"Throughout the journey of my worst nightmare—my descent into a dark, sad valley—the Holy Spirit would remind me of truths that comforted my soul and sustained my life." After the sudden death of their three-year-old son, Cameron Cole and his wife found themselves clinging to Christ through twelve key theological truths—truths that became their lifeline in the midst of unthinkable grief. Weaving together their own story of tragic loss and abiding faith, Cole explores these twelve life-giving truths to offer hope and comfort to those in the midst of tragedy.
Youth ministry is an essential part of most evangelical churches. And yet, there is a surprising lack of resources written specifically for youth workers focused on viewing all aspects of youth ministry through a gospel-focused lens. Featuring contributions from a host of experienced youth workers from a wide variety of churches, this how-to manual offers guidance related to every facet of youth ministry, from planning short-term mission trips to working with parents. Theologically rooted yet eminently practical, this handbook will equip youth leaders to effectively shepherd the young people under their care—training them to live faithfully in their homes, churches, and schools.
“Contemplative Youth Ministry is refreshing rain for dry youth workers and barren youth ministries. More than the same old youth ministry tips and tricks, it gives principles and practices to soak in God’s grace, love, and power. I wish I had read it 15 years ago.” - Kara Powell, Ph.D., executive director, Center for Youth Ministry and Family Ministry, Fuller Theological Seminary “Mark invites readers to be encountered by the presence of Jesus who is always near. This book is transparent about the challenges that churches and families face as they desire to be effective in youth ministry. The book is filled with the honest stories of different kinds of youth ministries representing the breadth of Christianity in the United States. I heartily endorse Contemplative Youth Ministry as a rich encounter with the souls of youth and adults whose lives have been transformed by our very present God.” - Bill Kees, director of youth ministries, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) “Mark Yaconelli not only reminds us of some of the long-forgotten pathways of faith, he shares with us how it actually looks when men and women who love God practice it with young people. I especially appreciate Mark’s optimism in his perspective of today’s kids, for his insights are grounded in God’s view of them.” - Chap Clark, Ph.D., associate professor of youth, family, and culture, Fuller Theological Seminary “Mark Yaconelli was experimenting with contemplative youth ministry practices before contemplative youth ministry practices became cool. This book has about it the unique air of authenticity. He shares with us in these pages his own journey as a youth worker who actually believes that God’s still small voice speaks louder than the roaring windstorm of our busy youth ministry calendars. It’s a book about creating for our students places of silence and opening up spaces for God to speak.” - Duffy Robbins, professor of youth ministry, Eastern University; author of Enjoy the Silence and This Way to Youth Ministry “Mark Yaconelli has emerged as one of youth ministry’s most provocative ‘voices in the wilderness,’ calling us back to our theological taproots: The contemplative practices that bind our lives to the life of Christ. If Mark’s research has taught us anything, it’s that these practices do not cause youth ministry to take fl ight into a spiritual never-never land; rather they anchor young people—and their churches—in the fertile soil of Christian tradition, in the nitty-gritty of daily life, and in the explosive transformation that awaits us when we wait upon God.” - Kenda Creasy Dean, parent, pastor, and professor of youth, Princeton Theological Seminary; author of Practicing Passion: Youth and the Quest for a Passionate Church
Bible Doctrine for Teens and Young Adults is a three-volume series consisting of thirty chapters which contain explanations of all major biblical doctrines. Volume 1 contains chapters 1 10; volume 2, chapters 11 20; and volume 3, chapters 21 30. Each of these books is written in a clear, precise, and easy-to-read style. The series includes hundreds of informative charts and illustrative stories. It incorporates the Reformed doctrinal standards, numerous discussion questions, term definitions, and catechism questions and answers for memorization from Abraham Hellenbroek's A Specimen of Divine Truths. The books were written for home personal or family reading; school Bible doctrine teaching; and church catechetical instruction.
Written for lay leaders, pastors, or individuals wanting to broaden their approach to Scripture, this book includes ten strategies for effective Bible study.
OUR DEAR YOUNG MEN AND YOUNG WOMEN, we have great confidence in you. You are beloved sons and daughters of God and He is mindful of you. You have come to earth at a time of great opportunities and also of great challenges. The standards in this booklet will help you with the important choices you are making now and will yet make in the future. We promise that as you keep the covenants you have made and these standards, you will be blessed with the companionship of the Holy Ghost, your faith and testimony will grow stronger, and you will enjoy increasing happiness.
30 Bible Studies for Youth Groups and Classes Utilizing lessons from the Bible, these studies prompt youth to live their lives so as to exemplify the transforming presence of Christ by taking faith-based risks, focusing on their divinely given purpose, and daily making a difference for the glory of God. The five units, each containing six lessons, address (1) giving God one's all; (2) being open to God's mission; (3) speaking out to share Christ in the world (engaging in prophetic action); (4) becoming a people committed to discipleship and evangelization; and (5) living out the Gospel (the Good News). This GOSPEL/Good News-centered Series includes the following: - Student/Youth Bible Lessons; - Discussion Questions; - Small-group Prayer Guides/Activities; - Personal Prayer Devotional Guides; - People Service Focus Projects. The lessons are designed to touch the lives of young people around the world, encouraging them to fulfill their purpose as followers of Christ. These studies are inspired and utilized by Baptist youth who have participated in the development of the Baptist World Alliance Youth Department's Singapore Declaration.
Leading students closer to God is what being a youth worker is all about. What's the most effective way to do this? By teaching students the Bible! The Bible is God's main way of making Himself and His ways known. Your effectiveness at leading students closer to God is tied to your ability to effectively teach the Bible. But teaching the Bible doesn't have to be intimidating! The 7 Best Practices For Teaching Teenagers The Bible teaches you seven ultra-practical and deeply meaningful "practices" you can use to help teach the Bible in a transformative and dynamic way. The 7 Best Practices for Teaching Teenagers the Bible are: Engaging With God Prepare Well, Teach Well Context Is Key Embrace Unpredictability Plan For Interaction Teaching For Application Know Your Role
