How much of my ministry is run in a hit-or-miss fashion? Are my methods working? How do I know that teenagers really want or need the programs I am investing so much time in? If you've asked yourself questions like these, you can't afford to miss this book! Mike Nappa, a 16-year youth ministry veteran, asked more than 400 teens from across the nation about specific areas of youth ministry, such as worship, small groups, games, retreats, and mission projects.

This comprehensive, research-informed textbook reviews all aspects of traditional and contemporary theories and experience in youth ministry, but also points to the future by analyzing youth culture and charting innovative paradigms in the art and craft of teaching. The book is fueled by the urgent need in youth ministry to better reach students, to inform them about God’s will for their lives, and to encourage change in their lives beyond the youth group setting.Features include:• Website dedicated to the book, including chats hosted by the author• Scriptural instruction on reaching the minds, hearts, and souls of students• Cultural analysis of adolescents in ministry contexts and in the larger community• Explanation of learning styles: auditory, visual, tactile, kinesthetic• Explanation of multiple intelligences: imaginative, analytic, common sense, dynamic• Tips on creativity: where to find ideas, list of teaching methods

You're looking for a youth pastor. Again. What goes wrong? Why do youth ministries crumble? And what is the cost to students, parents, volunteers and church staff? Is a sustainable youth ministry possible, even after a youth pastor leaves? Youth ministry expert Mark DeVries knows the answer is yes, because he helps build sustainable youth minist...

Based on a national survey, this revealing book explores what Christian teenagers say they believe about Jesus and the church--and what that means in their lives.

This creative study of Galations helps teens discover the freedom they have in Christ. This six-session resource emphasie the ability to live by faith, free from sin and fear of the (Old Testament) Law.

The teens in your church are impacting their world today and they’ll be the leaders of tomorrow. As a leader in your church, you understand the importance of an effective youth ministry. But it’s not as easy as simply putting a person in charge of the youth ministry in your church. Some of the most important steps in building a sustainable youth ministry happen even before you begin looking for a youth pastor. And once you have a person in place, there are several key things you can do to help develop a healthy student ministry that includes encouraging your youth pastor, engaging teens, and involving parents. In this practical book for church leaders, you’ll: • Set goals for your student ministry that inform your search for a youth pastor. • Facilitate communication with your entire church ministry staff by using the included discussion guide. • Discover how to implement a ministry that supports families and their involvement in the youth ministry. Whether you already have a youth pastor or are just beginning your search, this book will help you set up your student ministry and youth pastor for health and longevity. Make sure you understand what’s going on inside the mind of your youth pastor—whether he or she is a veteran, a volunteer, or an inexperienced new pastor—so that together, you can create a life-changing student ministry that reaches teens and draws them to Jesus.

A biblical, practical, and culturally-relevant approach to junior high ministry. Topics include the world of the junior higher, ministry with parents, creative planning, programming on purpose, presenting the good news to junior high students, purposeful fun, visionary leadership, and perseverance. Other features include comments from real junior high kids and questions for reflection.

As pastors, the authors understand the turmoil church leaders are dealing with today. They know that pastors keep searching for the next new program or formula that will bring these spiritually hungry people back to their churches. In the midst of today's cultural upheaval and changes in the worldview, they present a whole new opportunity to do church differently. LifeShapes for Leadership is designed to transform the church through biblical principles presented in the form of eight simple and memorable shapes. These shapes form a discipleship approach that helps churches gain a greater understanding of what God intends to do in their church and world.