Description
Book SynopsisSince 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 Fist 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 oft
Table of Contents
acknowledgments essay writer profiles before you dig in [13] 1. where do i start? committing to the essentials [19] “In 1979 I was a rookie youth worker with no idea what I was doing. I took teenagers to R-rated movies; I had a Jacuzzi party in the baptismal because a 12-year-old thought it would be fun…Thankfully, a lot has changed...” 2. why do i feel this way? dealing with discouragement [41] “Discouragement may be the single most powerful feeling that entices great women and men to exit prematurely from youth ministry.” 3. how do i stay spiritually fresh? establishing a heart foundation [63] “Being connected to God on a daily basis is more important than any youth ministry semi-nar you attend or any book you read.” 4. what’s most important to students? being with them [81] “As you begin your youth ministry, please keep in mind that programs only exist to build and strengthen relationships with God and with one another! Relationships are key to a healthy ministry!” 5. how do i work with parents? becoming family friendly [103] “This is an important chapter conceived through struggle and pain. I’d love to save you from some of the hurt I’ve caused and experienced.” 6. why all the conflict? dealing with difficult people [127] “During my years of leadership, I’ve experienced enough tension to fill an entire book. I’ve shed tears, caused tears, avoided conflict, started conflict, confronted conflict, confronted loudly, made enemies, gained supporters. Sometimes I’ve been right, but often I’ve been wrong.” 7. who’s the leader? understanding submission and supervision [149] “When I struggle in my relationships with those in authority over me, it’s often because I’m criticizing others when I should be critical of myself. I need to consider the log in my own eye before I point out the speck in another person’s eye. (Have you read that somewhere?)” 8. where do i get help? working with a team of leaders [171] “My greatest joy and most difficult task is building a team of other adults who will love students and disciple them…If you find, develop, and empower leaders, you’ ll be a valuable asset to your church and set yourself up for success in future youth ministry.” 9. can students handle responsibility? investing in student leaders [195] “If you allow students to lead, you’ ll have the privilege of encouraging, validating, and shap-ing their faith.” 10. are we doing the right thing? evaluating youth ministry programs [213] “You may be thinking, ‘Why evaluate? I’ve barely started my ministry?’ The earlier you get in the habit of performing regular check-ups, the healthier your ministry will be. You don’t want to wait for major decay to appear in your ministry before you act.” 11. how do i make changes? navigating the phases of change [235] “Change has a way of making or breaking youth ministry leaders, especially within their first two years…You have no easy, magic-formula, works-every-time procedure to imple-ment change, but you can take some definitive actions to minimize conflict.” 12. what do i do now? defining a realistic job description for your first two years [255] “If you don’t know what’s expected, you’re doomed to fail. Expectations exist, whether spoken or not, and you need to discover them to be effective and stay healthy.” epilogue [277] appendix a - youth ministry staff commitment form [279] appendix b - 10 frequently asked questions [281]
