YES! YES! and YES! I met Mark at a conference in October, 2011, and purchased this book on Kindle before we left, devouring it within a week. DeVries details important concepts for churches to consider when looking at their youth ministry goals and the ways they approach those goals that may not be consistent with achieving them. The research shared is encouraging. DeVries has been in youth ministry for 28 years. He knows what he's talking about! This book simultaneously challenges and affirms those called to youth ministry. The affirmations are plenty (which is so necessary for those who are called to this for the long haul), and the challenges aren't so much convicting as practical. My husband is the youth minister, not me, though I am involved in his ministry wholeheartedly as a volunteer and at-home cheerleader. It was so validating seeing how my husband is not the only one who goes through what he deals with. And it has given me insight in how I can support him better. He is already putting various techniques from this book into practice. That is awesome. But I am so grateful for a common vocabulary for his job that we can use - and share with others. I am inspired and energized by reading this - and increasingly fascinated with the machinations of most church leadership "systems". Recommended for anyone in ministry of the church - not just youth pastors/volunteers!
This is THE youth ministry Bible. A must read for every youth pastor. Trust me!
—4753
Great book. The first half was the most helpful and thought provoking.
—cara
Great tool for creating structures and purpose within your ministry.
—babycakes_12
Amazing, simply amazing
—Dar
Wonderful!!
—musicgurl333
