A New Kind of Youth Ministry

So I recently received a copy of "A New Kind of Youth Ministry" by Chris Folmsbee from my friend John Raymond. (Thanks John!) I read this book in a few days and after reading it I feel like I need to say some things.

Disclaimer: I know Chris and consider him a friend, he is a very generous guy who has helped me out often bringing insight and support into my life.

So here are my thoughts:.

You need to read this book! This book is not simply good because of what it says, it is good because of where it is leading us. It is the first book pointing us to doing youth ministry differently. It is the first book I've read that is actually talking about taking us somewhere new. There have been plenty of books who talk about different kinds of youth ministry, not the least of them "Contemplative Youth Ministry" or "Practicing Passion" but they lack the idea of actually reculturing our church.

If you've been doing youth ministry less than 10 years, you need to read this book because it will put words to thoughts you've had about ministry.

If you've been doing youth ministry more than 10 years, you need to read this book, because you will want to pass it on to others. I'm starting to use this book with the volunteer teams I consult with.

Chris' thoughts on student leadership, missional thinking and reculturing are helpful in explaining how to move your church forward.

This book isn't great because it says it all or answers all the questions. This book is great because of what it has started. There will be hundreds of other books published rethinking youth ministry over the next 10 years.

If you've read it let me know what you think.