Youth Leadership

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 ministries through his coaching service called Youth Ministry Architects. So take heart: No matter what state the youth ministry at your church is in—in need of a leader and volunteers, full of battles and stress, large or small in number—it can be built to survive and to last for the long haul.

More than 60 percent of young people who went to church as teens drop out after high school. This is a striking and alarming statistic. Now the bestselling author of unChristian trains his researcher's eye on these young believers. Where Kinnaman's first book unChristian showed the world what outsiders aged 16–29 think of Christianity, You Lost Me shows why younger Christians, ages 16–29, are leaving the church and rethinking their faith. Kinneaman offers suggestions on how to help young people develop and maintain a vibrant faith....

Times are changing—our methods must shift with the tide It’s never been so easy—and so difficult—to reach the younger generation. While they’re active online, they’re also less likely to be active in the church. This is a worrisome trend that means their morals, values, and needs regarding faith are being neglected. This book proposes a shift of church culture to reach a new generation. Using unique perspectives and focusing on the way of the future, this book aims to help bring a whole new generation of Millennials and Generation Z into the Apostolic church. We can’t control ...

Unleashed Potential: How Youth Lead the Way to a Stronger Future is a powerful exploration of how mentorship, resilience, and community-driven leadership can transform lives and shape a brighter future. Through the lens of the East Oakland Youth Development Center (EOYDC), Regina G. Jackson shares the inspiring stories of young leaders who have risen above challenges to create lasting change for themselves and their communities. This book highlights EOYDC’s unique mentorship model, which creates a self-sustaining ecosystem of leadership by empowering youth as both mentees and mentors. ...

In the past few decades, the church has experienced rapid and distressing change. Hard-working pastors and leaders often know they need to embrace diversity, creatively engage younger generations, and equip their people to love their neighbors. But since they don't know how to make the changes needed, they feel stuck and wonder, "What do I do now? For these dedicated yet drained church leaders, this research-informed resource from the team at the Fuller Youth Institute offers a clear roadmap to faithfully and effectively navigate change that will revitalize your church.

In Jesus Was A Youth Leader, Matthew Arrowood explores the unconventional path Jesus chose during His ministry. Rather than becoming an earthly king, scholar, or Pharisee, Jesus dedicated three and a half years to teaching and mentoring 12 young men. Arrowood argues that Jesus took on the unexpected role of a rabbi and teacher—a position that, even today, might not be highly regarded within the church.

The loss or disaffiliation of young adults is a much-discussed topic in churches today. Many faith-formation programs focus on keeping the young, believing the youthful spirit will save the church. But do these programs have more to do with an obsession with youthfulness than with helping young people encounter the living God?

A LIVING LEGACY: CULTURE, FAITH, AND THE FUTURE OF APPALACHIA (Part 2 of "Beyond Elegy: Appalachia's True Story of Resilience and Hope") By Laurel Ridgewater In this compelling second volume, A Living Legacy delves deeper into the heart and soul of contemporary Appalachia, exploring the vibrant cultural traditions, spiritual foundations, and emerging future of this complex region. Through rich storytelling and meticulous research, this work illuminates how Appalachia’s traditional values and modern aspirations interweave to create a tapestry of resilience and innovation. Key explorations ...

Can we trust the Bible, or has it been distorted over the centuries? If Christians believe that the Bible contains the very words of Almighty God, why have most never read it cover to cover or made it part of their daily lives? How did we get the Bible? How should one respond to legitimate criticism? Everyone believes something when it comes to religion. Atheists believe there is no God. Atheists are not unreasonable, they are just arguing from a different starting point. How should we think about atheism? Are angels and demons real, or just a Hollywood invention? If the devil exists, why ...

If you're brave enough to take an honest look at the issues facing the culture-controlled church - and the issues in your own life - read on.

Do you ever look at how the Christian faith is being lived out in the new millennium and wonder if we're not doing what we're supposed to be doing? That we still haven't quite 'gotten it'? That we've missed the point regarding many important issues? It's understandable if we've relied on what we've been told to believe or what's widely accepted by the Christian community. But if we truly turned a constructive, critical eye toward our beliefs and vigorously questioned them....

“A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.” John Wooden The words of legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden are as true today as when he first spoke them. Modern coaches have difficult jobs and dual roles. They are not only expected to get results on the scoreboard, but they must simultaneously recognize the outsized role they have in shaping the lives of those they lead. And they must do all of this while navigating a complex and changing landscape. GAME TIME provides a light along that leadership journey. Each devotional entry features wisdom from some of ...

"Beyond the Bases: Creating a Winning Culture in Youth Baseball and Softball" is an essential guide for coaches, parents, and sports enthusiasts dedicated to fostering a positive and effective team environment. Authored by Joey Myers, a former Division-1 college baseball player and founder of Hitting Performance Lab, this book combines practical strategies, personal insights, and scientific principles to elevate youth baseball and softball coaching. The book is structured into ten comprehensive chapters, each addressing a critical aspect of team culture and player development: Leadership ...

Relevant and Practical Ways on how to Disciple, Coach, Mentor and Connect with the Next Generation (Ages 15 to 30)! Discover the nine most influential role models and mind molders that are currently discipling and shaping the hearts & minds of the younger generation! Rediscover the true purpose of discipleship the way Jesus portrayed it to His twelve disciples, which is coaching & mentoring in a personal way! Relevant and practical ways to reach out and to engage the younger generation in your church! Radical and Biblical insight on captivating the hearts of the 15 to 30 year olds (Gen-Y & ...

Ultimate Modern and Practical devotional for fast-growing Teen guys to cultivate Faith, Hope, and Grace. “Becoming Who I am” is a collection of carefully chosen Bible scriptures that address the needs of growing teenage boys. Content has been developed, keeping in mind the mind and soul of teen boys. The devotions are articulated in easy to understand language to keep them interested. “Becoming Who I am” has 150 excellent devotions segregated into 15 sections : I AM in Christ I AM Me I AM a Son I AM a Friend I AM a Man I AM in Trouble I AM Confused I AM Angry I AM Jealous I AM an ...

Today, there is a disconnection between the youth and the leadership of the church. With fewer and fewer young people attending church, a hole has been created in the membership where the young people used to be. With that we are also seeing a growing generation gap in churches that impacts leadership and how youth are and are not transitioning into leadership at the local level. How can we keep a steady group of leaders being developed in the local church? This book is a history, of sorts, of African American youth ministry in the US. We use the brush of the past to be able to re-...

Being a teenager during today’s times is filled with many choices and challenges. You are at a critical point in your life in that the decisions you make today can have long term and even lifetime consequences. There’s no question that the pressure’s on. But despite the challenges that lie ahead of you, you can make it. Believe it or not, there are thousands of teenagers just like you who are on the right track taking positive charge of their lives. Despite what some people think or what the media tries to make you believe, you are not destined to become a statistic for the six ...

Dive into the transformative journey of "Cultivating Thriving Futures" – an essential guide for unlocking the boundless potential within young people. This groundbreaking eBook seamlessly intertwines theory and practical applications to redefine youth empowerment, steering away from deficit frameworks and towards a radiant horizon of strength and resilience. Embark on this intellectual voyage with Chapter 1, where the concept of strength-based philosophies in youth development is not just explored but vivified, providing a radical new lens to view the untapped power of positive framing. ...

YouthNation is an indispensable brand road map to the youth-driven economy. Exploring the idea that youth is no longer an age - it's a commodity that's available to everyone - this book shows what it takes to stay connected, agile, authentic, and relevant in today's marketplace. Listeners will learn the ins and outs of the new consumer and the tools, methods, and techniques that ensure brand survival in the age of perpetual youth.

Engaging young adults in the local church is not as hopeless a case as statistics might have us believe, but young adults are asking six important questions about the role of the Church in their lives in 21st century culture—questions that could radically transform the Church for the good of all.

As Generation Z (individuals born from 1995 to 2010) emerges into adulthood, educators will encounter new challenges and opportunities with this new cohort of students. Members of Generation Z have grown up in a very different world from their parents, resulting in unique perspectives and experiences that define this generation. Higher-education experts Dr. Corey Seemiller and Meghan Grace first began studying Generation Z for their book Generation Z Goes to College. They are now offering an even more specialized guide with Generation Z Leads, showcasing ideas and strategies for developing ...