In recent times I have re-discovered the joy of reading. It has a lot to do with the fact I am hoping to write a book and therefore wanting to read some! However what I have found that the times I have learnt BEST from a book were when I actually had to do some sort of follow up, like when I was studying and had to complete an assignment! As such, whenever I read a book that in some way relates to youth ministry, my plan is to review it on this blog. However over time blog posts disappear from the home page so I thought I’d create a little space where I can post the article links so these book reviews can forever be useful!
Book Reviews
The Youth Builder by Jim Burns
The Youth Builder is anything but an ordinary book about youth ministry. It is, in fact, a perfect example of not judging a book by it’s cover. The picture on the front of my book is straight from the 80’s, which is exactly when this book was published, but unlike much from the 80’s, this book still holds true today.
Deep Ministry in a Shallow World by Chap Clark & Kara E. Powell
Described as ‘the best of careful theological reflection, serious academic research, and practical youth ministry know-how’ by Duffy Robbins and ‘both thought provoking and practical’ by Megan Hutchinson, Deep Ministry in a Shallow World talks about the issues surrounding how to make youth ministry deeper.
Teenagers – A Natural History by David Bainbridge
The book is basically an attempt to account for the phenomenon of teenagerdom from both a historical and evolutionary perspective. The book discusses what makes teenagers who they are and what the importance of adolescence is from a historical perspective.
You were made to make a difference by Max Lucado and Jenna Lucado Bishop
In their book ‘You were made to make a difference’ Max Lucado and his daughter Jenna Lucado Bishop really challenges and encourages teenagers to go out and make a difference in this world. With the benefit of aged wisdom from Lucado and youthly enthusiasm from Lucado Bishop, this book really provides a holistic outlook and solid advice for how teenagers actually can change this world for the better.
