Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry: A personal and practical guide to starting right

by Doug Fields

Since forever altering the course of the youth ministry world with his best-selling, groundbreaking book, Purpose-Driven® Youth Ministry, Doug Fields’ mind—but especially his heart—has been focused on the many unique needs of new youth workers. Doug translated his passion, insight, and vision for his beloved “rookies” into what you’re now reading, Your Fist Two Years in Youth Ministry—hands-down the most comprehensive companion to not only surviving, but also thriving, during the most crucial phase of youth ministry. Employing his renowned wisdom and humor—as if you and Doug were chatting over a long, relaxing meal—the author disarmingly relates stories and principles from his own successes and failures over 20-plus years in youth ministry. In the end, he offers treasure troves of practical advice, all in the hope that new youth workers can travel a smoother path and achieve real longevity in a church culture that all too often chews them and spits them out. Doug covers all-important issues such as: · Dealing with discouragement · Establishing a solid spiritual foundation · Building effective relationships with students · Resolving conflict · Ministering to parents and families · Trailblazing change · Working with volunteers · Defining a realistic job description · And many others! In addition, a chorus of insightful sidebar voices joins your conversation with Doug, among them ministry veterans Jim Burns, Steve Gerali, Mike Yaconelli, Helen Musick, Chap Clark, Marv Penner, Rick Warren, Jana L. Sundene, Bo Boshers, Duffy Robbins, Tony Campolo, and Richard Ross, all who’ve composed extensive, topical essays for each of the dozen chapters. Your First Two Years of Youth Ministry is a must-have tool for new youth workers, volunteers, seminary professors and students, senior pastors, elders, church boards—even veteran youth workers who’ve been ministering in unstructured environments and are now asking, “What did I miss? What can I still learn?” The first two years of youth ministry are never easy. But never fear. Doug fervently assures us: “Hang on. Hope’s coming!”

Genres: Christian, Leadership, Young Adult, Theology, Christianity, Church, Faith

304 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2002

Reviews

[Sophie Ferry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful! Some parts are rapidly becoming out of date and some entirely obsolete, but it was a good practice in thinking about youth ministry and planning for the future of it.

[Austin Puckett · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is problematic for numerous reasons. For one, there are theological errors. For example, the use of “pastor” to refer to women and even volunteer youth small group leaders. There are so many places with just bad advice. For example, to deal with discouragement, the author recommends having a burn book that you use to vent what leaders or students (by name) get on your nerves and why. Horrible advice! Finally, it is written in the most irritating way. It’s written like some 40-year-old is talking to you like you’re one of his kids—it just isn’t serious enough. I have given two starts because there are a few parts that were somewhat helpful, but it overall a chore to get through.

[Jon · Rating 2 out of 5]

As the title suggests, this book is a how to guide for the new youth minister. It lays out the difficulties and struggles that you may face and how you should deal with them. Everything from how to deal with discouragement to building effective relationships, and from dealing with parents to leading a team. The author, Doug Feilds is a 25 year veteran of youth ministry. He has been through a lot, and he shares personal examples tendered with encouragement and advice from his heart for the "rookie" youth minsiter.

Fluffy. I kinda expected that coming into this book. It is written by Rick Warren's Youth Pastor after all. So, yes, true to line, this one was fluff. I felt the book gave me great practical advice for how to deal with the emotional difficulties of staff, parent, and personal conflict, but not much beyond that. The book spent more time on how to make yourself feel good, than connecting with the Savior. I didn't hate the book, by any means. The personal examples and illustrations were perfect. Doug really opened up and shared some failures and mishaps. Hilarious, but also encouraging. I mean, if Rick Warren's Youth Pastor did that, I don't feel so bad. Hah. Overall, I really enjoyed the read. But it is much more practical, than passionate spiritual.

[Brad Hough · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0 // An absolutely fantastic resource for any in youth ministry, but especially those like me who are new to the lead role. Doug Fields is equal parts Biblical, practical, encouraging, and funny. He consistently points his readers to Jesus, understands that programs are first and foremost tools (and not the end in and of themselves), and prepares youth workers for the reality of difficulty that exists in all ministry, all while emphasizing that good ministry for us won’t necessarily look like how Fields has done it. I also really appreciated his emphasis on the importance of guarding one’s spiritual and mental health, as well as one’s time outside of ministry. He knows the highs and lows of working with youth, and I feel very thankful to be able to benefit from his insight, as well as that of others who contributed. I am certain I will return to this book again and again.

[Adam McKinney · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5. Was somewhat helpful in concieving of some struggles a youth minister might face early on and over time in ministry. There were also a number of practical tips throughout, but I never found a compelling Biblical justification and blueprint for youth ministry like Brian Cosby's "Giving up Gimmicks" offers, for instance.

[Riley Brysch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great and practical guide for those starting out in youth ministry both in terms of employment and as a volunteer. This book has good insights and practical guidelines that appeal to a variety of church contexts. I read this book when I started in youth ministry years ago and decided to revisit it this year. It still holds up, and I would recommend this book as the gold standard for youth ministers to read as they study practical theology.

[Dave Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this a helpful tips and strategy for approaching ministry. Not just for youth but most associate roles in church. I’m 6 months into a youth job and found myself agreeing with some of the mistakes I’ve made already. Also realizing where people forced me to fit their needs or expectations more than I was ready for it. We are in 2020 when i write so Covid is a thing, yet ppl got angry over changes I made to help us survive the pandemic changes and even lashed at me for doing my job. This book helped me realize some places of healing and clarity.

[Brianna Poore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m past my two years (that’s weird...) but this book was so helpful in figuring out what the heck I’m doing and how to do it better. EVERY person who works with youth whether in a church or on the missions field (I’m thinking young life, Youth for Christ, etc) should read this.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I graduated with a degree in Religion and I’ve worked in youth ministry as an intern for years, but I still felt weary about becoming a full-time youth pastor.

I am so glad that I found this book. It is an amazing resources and I felt so seen while reading it. I’ve been in my current position (first full-time position) for four months and this book helped me understand the my relationship with the congregation.

It has given me great ideas on how to boost my ministry, connect with students, and build relationships with volunteers. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book to anyone who is considering youth ministry.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing tool for anyone who is either working in youth ministry or volunteering. This book is fabulous!!

[Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book for every person starting in youth ministry, and really ministry in general!

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is good for youth volunteers or youth pastors gifted and full of ideas for youth ministry work, but lack spiritual maturity in dealing with discouragement, interpersonal issues, leadership issues, managing priorities...etc. If you (like me) were looking to understand youth culture or what distinguishes youth ministry from adult, this is not the resource :P

[Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pese a que prefiero los libros de ficción, este libro me gustó.

[Jake Byrd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important book for leaders in Student Mninetry

This book is a very relatable and helpful resource. There were many times that I was reading about issues that come up in youth ministry and I felt so much relief knowing I wasn’t going crazy thinking those very thoughts! For that and many practical helps, this book was an encouraging and entertaining read. The book is a bit broad and operates from more of a large church context, but it is an essential resource that will help any youth leader have a healthier ministry and confidence in their role during there first few years of youth ministry. With so few voices able to speak into our lives as youth pastors, leaders, directors, volunteers, about the ministry, why not let a “voice from the trenches” speak to you.

[Carson irvine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely an encouraging and convicting read for the most part. I really appreciated the strong emphasis on personal spiritual health.

The last few chapters felt a lot like stuff from purpose driven. So I found myself skimming at some points. I also wish that he gave more detail to target audiences (chapter 10) when you don’t have as many programs.
Maybe it’s just me, but all of my volunteers, and youth, only are free on one, maybe two nights a week. And that’s when they come for Friday night. So I wish there was more detail on how to maximize your target audiences on a smaller scale.

Overall, the practical take aways were great. And I appreciated the emphasis on spiritual health and abiding in Jesus. Definitely a must read if you’re starting off

[Zachary Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book towards the beginning of my time in youth ministry and it didn’t stick, so I put it down for a while. It felt cheesy and like I had already heard it all before. I picked it up again after my first two years had ended, and it felt a lot more relevant and helpful. I guess in some ways I need the specific experiences I had to benefit from the book, though that may not be true for others.

The book is imperfect, but it was good, readable, and had many practical principles and pieces of advice for reflection. It is somewhat dated, of course, but it remains generally helpful. I’ll likely use it as a reference work in the future as I come across different needs in my ministry.

[Connor Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a really practical look into youth ministry. Doug draws on more than 2 decades of personal experience to help both volunteers and full-time youth workers. Much of his advice transcends youth ministry so that it is applicable to serving a ministry or church in any capacity. I really loved his "Dealing with Discouragement" and "Establishing a Heart Foundation" chapters. There are very good questions to ask and ways to evaluate one's ministry that I will continue to return to. I did not love some of the publishing choices as much of the margins are filled with little notes and testimonials that make it very cluttered. Those still provide good content though!

[Jeremy Lapointe · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was overall good. It had some helpful material to reflect upon and gave some very good points of clear and immediate application.

At times it felt like it was a little vague but I suppose that might be the nature of giving general principles and trying to apply them specifically in a multitude of contexts. I'd say the book's biggest weakness was that at points it was a little outdated (e.g. telling the reader to make sure to call your youth on the phone, which is now a bit of a faux pas or the lack of social media/internet advice).

Overall, I'd recommend the book to anyone starting up a youth ministry or beginning a youth ministry position, but a full-time or volunteer.

[Saolomon Mouacheupao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here’s what I’ll say about this book. I can’t believe how highly I’m rating it. I would’ve always considered a Doug Fields as someone outside of my theological tribe, and he is. But what he is, a youth worker, offers tremendous practical help to any youth pastor for which I am utterly grateful. There’s something about reading guys who don’t get caught up in their high view of theology that made this reading really really practical. I would recommend this to any youth pastor starting out.

[SaiYik Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though it is less "theological" as the author or some reviews had mentioned.
I personally don't want put this book into a basket
As I might spoke less on its own practicality and usefulness for people are new to ministry

anyway
It should be one of the "must read" list for new youth ministry workers or ministry apprentices

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely helpful! This has both calmed my fears as a new director of youth ministry, and given me some concrete steps going forward in a way that both delved deep enough to satisfy, but didn't overwhelm. A great "beginner's" book for youth ministry in any Christian denomination!

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't expect much, was pretty skeptical of it being well thought-out. It had a surprisingly strong philosophical foundation, and was incredibly practical (of which I need help with). It's definitely a book I will go back to and refer to to help plan and evaluate my ministry.

[Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really solid and thorough book for beginning youth pastors and workers.
One of those books that people recommend when you first start out, and is actually worth the time.(Even if it takes you almost 2 years to read, like it did me, haha. My fault, not the book's)

[Jorge Morales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical concepts, advices and information for new youth ministers. Although it is focused for youth ministry, the information could be applied for regular pastoral ministry. Any new minister should read it.

[Dan Durrenberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a guide to doing ministry with middle- and high-school students, this is essential. It's easy to understand, organized simply, and full or practical advice for anyone looking to work with young people. It's the first book any aspiring youth leader should read.

[Rev. Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a good resource - gave me lots of ideas. But it is a bit outdated and uses sexist language (assuming that the senior pastor is male, etc…) would love to see a progressive church version of this book.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a helpful practical guide on youth ministry. More so how to properly pour into your students and your leaders. This is a more egalitarian view of ministry, and while it is not what I ascribe to, I find it helpful to see the tensions there are.

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

References. Great for building a team in youth ministry. Dog-eared a few good bits.

[Joshua Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great encouragement and advice as I am beginning this journey myself.

[Travis Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good. More scripture would have been of benefit, but a good book of one is heading into youth ministry.