percent lied to their parents within the past three months
- 36 percent cheated within the past three months
- 23 percent tried to hurt someone in the same period
- 55 percent have engaged in sexual activity by age 18
Right from Wrong offers not a quick fix, but a thorough, biblical and practical blueprint for understanding moral absolutes and passing on core values to the next generation.
The Authors:
Josh McDowell is an internationally known speaker, author, and traveling representative for Campus Crusade for Christ. He has written more that thirty five books, including the classic Evidence that Demands a Verdict. Josh and his wife Dottie have four children.
Bob Hostetler is a writer, editor, and speaker. His books include Don't Check Your Brains at the Door, The Love Killer (Both co-authored with Josh McDowell), and They Call Me A.W.O.L. He and his wife Robin live in south western Ohio with their two children Aubrey and Aaron.
ISBN 0-8499-3604-7
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Purpose Driven Youth Ministry (Book reviews)
By Doug Fields
If you long to reach kids and see their lives changed by God, this comprehensive guide shows you how. Purpose-Driven Youth Ministry will do for youth ministry what Rick Warren's Gold Medallion Award-winning The Purpose-Driven Church is doing for pastoral ministry. It's an indispensable guide to creating and maintaining youth ministry for the long run. It will help you create a solid spiritual team that builds the foundations of the Christian faith into the hearts and lives of young people.
Forged around the fundamental purposes of evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, ministry, and worship, Purpose-Driven Youth Ministry uses the experiences of Saddleback Church to illustrate what a healthy youth ministry can be. Nine transferable principles help you
- Connect with the power of God for passionate, committed leadership
- Define the purpose of your ministry and communicate it effectively
- Identify your potential audience
- Create programs that reach your audience and fulfill God's purposes
- Implement processes that move students to maturity
- Enhance your ministry with clearly defined values
- Team up with parents to involve the whole family
- Find volunteers and develop them into participating leaders
- Persevere through tough times and thrive in an ever-changing environment
Purpose-Driven Youth Ministry will help you develop a ministry that equips students rather than a ministry that coordinates events. Doug Fields says, "My goal for this book is to coach you through a plan to build a healthy youth ministry that isn't dependent on one great youth leader and won't be destroyed when the youth worker leaves the church. It's not a book on how to grow your youth ministry with six easy steps; it's about identifying, establishing, and building health into your church's youth ministry."
"This is the book every youth worker should read before doing anything else. Doug Fields provides a refreshingly practical framework for youth ministry that is not only effective, but thoroughly biblical."
--Wayne Rice, Director, Understand Your Teenager Seminars
The Author:
Doug Fields has been in youth ministry since 1979 and has been the Pastor to Students at Saddleback Church in Southern California since 1992. He is the author of over 25 books and is the president of YouthMinistryOnline.com, an internet based company that provides resources for youth workers (www.simplyyouthministry.com). He trains youth workers throughout the world and is a regular speaker for Youth Specialties' events. Doug and his wife, Cathy, have three children.
ISBN 0-310-21253-7
Team Leadership in Christian Ministry (Book reviews)
By Kenneth O. Gangel
"For busy people who can't read everything on the expanding numbers of books on leadership--which is all of us--I recommend this book highly. It is an important contribution to a vitally important topic."
--Dr. David L. Rambo, president, Alliance Theological Seminary
"It is no secret that the crying need both of our culture and our churches is leadership. This book provides a fresh perspective of leadership that is both solidly biblical and thoroughly practical. I strongly recommend it to any leader or aspiring leader who wishes to lead in a style that is biblical, culturally relevant, and effective. Many people talk about biblical leadership. Team Leadership will show you how."
--Dr. Gene A. Getz; Senior Pastor, Fellowship Bible Church North
"Calls for leadership are every where, but who knows what it is or how to lead? Kenneth Gangel bridges scholarship and practice, scripture and secular literature, yesterday and tomorrow--teaching Team Leadership."
--Leith Anderson; Pastor, Wooddale Church
"Once every few years, or perhaps once in a decade, I read a book that has a profound impact on my life and ministry. Without a doubt, Team Leadership is that kind of book. I know of no other book on leadership which contains so much helpful and insightful information on the vital subject of authentic Christian leadership."
--Paul A. Cedar; Chairman/CEO, Mission America
The Author:
Kenneth O. Gangel (B.A., Taylor University; M.A., Fuller Summer Seminary; M.Div., Grace Theological Seminary; S.T.M., Concordia Seminary; Ph.D., University of Missouri) is vice president for academic affairs, academic dean, and distinguished professor of Christian Education at Dallas Theological Seminary. His career has spanned four institutions in nearly forty years.
ISBN 0-8024-9016-6
An Introduction to the New Testament (Book reviews)
By D.A. Carson, Douglas J. Moo, and Leon Morris
An Introduction to the New Testament focuses on what used to be called "special introduction"--historical questions dealing with authorship, date, sources, purpose, destination, and so forth--in contrast to recent texts that concentrate more on literary form, rhetorical criticism, and historical parallels. The authors do not minimize these other topics; rather, they insist those subjects are better given extended treatment in courses on exegesis.
By refocusing on the essentials, An Introduction to the New Testament ensures that the New Testament books will be accurately understood from their historical settings; and it allows other concerns to be introduced when appropriate.
The authors also include a brief outline of each New Testament document, providing a rationale when necessary for the choices they have made. They provide a brief account of current studies on each book, and indicate something of the theological contribution each document makes to the canon of Scripture.
Drawing on the core knowledge contained in An Introduction to the New testament, a new generation of scholars will gain a better grasp of the Word of God.
The Authors:
D.A. Carson is professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
Douglas J. Moo is associate professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
Leon Morris, retired, was principal of Ridley College, Melbourne, and served as visiting professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
ISBN 0-310-51940-3
Competent Christian Counseling: Volume One (Book reviews)
Foundations & Practice of Compassionate Soul Care
By Dr. Timothy Clinton and Dr. George Ohlschlager, executive editors
With contributions from some of the most experienced and respected voices in the Christian counseling profession, Competent Christian Counseling addresses the practical skills and goal-directed action steps needed for compassionate soul care:
- Intake and assessment
- Working through client resistance
- Pastoral care and lay helping
- Child and adolescent therapy
- Marriage and family counseling
- Suicide assessment and intervention
- Multicultural and special applications
- Practice management
- ...and much more!
ISBN 1-57856-517-0
Becoming Adult, Becoming Christian (Book reviews)
Adult Development & Christian Faith
By James W. Fowler
In this updated reissue of his 1984 classic, James Fowler--author of the best-selling Stages of Faith--applies his groundbreaking research on the development of faith to Christianity. Grounded in developmental psychology, theology, and practical ethics, Becoming Adult, Becoming Christian shows how communities of shared beliefs can support and nurture individuals as they shape themselves, and are shaped, in spirit and faith.
In his revised first chapter Fowler locates his approach to the study of human and faith development in relation to the contemporary conversation about identity and selfhood in postmodernity. Fowler invites readers to explore what it means to find and claim vocation: a purpose for one's life that is part of the purposes of God. Reclaiming covenant and vocation as ideals for responsible mature, Christian selfhood, Fowler shows how a dynamic understanding of what vocation involves can both inform and transform lives.
The Author:
James W. Fowler is Charles Howard Candler professor of theology and human development and director of Emory University's Center for Ethics in Public Policy and the Professions.
ISBN 0-7879-5134-X
Understanding People (Book reviews)
Deep longings for relationship
By Dr. Larry Crabb
"The Gold Medallion Book Award"
"Every attempt to help people must first begin with an effort to understand people. And the only fully reliable source of information on that topic is the Bible. Understanding People presents the foundation for the rest of my thinking and may, therefore, be my most significant book to date."
--Dr. Larry Crabb
"Larry Crabb has the most biblical and practical theory of counseling of any author I know. Understanding People, however, is not only for those who call themselves counselors. It is for anyone who wants to understand and relate biblical concepts to everyday life
--Dr. Howard G. Hendricks, professor, Dallas Theological Seminary
"This carefully reasoned book is thought-provoking, challenging, probing, realistic, and clearly biblical. I recommend it highly.
--Dr. Gary R. Collins, professor, Liberty University
ISBN 0-310-22600-7
Primary Purpose (Book reviews) forward by C. Peter Wagner
Making it hard for people to go to hell from your city
By Ted Haggard
It happened in Colorado Springs, and it can happen in your city too. Read what these people are saying about Ted Haggard's principles to change your city for the gospel:
"Cover to cover, Ted Haggard's Primary Purpose contains more practical principles on how believers can impact their communities for Christ than any book I've read."
Dick Eastman, Every Home for Christ
"In my perspective, Ted Haggard is one of today's top ten rising spiritual leaders; a key man whose humility and practical style continue to cause me to listen to what Jesus is saying through him."
Jack Hayford, Church on the Way
"Despite my theological differences, I would offer this brother's engaging book not only as must reading to every evangelical leader, but perhaps even as regular reading."
David Melvin, National Association of Evangelicals
"Primary Purpose is full of proven principles that will allow the church in your city to make a major impact on its community."
Cindy Jacobs, Generals of Intercession
"This book is filled with inspirational and practical insights on how we can minister to our communities. I encourage you to read it prayerfully and expectantly."
Paul Cedar, Evangelical Free Church of America
The Author:
Ted Haggard is the founder and pastor of the 4,800 member New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. His influence in the areas of church growth and evangelism have been noted in the New York Times, the Washington Post, on ABC News and on the British Broadcasting Corporation. A graduate of Oral Roberts University, he is currently serving on the board of the National Association of Evangelicals. Haggard and his wife, Gayle, have five children.
Prayer Evangelism (Book reviews)
By Ed Silvoso, author of That None Should Perish
A witch's coven in San Nicolas, Argentina, became a lighthouse of prayer in less than 60 minutes. In Modesto, California, a prodigal son returned to the Lord--and an adopted son and the father who had cast him out 11 years ago were reunited in Christ. Ed Silvoso's Prayer Evangelism tells story after story about how improving the spiritual climate of a city dramatically transforms everything and everybody in it!
In Prayer Evangelism, best-selling author Ed Silvoso reveals a proven, practical action plan--one built on real-life strategies and tactics--that shows how you can change the spiritual climate of your city. For a dynamic Church, the Church that was born in the street, fulfillment of the Great Commission is not a distant dream but a fast-approaching reality. You can reclaim your city for Christ.
What better time than now!
The Author:
Ed Silvoso founded Harvest Evangelism to assist the Church in his native Argentina in reaching the entire nation for Christ. Ed and his team have since developed a biblical prototype to reach entire cities for Christ, using prayer evangelism as their primary tool. Ed, and his wife, Ruth live in San Jose, California.
The Millennial Maze (Book reviews)
Sorting out evangelical options
By Stanley J. Grenz
Jesus is coming back!
But ask, "When will he return? Before or after the millennium? What will the millennium be like? What exactly is our hope?" And you enter a bewildering maze of options all claiming to be the right one.
In this book Stanley J. Grenz provides historical and biblical, as well as theological, perspective on the four major positions held by evangelicals--postmillennialism, dispensational premillennialism, historic premillennialism and amillennialism. Assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each position, he seeks to cut a new path through the maze that reaffirms the valid insights of each and sounds a fresh note of hope in an age of shattered illusions.
As an added bonus readers will find that Grenz takes note of some of the latest developments in the dialog between dispensationalists and covenant theologians. The result has been some modifications in long-held positions that have brought the two groups closer together.
"This book is a marvelous contribution to the millennium question. It combines clarity with profundity, erudition with simplicity, history with contemporary relevance, grace with honest appraisals. It's a book that deserves wide circulation."
--Bruce Waltke, Regent College
"The Millennial Maze offers a clear, responsible and much-needed current discussion of the major evangelical millennial views. Because the discussion is set in the context of the relevance of eschatology to present life, this work also makes a helpful contribution to the task of Christian world-view formation. This is a book that needed to be written, and Grenz here serves the evangelical community well."
--Bruce Ware, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
The Author:
Stanley J. Grenz is professor of theology and ethics, Carey/Regent College in Vancouver. Together with Roger E. Olson, he is the author of 20th-Century Theology: God and the World in a Transitional Age.
ISBN 0-8308-1757-3
Perspectives (Book reviews)
On the world Christian movement: a reader--Third Edition
Edited by Ralph D. Winter & Steven C. Hawthorne
Perspectives on the World Christian Movement presents a multi-faceted collection of readings exploring the biblical, historical, cultural and strategic dimensions of world evangelization. Writings from more than 90 mission scholars and practitioners introduce lay people and students to the history and astounding potential of the global Christian movement
Every one of the 125 articles offers practical wisdom enabling Christians to labor together in bold, biblical hope to finish the task of seeing that Christ is named and followed among all the peoples of the earth.
The Third Edition contains over 50 articles that are new to the book from over 40 new authors. Most articles have been updated and revised.
It would be unfair if we did not warn everyone who takes this book in hand, or who in any way senses the import of this subject, that these are crucial dimensions of a highly crucial task. This is not a book about a species of penguins that is in danger of becoming extinct. Rather, with arresting strategy, it wrestles with the open sores and fearful spiritual darkness which ravage and wreck the lives of hundreds of millions of real people, creatures that are the highest of all creation, creatures for whom God's own Son endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down on the right hand of God ... the Son who said "as my Father sent me, so send I you."
No, you can no longer hide your eyes if you probe these pages. They will show the permanence, the complexity, the scope, and yet the obligation deriving from the feasibility of the emergency task to which all who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord are called.
Ralph D. Winter
The on-going work of evangelizing the world, especially the unreached people groups where there is presently no church or witness, is a primary responsibility of Christians everywhere. There is no course of which I know that will inform, inspire, and motivate Christians for world evangelization like Perspectives...It will stretch your mind, warm your heart, and stir your will.
Billy Graham
ISBN 0-87808-289-1 (US)
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Ministrerial Ethics (Book reviews)
Moral formation for church leaders
By Joe E. Trull & James E. Carter
"Since its publication in 1993, Ministerial ethics has served as the core textbook for my courses in pastoral ethics. I therefore greet warmly the appearance of this revised version. Like its predecessor, the second edition will set the standard for reflective engagement with this crucial topic."
Stanley J. Grenz, Pioneer McDonald Professor of Theology, Carey Theological College
"The church is in an ethical free fall because of the conduct of its leaders. It has become an embarrassment to all Christians. Ministerial Ethics addresses this issue and offers clear, candid, and comprehensive help to both pastors and churches."
Paul Powell, dean, Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University
The Author:
Joe E. Trull is editor of Christian Ethics Today and formerly served as professor of Christian ethics at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. James E. Carter, a veteran pastor with over thirty years of experience, is the former director of the Division of Church-Minister Relations in the Louisiana Baptist Convention.
ISBN 0-8010-2755-1
Future Grace (Book reviews)
By John Piper
Where does sin get its power? Author John Piper explains: from the pleasure it promises. But a superior satisfaction comes when we cherish the promises of God. This means that the driving force of radical Christian living is not backward-looking gratitude, but forward-looking faith.
Piper's meditations are rooted in rock-solid biblical reflection. Chapter by chapter--one for each day of the month--he reveals how, by prizing the promises of God, you can break the power of anxiety, despondency, covetousness, lust, bitterness, impatience, pride, misplaced shame, and more.
"Pastor Piper's purpose in writing is to revitalize a decadent American Christianity that knows only cheap grace and cheap faith. Bible-soaked, God-intoxicated, deeply evangelical, and passionately humane, Piper fills the forgotten dimensions of faith--hope and contentment, stability and sanctity, prizing and praising God--with a master hand. This is a rich and wise book, one to treasure and reread."
J. I. Packer
The Author:
Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis since 1980, John Piper is a graduate of Wheaton College and Fuller Theological Seminary. He received his doctorate in theology from the University of Munich and taught biblical studies for six years at Bethel College, St. Paul, before his pastorate. His other books include A Godward Life, Desiring God, and The Pleasures of God. He has been married to Noel since 1968 and has five children.
ISBN 1-57673-337-8
Spiritual Leadership (Book reviews)
Principles of excellence for every believer
By J. Oswald Sanders
With more than 500,000 in print, Spiritual Leadership has proven itself a timeless classic in teaching the principles of leadership. J. Oswald Sanders presents and illustrates those principles through biographies of eminent men of God--men such as Moses, Nehemiah, Paul, David Livingstone, and Charles Spurgeon.
Christianity needs a powerful voice in today's world. Such a voice can come only from strong leaders guided by God and devoted to Christ. Spiritual Leadership will encourage you to place your talents and powers at His disposal so you can become a leader used for His glory.
This edition of Spiritual Leadership has been completely revised. The language is updated with a modern flavor and a study guide has been added, designed as a tool to help you grow and successfully apply the principles in this classic book.
"As a young pastor, J. Oswald Sanders' book Spiritual Leadership was the first book I read that awakened me to the subject of leadership. It started me on a 25-plus year journey of teaching leadership to pastors and lay people. No other book has influenced my life the way this one has."
John C. Maxwell, author, Speaker and Founder--The INJOY Group
"Spiritual Leadership should be the constant companion of every undershepherd in the Savior's service. Most helpful is the fact that its emphasis is not on methods, but on character, passion, and godliness. I read it often to regrip the basic perspectives of my task, and have given it to the entire leadership team in our church."
John MacArthur, Jr., Pastor-Teacher--Grace Community Church
The Author:
The late J. Oswald Sanders was a consulting director of Overseas Missionary Fellowship and carried out an international preaching ministry. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire for Christian and theological writing. His many books include The Incomparable Christ, Satan Is No Myth, and Enjoying Intimacy with God.
ISBN 0-8024-6799-7
Tell the Truth (Book reviews)
By Will Metzger
"A very good book just got better. This book soars with a fresh passion for the supremacy of God in truth-driven evangelism. May God use it to move thousands to make much of Christ among the perishing."
John Piper, senior pastor, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, and author of Desiring God
"Will Metzger writes Tell the Truth for a reformation of personal evangelism. He laments the evangelism that encourages nice people to be nice to others, in the hope that they will be nice to God. This probing book presents the key to evangelism in the power of grace, the sovereign grace of the gospel."
Edmund P. Clowney, former president, Westminster Theological Seminary
" Tell the Truth has long been a personal favorite of mine and required reading in my evangelism classes. Metzger cuts through much of the theological confusion surrounding evangelism and the gospel message and sets forth biblical and practical wisdom in an easily understood and applied manner."
Timothy Beougher, Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
"An outstanding tool for those who long to reach their campus or community with the gospel of grace."
David G. Sinclair Sr., pastor, Lexington Presbyterian Church (PCA), Lexington, South Carolina, and former campus minister
"This new edition has made a good book even better You must have it!"
Ernie Reisinger, Southern Baptist pastor, evangelist and author
"This is one of the best and most useful books on evangelism for ordinary Christians. Tell the Truth will help you--yes, even you!--learn how to develop an evangelistic way of life. Instead of relying on manipulative, man-centered methods of evangelism, Metzger explains how to introduce people to Jesus Christ in a way that glorifies God."
Philip Graham Ryken, senior pastor, Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia
"We recommend it to everyone who asks for practical help in personal evangelism."
John MacArthur Jr., senior pastor, Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, California
"Christianity is for sharing, and Christians who love their neighbor want to do that persuasively. Pizzazz-free and non manipulative, Metzger's training manual on helping people to care about truth and face the truth about Jesus is first class of its kind."
J. I. Packer, Board of Governors Professor of Theology, Regent College, and author of Knowing God
The Author:
Will Metzger has been a campus minister at the University of Delaware since 1965, where he serves with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and Christian InterAction (a church and campus connection). His evangelism ministry has taken him to every continent, and he has witnessed to people from varied nationalities both on campus and through a church that he pastored. He and his wife, Suzanne (an artist and homemaker), have two sons, who, with their wives, are all graduates of the University of Delaware.
ISBN 0-8308-2322-0
Partnering with Parents in Youth Ministry (Book reviews)
The practical guide to today's family-based youth ministry
By Jim Burns & Mike DeVries
The most powerful force in a young person's life is his or her family. That's why youth experts Jim Burns and Mike DeVries have written Partnering with Parents in Youth Ministry.
This new approach to youth ministry has biblical roots: In Deuteronomy 6:4-9, believers are mandated to pass their family's faith legacy to the next generation. Partnering with Parents in Youth Ministry helps youth workers understand their unique role in helping families succeed. It provides an overview of family-based youth ministry, which focuses on equipping, encouraging and networking parents so that they can nurture the spiritual growth of their children. It's also packed with practical ideas--devotions, discussion starters, parent small-group curriculum, family retreats, parent retreats, games, forums and more--to help youth workers implement this life-changing ministry in their church.
Partnering with Parents in Youth Ministry is a breakthrough book that will guide youth workers as they reach parents and their children with the message of Christ's love and grace!
The Author:
Jim Burns, Ph.D, is president of YouthBuilders (www.youthbuilders.com) in San Juan Capistrano, California. He is the author of several books for youth (No Compromise, Addicted to God), youth workers (The Youth Builder, Fresh Ideas series) and his expertise in the areas of youth ministry and parenting, Jim speaks to thousands of young people, youth leaders and parents across the nation and internationally. He is also heard daily by more than 1 million people on over 875 radio outlets. Jim, his wife, Cathy, and their three daughters live in Southern California.
Mike DeVries is vice president of Family-Based Youth Ministry for YouthBuilders, a nonprofit organization that exists to empower young people and families to make wise decisions and experience a vital Christian lifestyle. With over 16 years in youth ministry, Mike has authored a number of books including The Word on the New Testament, the Fresh Ideas series and was co-author of the rewrite of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winner, The Youth Builder. Mike also speaks to thousands of youth and youth workers across the country every year. Mike, his wife, Jamie, and their four children reside in Mission Viejo, California
ISBN 0-8307-3229-2
The Youth Builder (Book reviews)
By Jim Burns, Ph.D. & Mike Devries
The classic guide for youth workers just got better! Fully revised and updated, this comprehensive guide helps leaders strengthen their students' commitment to Christ through genuine relationships with their peers and youth workers. Comprehensive for professional youth workers to use yet also practical for volunteers. The Youth Builder has been used as a textbook for youth ministry in seminaries around the world. It includes information on understanding youth culture, developing student leadership, building youth staff, interrelating with families and the whole church, and much more!
The Youth Builder has been a handbook for youth workers for more than a decade. This new version of that book is even better, making it a must-read for anyone who takes youth work seriously.
Tony Campolo, Eastern College, St. Davids, Pennsylvania
All will benefit from an open and prayerful reading of this resource and a commitment to biblically based relational ministry. The principles and ideas presented come from a long hands-on experience in youth ministry.
Jay Kesler, Chancellor, Taylor University, Upland, Indiana
I am more convinced than ever of the essential role that healthy, caring relationships play in leading students to life-changing faith. In The Youth Builder, Jim Burns and Mike DeVries offer timely, practical and time-tested relational ministry wisdom for all of us who minister to kids.
Walt Mueller, President, Center for Parent/ Youth Understanding, and author, Understanding Today's Youth Culture
This book takes practical care to give us authentic instruction in the handiwork and the head work that makes effective youth ministry possible. But what I most love about this book is its vision and intention--this book takes the focus off building a youth group and puts the focus back where it belongs on building youth and making disciples.
Duffy Robbins, Chairman, Department of Youth Ministry Eastern College, St. Davids, Pennsylvania
This fresh version of The Youth Builder is absolutely bursting at the seams with powerful tools for ministering to young people. I highly recommend it to anyone even considering youth ministry!
Josh McDowell, Josh McDowell Ministry
The Author:
Jim Burns is the president of YouthBuilders, a nonprofit organization that offers resources for youth workers, young people and parents, and provides training for youth ministries around the world. In addition to authoring many books, including the YouthBuilders curriculum series and Addicted to God, Jim also writes a column for Campus Life magazine and provides daily radio commentary with his Youth Builders broadcasts, which are heard by over 2 million people. Jim and his wife, Cathy, have three daughters and reside in Southern California.
Mike DeVries is the vice president of Family-Based Youth Ministry for YouthBuilders. With over 16 years in youth ministry, mike has authored a number of books including The Word on the New Testament and Fresh Ideas: Bible Study Outlines and Messages. Mike is also a communicator, speaking to thousands of youth and youth workers across the country every year. Mike, his wife, Jamie, and their four children reside in Southern California.
ISBN 0-8307-2923-2
www.youthbuilders.com
www.gospellight.com
Monday, April 16, 2007
How People Grow (Book reviews)
What the Bible Reveals about Personal Growth
By Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend
Our desire to grow runs deep. Yet the issues in our lives and relationships that we wish would change often stay the same, even with our best efforts at spiritual growth. What does it take to experience increasing strength and depth in our spiritual walk, our marriages and family lives and friendships, our personal development--in everything life is about? And how can we help others move into growth that is profound and lasting?
In How People Grow, counselors and Gold Medallion Award-winning authors Henry Cloud and John Townsend address our gut-level issues with insight and hope. This book will do more than revolutionize your understanding of Christianity--it could very well change your life.
How people Grow is the result of the authors' own journey of discovery, personally and professionally, as they began to compare various "Christian" approaches to growth with what they found really works--and what the Bible really says. Unpacking the practical and passionate theology that forms the backbone of their counseling, Drs. Cloud and Townsend shatter popular misconceptions about how God operates and how growth happens. You'll discover
- What the essential processes are that make people grow
- How those processes fit into a biblical understanding of spiritual growth and theology
- How spiritual growth and real-life issues are one and the same
- What the responsibilities are of pastors, counselors, and others who assist people in growing--and what your own responsibilities are in your personal growth
Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend (www.cloudtownsend.com) are popular speakers, psychologists, co hosts of the nationally broadcast New Life Live! radio program, and co founders of Cloud-Townsend Clinic and Cloud-Townsend Resources. Both graduated with doctorates in clinical psychology from Rosemead Graduate School of Psychology at Biola University, and both maintain private practices in Newport Beach, California. They are best-selling coauthors of several books, including Boundaries in Dating, Boundaries with Kids, and the Gold Medallion Award-winning Boundaries and Boundaries in Marriage
The Body (Book reviews)
Being light in darkness
By Charles Colson with Ellen Santilli Vaughn
Written in a Loving God style that alternates inspiring stories and insightful analysis, the Body tackles the tough questions troubling Christians and thoughtful secularists today:
- Why, is the midst of a surge of religious interest and activity, do moral values continue to plummet?
- Why does Christianity fail to make a visible difference in the lives of so many believers?
- Why, in a culture that prides itself on its tolerance, are Christians increasingly the target of hostility and derision?
- Why do so many long-used evangelistic techniques now fall short of the mark?
- What is the church, anyway? What is its relevance to late twentieth-century culture at large--and what does it have to do with the lives of individual Christians in particular?
Flitting from congregation to congregation, they see their faith as a purely personal matter that has nothing to do with corporate commitment. In so doing they miss the basic truth of the gospel. In fact, there is no true Christianity apart from the church.
There is a growing discontent with this low view of the Body of Christ. Christians of every tradition know the church is more than buildings, budgets, and buses. Down deep we long for a fresh vision of its role... and we find in this book not only that longing met, but practical answers to how the church can break out of her cultural captivity and reassert her biblical identity.
Colson dares Christians to renounce the petty, sectarian divisions that blunt the church's witness in the world and calls us to affirm our oneness even as we celebrate our diversity. He tackles some of our most cherished sacred cows: rigid formulas and status quo idolatries that have typified us but have nothing to do with the flaming, radical calling for the church to be the people of God.
Using powerful, moving stories--from Christians in Eastern Europe who defied communism and lived to see its collapse, to believers in inner-city Los Angeles, Midwest suburbs, and on Death Row in South Carolina--Colson punctuates his prophetic analysis of the problems dogging the church and their solutions with models of what the church can be. You'll be challenged, refreshed, and invigorated.
Provocative and insightful, The Body inspires us to rise above a stunted "Jesus and me" faith to a nobler view of something bigger and grander than ourselves. This book will provoke discussion and debate for years to come--and it just might be God's tool to challenge His people to return to the glorious, holy vision for which He created the church.
The Second Coming of the Church (Book reviews)
By George Barna
Some surveys show public optimism at an all-time high, with a few mega-churches whipping up enough enthusiasm to maintain the illusion that all is well.
But Christian sociologist George Barna's data shows otherwise. In this sobering book he reveals the moral and spiritual decline within the body politic and wonders if the Body of Christ, the Church, can do anything about it.
Of his twenty-four books, Barna says this is his most "personal, strategic and intense." It's personal because he is more than a detached surveyor of public opinion; strategic because he shows how the Church can respond; intense because be believes the future of both the Church and the culture hangs in the balance.
In Part I Barna evaluates unblinkingly the state of the Church. He shows that while modern society "reinvents itself every five years," most churches are satisfied with programs designed a generation ago.
Part II provides an analysis of the "navigational environment"--the society in which the Church must operate.
Part III lifts up Scripture's high charge to the Church, with exhortations that Christians be light and leaven to the world.
And in Part IV Barna outlines adjustments required if the Church is to be "healthy, fruitful, and biblical."
The author's analysis is based not on hand-wringing conjecture but on facts. He poses hard data against Christian resistance to change:
- Although only one-half the population will be Caucasian by the year 2050, the Church today is still the most segregated institution in America.
- Although most young adults don't learn by traditional ways (and one-half are functionally illiterate), the Christian message is still packaged in archaic teaching styles.
- While poverty is growing and welfare is declining, the average church spend $6 on facilities for every $1 it spends on its ministry to the poor.
- Although most people enter full-time ministry hoping to use their teaching gifts, most church-goers don't want to be taught.
- In a world of niche-marketing and specialists, the average pastor is required to be a generalist who spends 65 hours a week tending to 16 different tasks.
George Barna is founder and presinent of Barna Research Group in Oxnard, California. He has conducted demographic and marketing research for many secular and religious groups, including the Disney Channel, Focus on the Family, and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Barna's previous books include the best-selling Frog in the Kettle, Marketing the Church, and User Friendly Churches. He and his wife, Nancy, have two daughters, Samantha and Corban.
Developing the Leader Within You (Book reviews)
By John C. Maxwell
If you are in any sort of leadership position, from business executive or church leader to parent or teacher, you have probably ased yourself many times what it takes to make a leader. And now you can find the answer in Developing the Leader Withing You.
By examining the differences between leadership styles, John Maxwell outlines principles for inspiring, motivating, and influencing others. These principles can be used in any organization to foster integrity and self-discipline and bring about a positive change.
Developing the Leader Within You also examines how to be effective in the highest calling of leadership by understanding the five characteristics that set "leader mangers" apart from "run-of-the-mill manager."
Let John Maxwell show you how to develop the vision, value, influence, and motivation required of successful leaders.
"John Maxwell has hit a home run! Developing the Leader Within You is highly motivating. 'Must' reading for corporate and aspiring executives."
--Zig Ziglar, Chairman, The Zig Ziglar Corporation
"In this book, John Maxwell combines the street smarts of a hands-on performer, who loves to practice the art of leadership with a lively, easy-to-get-it style. Read this book! It will raise your sights and release your energy."
--Bob Buford, Chairman, Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management
"One of the best books on leadership ever to be written by a man who practices what he preaches. It's a book I urge every would-be leader to read."
--Robert H. Schuller
"Eminently practical advice!...will affirm, guide, direct and influence those called to leadership. There is wonderful, meaningful help here for everyone at every rung of the leadership ladder."
--Ted Engstrom, President Emeritus, World Vision
"Simply put, [Developing the Leader Within You] may very well be the best book you will ever see on the subject of leadership."
--Jack W. Goodall, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Foodmaker, Inc.
The Author:
John Maxwell has been senior pastor of Skyline Wesleyan Church in Lemon Grove (San Diego), California since 1981. Generally considered the most influential leader of his denomination, he speaks extensively across the United States on the issues of leadership, relationships, and church growth. He also reaches large numbers of church and business leaders through his popular audiotapes, videos, and books, all produced by Injoy, a leadership development institute, founded by John Maxwell.
ISBN 0-8407-6744-7
Love Your God with All Your Mind (Book reviews)
The role of reason in the life of the soul
By J. P. Moreland
The mind plays an important role in Christianity. Unfortunately, many of us leave our minds behind when it comes to our faith.
In Love Your God with All Your Mind, J. P. Moreland presents a logical case for the role of the mind in spiritual transformation. He challenges us to develop a Christian mind and to use our intellect to further God's kingdom through evangelism, apologetics, worship, and vocation.
"This exploration into the mind of evangelical Christianity is one of the most courageous books of our time. In language that is thoroughly erudite but compassionate, theological but practical, and scriptural but entirely relevant to today, the author presents the deeper significance of Paul's plea to the Christians and Phillipi: 'Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.'"
--D. James Kennedy, Ph. D., senior minister, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church
"This is more than just another Christian book. It is the wake-up call that the church needs today. God gave us minds for a reason. It is crucial that we become like Christ in the way we think. If we heed J.P.'s words, we can counter the culture in which we live, work, think, and minister."
--Josh McDowell, Josh McDowell Ministry
"J.P. Moreland exemplifies the Christian mind as it ought to be--tough and analytic, but also generous and caring. Christians who want to develop their minds in the service of Christ couldn't find a better teacher, or a better book for the task."
--Phillip E. Johnson, author of Darwin on Trial
J.P. Moreland is professor of philosophy at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, in La Mirada, California. He is the author of numerous books including Scaling the Secular City and Does God Exist?
Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry (Book reviews)
a personal and practical guide to starting right
By Doug Fields, author of the bes-selling Purpose-Driven Youth Ministry
Since forever altering the course of the youth ministry world with his best selling, groundbreaking book, Purpose-Driven Youth Ministry, Doug Fields' mind--but especially his heart--has been focused on the many unique needs of new youth workers.
Doug translated his passion, insight, and vision for his beloved "rookies" into what you're now reading, Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry--hands-down the most comprehensive companion to not only surviving, but also thriving, during the most crucial phase of youth ministry.
Employing his renowned wisdom and humor--as if you and Doug were chatting over a long, relaxing meal--the author disarmingly relates stories and principles from his own successes and failures over 20-plus years in youth ministry. In the end, he offers treasure troves of practical advice, all in the hope that new youth workers can travel a smoother path and achieve real longevity in a church culture that all too often chews them up and spits them out.
Doug covers all-important issues such as:
- Dealing with discouragement
- Establishing a solid spiritual foundation
- Building effective relationships with students
- Resolving conflict
- Ministering to parents and families
- Trailblazing change
- Working with volunteers
- Defining a realistic job description
- and many others!
Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry is a must-have tool for new youth workers, volunteers, seminary professors and students, senior pastors, elders, church boards--even veteran youth workers who've been ministering in unstructured environments and are now asking, "What did I miss? What can I still learn?"
The first two years of youth ministry are never easy. But never fear. Doug fervently assures us: "Hang on. Hope's coming!"
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