The heading may sound more dramatic than this post really is. Yesterday I finished reading through Ken Moser's book "Changing the World through Effective Youth Ministry". Most books have strengths that make them worth recommending, and this book has plenty.If you're an experienced youth leader, you might not think this would be relevant or necessary for you. And you might be right. But I think you would gain much by taking the time to read through it anyway.
There are some golden quotes in these pages. Here are a few I shared on facebook while reading through the book:
"The rule is simple: if your program doesn't meet your goals, either change your program or change your goals."
"Young people love being in an environment where their questions can be answered without the fear of being ridiculed."
"The Bible isn't boring, but many Christian speakers are."
I'm not suggesting these are the greatest comments in the book, but they stood out for me.
Perhaps one of the greatest strengths in the book in my mind is the way Moser wants to see youth ministry connected to the age groups on either side. He refers to this as "flow". This concept of connecting a youth group with Sunday school, and of connecting a youth group with a young adults ministry is surely a good one. This helps youth ministers to know that they are a part of something bigger than just youth group. It also helps promote some enthusiasm in children as they prepare to come to youth group, and means teenagers know they have something to connect with when they're too old for youth group.This suggests that we also need to remember that any section of the church is just a section of the church and not the whole. But that's another post.
Another chapter in the book that helped is titled "Fun". Here Moser challenges the false distinction youth leaders often put between Christian stuff and fun. You know the comments, "We'll have some fun first, and then we'll do the Christian stuff." Or even worse, "Invite your friends for a fun night and then let's hope they'll come another night when we do Christian stuff." Here's a secret to ministry: You can actually enjoy doing Christian stuff. Remember his quote earlier
"The Bible isn't boring, but many Christian speakers are."Who should read this book?
If you're involved in youth ministry, you will only profit from reading this book. If you're considering a youth ministry in your church, this book can help you to know where to get started and what to aim for. And if you are feeling stuck in a rut in youth ministry, this book might be the very spark you need to start a blazing fire.
