your first two years of youth ministry

Having just finished this long and arduous tome. Written by Doug Fields entitled “your first two years in youth ministry. I personally do not feel that I could have started out my educational journey into

“Youth Ministry” in a better way. Having little or no experience in youth ministry, I was not really sure where to start. I believe my start was chosen for me by a higher calling (God) do I believe I pick the right book to start reading or did the right book pick me? The book picked me and here is why.

As I said I have little or no experience in the field of youth ministry. I do have secular experience with youth, but not the spiritual or scriptural understanding that one needs to have too implement and run an effective and efficient youth ministry.

Mr. Field lays it all on the line, the good, bad, and indifferent or indifference in regards to youth ministry. He details what youth ministry is all about and explains how best it has worked for him through his many years of experience, through trail and yes many failures.

In my opinion, the four key topics Mr. Fields deals with in this book. At least the ones that pertain to me at the present time. Are, how do I work with parents, are we doing the right thing, leadership, and what do I do now. The way Mr. fields explains how to work with these four very difficult questions are well explained through out his book.

Again I truly believe that if you do not get the parents to understand what your are doing with the youth ministry and what you are doing with their kids. You will not get them to come on board or sign off on any of your concepts or programs. Youth ministers have to realize that they are not the most important person in the life of the ones we are trying to guide thro...

... middle of paper ...

...258, once again it shows a very good lesson in the world of hard knocks and the reality of life. Form this book I have learned to come prepared and to ask question of what is expected of me in a youth pastor's position. Even though God is calling me to this facet of serving. I am sure he does not want me to suffer, he wants me to have a good job description where everyone is on the same page and not speaking in tongues without an interpreter.

This book has been my interpreter, into the mired maze of youth ministry. From a logical perspective this is a must read for every one not only involved in youth ministry, but the church as a whole. If possible I would like to revisit this book in a year as kind of a case study to see how much I have learned for this course and how my views, out look, feelings, thoughts, and behaviors towards youth ministry have changed or no