Title: Introduction to Youth Ministry (russian edition)
Author: John M. Dettoni
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Introduction
Almost all youth workers — whether paid professional staff members serving in a church or dedicated volunteers called to help — go through a somewhat intimidating interview process. They stand (or sit) before a church committee that will dissect their every word and thought. This is a time when the youth worker clearly articulates what they believe and how they intend to lead the youth ministry. But is having clear ideas about the necessity of youth ministry and the purpose of its elements already a complete philosophy of youth ministry? This book aims to answer fundamental questions regarding the philosophy of youth ministry.
Some youth workers felt as though they were being interrogated when I served on an elected committee in a local church. However, I believe the questions asked were essential. No worker should be placed into ministry until they have answered every single one of them. By reading this book, the reader will gain a clear exposition of the core philosophical questions of youth ministry and will be able to form a solid perspective on at least the following topics:
- Tell us about your personal philosophy of youth ministry. Why do you consider it important? What are the main goals achieved in this ministry? What is the role of a leader? How does youth ministry relate to the local church, and what is the role of the congregation in it?
- What are the key elements of a youth program, and how do they relate to one another?
- Briefly describe the main components of your vision for youth ministry.
- What is effective teaching? How do you define the learning process? What is the role of the Holy Spirit in your concept of teaching and cognitive process?
- Whose failure is it if young people do not grow spiritually and learn nothing? How can you assist youth in the learning process?
- Describe your leadership style. Who are you: situational (laissez-faire), intensive (authoritative), director, instructor, or someone else?
- What is your approach to planning in youth ministry?
- If you are married, what is your spouse’s perspective on youth ministry, and specifically, how do they see your involvement in it? What does your spouse think about potentially serving alongside you?
- Briefly describe a few of your most successful experiences as a teacher when you felt you performed exceptionally well. What was the reason for success for both you as a teacher and the students who gained knowledge?
- What theological issues do you consider most important in youth ministry, and how would you address them?
- What turns a youth program into a successful one? Describe the necessary relationships, actions, and behaviors.
- What is the connection between organization, administration, programming, and leadership in youth ministry?
- What are the fruits and outcomes of a successful youth ministry?
Despite what some might think about this book being useful only for beginners, every youth worker — regardless of age or experience — can become even more effective by rethinking their philosophy of ministry. Today, there are many guidebooks describing how to start or finish a ministry, but very few address the essential foundational questions.
In Introduction to Youth Ministry, you will find a foundational philosophy of youth ministry outlined through elementary principles, alongside structural models applied to youth work. The author provides a detailed examination of four core elements of youth ministry, along with key principles for leadership development, administration, organizing camps and retreats, and evaluation.
Appendix A offers a practical guide on how a local church organized its youth ministry using the principles presented in this book.
Appendix B provides an extensive, yet by no means exhausting, bibliography of books examining youth ministry.
This book addresses youth ministry spanning young people from ages 12 to 25: junior high and high school students, graduates, and young adults of college and university age. Some churches have tried to place young adults of college age into the adult category, only to realize that they still require a distinct approach. Although there is a vast difference between younger teens and older youth, they all navigate a period of intense maturity and personal growth. We believe that church youth ministry should encompass everyone within this 14-year age span.
I hope the reader of this book will be challenged to think deeply and practice intentionally in youth ministry to become an even more effective worker in God’s field.