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Contemplative Youth Ministry: Practicing the Presence of Jesus
“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 whoselives 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 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 Youth and the Quest for a Passionate Church
256 pages, Hardcover
First published February 17, 2006
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395 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 9, 2014
Contemplative Youth Ministry represents a revitalization of ancient Christian tradition to answer very pressing contemporary needs. Author Mark Yaconelli dives into traditional practices of contemplation, silence, discernment and study to help Youth Leader's embody an alternative to the anxiety and busy-ness of ministry and teen's lives.
CYM is perhaps most useful in naming the quandary it seeks to address, namely the chaos and uncertainty that faces the Church's ministry to Youth and Young Adults. Programmatic efforts and curriculum seem to result in uncertain and unpredictable results and the demands on youth and their leaders continue to escalate.
The various practices enumerated are helpfully presented varying from small, simple suggestions to fully formatted liturgical possibilities. If you work with Youth you will undoubtedly come away with at least a few ideas to try.
Despite the Contemplative tag, Yaconelli seems to lean as heavily (if not moreso) on a relational model of ministry. While the trappings of contemplation abound he ultimately seems to land on listening and interpersonal connection as the root of ministry rather than the specific practices he names.
The anecdotal nature of Yaconelli's evidence for his model is its greatest strength and weakness. The efficacy or spiritual power of the practices is highlighted through first hand accounts and second hand stories of Youth Group transformations. While compelling to read it is uncertain what sort of proof or verification they offer (other than that it theoretically worked for a handful of people somewhere, at some point under conditions which may or may not apply to you).
A helpful book but not on the surface radically transformative. After I have had more time to try these activities with my group I might raise or lower this score.
CYM is perhaps most useful in naming the quandary it seeks to address, namely the chaos and uncertainty that faces the Church's ministry to Youth and Young Adults. Programmatic efforts and curriculum seem to result in uncertain and unpredictable results and the demands on youth and their leaders continue to escalate.
The various practices enumerated are helpfully presented varying from small, simple suggestions to fully formatted liturgical possibilities. If you work with Youth you will undoubtedly come away with at least a few ideas to try.
Despite the Contemplative tag, Yaconelli seems to lean as heavily (if not moreso) on a relational model of ministry. While the trappings of contemplation abound he ultimately seems to land on listening and interpersonal connection as the root of ministry rather than the specific practices he names.
The anecdotal nature of Yaconelli's evidence for his model is its greatest strength and weakness. The efficacy or spiritual power of the practices is highlighted through first hand accounts and second hand stories of Youth Group transformations. While compelling to read it is uncertain what sort of proof or verification they offer (other than that it theoretically worked for a handful of people somewhere, at some point under conditions which may or may not apply to you).
A helpful book but not on the surface radically transformative. After I have had more time to try these activities with my group I might raise or lower this score.
December 22, 2008
Contemplative Youth Ministry is written to provide Christian youth workers with both a theoretical framework for and the practical application of a "contemplative" youth ministry model. Yaconelli posits his model as an alternative to the two other ones he finds common today: the "Consumer model," where ministries try to keep students busy "having fun," in hopes they will stay out of trouble and become moral; and the "Content model," which is hierarchical and "Word driven," focusing on doctrine and conformity but weak on relationships. He proposes the "Contemplative model" which places the focus on developing relationships, "being present" with people rather than trying to "fix" problems, incorporating spiritual practices like lectio divina, centering prayer, spiritual direction, and silence.
Eui likes Yaconelli's emphasis on the importance of the minister's own relationship with God, believing this provides an infinite source of love and wisdom. However, she also feels it is a bit idealistic, with the complicacy of human relationships and elements of church politics rarely allowing a minister to be free enough to solely focus on God. Instead, they are often pulled back-and-forth between parents' anxieties about the moral education of their children and youth's anxieties about becoming an adult with a "boring" life. Chris appreciates its emphasis on listening and "being" with students, and developing a praying, discerning, and reflective community of adult leaders. He is also excited to try out some of the exercises mentioned in the book with his own students. We both agree that this is an excellent book that will help re-focus a youth worker on God's determined, patient love for youth.
(Co-written by Eui Heo)
Eui likes Yaconelli's emphasis on the importance of the minister's own relationship with God, believing this provides an infinite source of love and wisdom. However, she also feels it is a bit idealistic, with the complicacy of human relationships and elements of church politics rarely allowing a minister to be free enough to solely focus on God. Instead, they are often pulled back-and-forth between parents' anxieties about the moral education of their children and youth's anxieties about becoming an adult with a "boring" life. Chris appreciates its emphasis on listening and "being" with students, and developing a praying, discerning, and reflective community of adult leaders. He is also excited to try out some of the exercises mentioned in the book with his own students. We both agree that this is an excellent book that will help re-focus a youth worker on God's determined, patient love for youth.
(Co-written by Eui Heo)
August 1, 2008
This book was recommended to me by another 'solo pastor' working in a small church and it does not disappoint.
I really like Yaconelli's approach to youth ministry, especially his consideration that much of what we do with you is designed to manage anxiety. The author outlines an approach to youth ministry that values kids for who they are...reminding us that they have things to teach us.
Much of what is written transcends youth ministry and outlines a great approach not only to pastoral ministry but to living the christian life.
I really like Yaconelli's approach to youth ministry, especially his consideration that much of what we do with you is designed to manage anxiety. The author outlines an approach to youth ministry that values kids for who they are...reminding us that they have things to teach us.
Much of what is written transcends youth ministry and outlines a great approach not only to pastoral ministry but to living the christian life.
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August 9, 2011Personally I think that this works...in some contexts, but not all. I love the practices, but they are practices I knew, so it wasn't new, but for those who have never been taught about contemplation/meditation and the whole inner silence/darkness, lectio divina, circles of trust, this may be something cool to check out. I'm not sure that I can actually take this with me in ministry, but I may try some things out.
February 4, 2021
Rekommenderar starkt att alla som skall jobba med ungdomar (framför allt i kyrkan) skall läsa åtminstone de tre sista kapitlen i denna bok. Där finns så mycket viktigt!
Överlag en bra bok att läsa för att sätta igång processer kring hur man förhåller sig till ungdomar. Ibland blir boken lite flummig och tråkig, men sen upptäcker man plötsligt ett guldkorn som ger en motivation att fortsätta läsa.
Överlag en bra bok att läsa för att sätta igång processer kring hur man förhåller sig till ungdomar. Ibland blir boken lite flummig och tråkig, men sen upptäcker man plötsligt ett guldkorn som ger en motivation att fortsätta läsa.
July 2, 2012
Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get a buy-in from significant leaders yet, but I continue to hold out hope. Mark Yaconelli reminds us of the importance of our own spiritual health in ministry to and with young people. The stories he shares are heart warming. highly recommend this book for youth workers and senior pastors everywhere.
April 18, 2013
I picked up this book because I had always thought I wanted to be a youth leader when I grew up. I'm only in high school, but this book was amazing. I loved it, the ways he went about explaining things is practically spot on.
October 22, 2007
enjoying this so far.
July 17, 2008
A great read for anyone really, but especially for those who care for and work with youth and young adults.
September 21, 2010
Detailed review to come at soulmunchies.com ... will edit this review to include a clip once it's been posted.
February 1, 2013
We were a part of the YMSP, and I had the privilege of helping Mark and a group of others proof this book.
December 7, 2013
While I don't buy into all aspects of the contemplative movement, the importance of being "present" to teens and others certainly cannot be ignored.
October 23, 2013
A unique book that reminds leaders and youth ministry and the kids they lead of what is real.
November 21, 2013
I read this book every couple years to remind myself of what's important in working with teenagers (or anyone, really!). I love this book!
October 8, 2014
Brilliant... Although don't think it is just for youth ministry
February 15, 2015
Every pastor/youth leader/person of faith should read this.
November 18, 2019
Some of the points are helpful once you weed through the strange mystical practices.
December 8, 2018
Pelayaanan kaum muda di gereja seringkali jatuh pada dua ekstrim: pelayanan berbasis "konsumen", yang mencoba melebur terlalu jauh dengan "selera pasar" di kalangan anak muda masa kini, dan pelayanan berbasis "isi", yang terlalu dogmatis dan mementingkan program serta doktrin yang keras untuk membangun disiplin kuat. Keduanya menjadi berbahaya, karena di satu sisi gereja jadi mengalah pada budaya populer, sementara di satu sisi gereja juga bisa menjadi semakin tidak paham isu yang penting dalam pengalaman anak muda masa kini, termasuk yang berkaitan dengan iman dan spiritualitas.
Buku karangan Mark Yaconelli ini mencoba memberikan alternatif: pelayanan kaum muda yang sifatnya kontemplatif. Mark adalah anak seorang raksasa pelayanan kaum muda gereja, Mike Yaconelli, yang dengan jujur membagikan rasa frustrasinya di masa lalu ketika reputasi bapaknya memberikan tekanan dalam pelayanan yang baru dia masuki. Sempat dia terlalu fokus pada program, metode, dan target pertumbuhan jemaat muda, yang membawanya pada rasa stres, lembur tak berkesudahan, dan gejala depresi.
Dalam perjalanannya, dia menemukan sebuah metode yang sebenarnya amat berakar pada tradisi serta inti iman Kristen: suatu metode yang mendorong keberanian diri untuk berdiam dan menikmati, merasakan, serta mendengarkan Allah. Dengan begitu, fokus dialihkan pada kepekaan pelayan kaum muda untuk melihat bagaimana Allah bertindak dan bagaimana kaum muda merindukan suatu relasi.
Ada dua metode kontemplasi yang menjadi fokus dari metode yang ingin disampaikan Mark: Lectio Divina dan Eksamen Kesadaran. Lectio Divina adalah metode merenungkan Alkitab khas tradisi biara Benedictine yang mengajak untuk fokus pada satu bagian Alkitab untuk direnungkan berulang-ulang dan dipahami bagaimana kata/bagian itu berbicara kepada kita. Eksamen Kesadaran adalah metode doa menutup hari dalam tradisi Jesuit yang mengajak pendoa untuk fokus pada momen konsolasi (ketika diri merasa paling menikmati membuka diri dan berbagi) serta momen desolasi (ketika diri merasa paling berat untuk membuka diri dan memilih untuk mengeraskan hati).
Singkatnya, Mark mencoba mengajak para pelayan kaum muda untuk fokus pada kontemplasi diri menikmati Allah dulu alih-alih langsung bergerak pada program dan doktrin. Karena hanya dengan pengenalan akan suara Allah kita dapat melihat bagaimana melayani kaum muda secara kontekstual namun tak melupakan pentingnya suatu relasi dengan Allah.
Diakui oleh Mark, metode ini memang "tidak untuk semua" dan membutuhkan fleksibilitas bahkan mungkin waktu yang lebih lama untuk bisa "bekerja". Tapi pada akhirnya, ada satu poin penting yang harus dipegang pelayan kaum muda: kepekaan terhadap Allah dan terhadap sesama. Kita hanya bisa melayani sesama bila kita sendiri telah mengalami dilayani Allah.
Membaca buku ini memberikan perspektif baru bagi saya untuk entah kapan saya akan kembali melayani kaum muda nanti. Semua program dan keketatan rohani akan sia-sia bila tidak mampu berbagi dalam kasih yang telah dialami terlebih dahulu.
Buku karangan Mark Yaconelli ini mencoba memberikan alternatif: pelayanan kaum muda yang sifatnya kontemplatif. Mark adalah anak seorang raksasa pelayanan kaum muda gereja, Mike Yaconelli, yang dengan jujur membagikan rasa frustrasinya di masa lalu ketika reputasi bapaknya memberikan tekanan dalam pelayanan yang baru dia masuki. Sempat dia terlalu fokus pada program, metode, dan target pertumbuhan jemaat muda, yang membawanya pada rasa stres, lembur tak berkesudahan, dan gejala depresi.
Dalam perjalanannya, dia menemukan sebuah metode yang sebenarnya amat berakar pada tradisi serta inti iman Kristen: suatu metode yang mendorong keberanian diri untuk berdiam dan menikmati, merasakan, serta mendengarkan Allah. Dengan begitu, fokus dialihkan pada kepekaan pelayan kaum muda untuk melihat bagaimana Allah bertindak dan bagaimana kaum muda merindukan suatu relasi.
Ada dua metode kontemplasi yang menjadi fokus dari metode yang ingin disampaikan Mark: Lectio Divina dan Eksamen Kesadaran. Lectio Divina adalah metode merenungkan Alkitab khas tradisi biara Benedictine yang mengajak untuk fokus pada satu bagian Alkitab untuk direnungkan berulang-ulang dan dipahami bagaimana kata/bagian itu berbicara kepada kita. Eksamen Kesadaran adalah metode doa menutup hari dalam tradisi Jesuit yang mengajak pendoa untuk fokus pada momen konsolasi (ketika diri merasa paling menikmati membuka diri dan berbagi) serta momen desolasi (ketika diri merasa paling berat untuk membuka diri dan memilih untuk mengeraskan hati).
Singkatnya, Mark mencoba mengajak para pelayan kaum muda untuk fokus pada kontemplasi diri menikmati Allah dulu alih-alih langsung bergerak pada program dan doktrin. Karena hanya dengan pengenalan akan suara Allah kita dapat melihat bagaimana melayani kaum muda secara kontekstual namun tak melupakan pentingnya suatu relasi dengan Allah.
Diakui oleh Mark, metode ini memang "tidak untuk semua" dan membutuhkan fleksibilitas bahkan mungkin waktu yang lebih lama untuk bisa "bekerja". Tapi pada akhirnya, ada satu poin penting yang harus dipegang pelayan kaum muda: kepekaan terhadap Allah dan terhadap sesama. Kita hanya bisa melayani sesama bila kita sendiri telah mengalami dilayani Allah.
Membaca buku ini memberikan perspektif baru bagi saya untuk entah kapan saya akan kembali melayani kaum muda nanti. Semua program dan keketatan rohani akan sia-sia bila tidak mampu berbagi dalam kasih yang telah dialami terlebih dahulu.
August 28, 2018
As a lifelong introvert, I appreciated the hell out of this book. Yaconelli pulls away from the idea that youth ministry needs to be on the go all the time and says hey, how about we deeply consider what we're doing and why we're doing it? How about we give kids space to breathe through all of the stuff they have in their lives because, well, it's a lot?
That's not to say that this book says sit all the kids down and pray in silence for an hour--Yaconelli makes it very clear that "contemplative" doesn't have to equal "silent meditation," though it's in the mix. It's more about slowing down enough to hear the voice of God, to feel God's presence, to recognize that we do youth ministry so as to build young people in the faith--it's not about just distracting them until they grow up.
This has some really good examples of people from throughout Yaconelli's travels explaining both what worked and what didn't, and I really appreciate the latter. Many how-to books lay out their topic like they have it all figured out, but Yaconelli is careful to say that some stuff will fall flat on its face for all the planning you've put into it. Learn from that and do something else. It also has quotes from youth themselves, and I love that a book about youth thinks to ask them what they need. Many don't.
My one annoyance with this was the setting; I don't know what the publisher was doing, but the layout of the book was just distracting as all get-out. I was never quite sure when quotes were being introduced and chapter headings were weird and there were tons of extra spaces for seemingly no reason--I've worked in editing and publishing, so this may just be a thing for me, but this was not at all a visually appealing book. Good thing the content was really helpful and something I'll be taking with me into youth ministry and recommending to my youth ministers.
That's not to say that this book says sit all the kids down and pray in silence for an hour--Yaconelli makes it very clear that "contemplative" doesn't have to equal "silent meditation," though it's in the mix. It's more about slowing down enough to hear the voice of God, to feel God's presence, to recognize that we do youth ministry so as to build young people in the faith--it's not about just distracting them until they grow up.
This has some really good examples of people from throughout Yaconelli's travels explaining both what worked and what didn't, and I really appreciate the latter. Many how-to books lay out their topic like they have it all figured out, but Yaconelli is careful to say that some stuff will fall flat on its face for all the planning you've put into it. Learn from that and do something else. It also has quotes from youth themselves, and I love that a book about youth thinks to ask them what they need. Many don't.
My one annoyance with this was the setting; I don't know what the publisher was doing, but the layout of the book was just distracting as all get-out. I was never quite sure when quotes were being introduced and chapter headings were weird and there were tons of extra spaces for seemingly no reason--I've worked in editing and publishing, so this may just be a thing for me, but this was not at all a visually appealing book. Good thing the content was really helpful and something I'll be taking with me into youth ministry and recommending to my youth ministers.
August 26, 2017
When I picked up this book, I assumed it was focused on leading youth through contemplative practices. Although there are some guidelines for doing that, this is much more about making everything around the youth ministry (particularly its leadership) contemplative -- or, to put it another way, prayerful and intentional. In short, I'd say this book is much more about the process (how) of youth ministry rather than the form or content (what). I don't think this approach solves all the problems of youth ministry, but it certainly seems to lead to a youth ministry that is much more authentic and Spirit-filled and should probably be applied to all of a community's ministries.
September 5, 2022
Great book. Thought provoking and a really wise, poignant look at youth ministry focusing on listening to God and really listening to our young people.
This isn’t a book about ideas of all the ‘bells n whistles’ we often think we need but ideas about meditating, praying and prioritising being there for teenagers.
I’ve underlined and highlighted lots - I’ll be recommending this to lots of people.
This isn’t a book about ideas of all the ‘bells n whistles’ we often think we need but ideas about meditating, praying and prioritising being there for teenagers.
I’ve underlined and highlighted lots - I’ll be recommending this to lots of people.
February 2, 2024
A good reminder to take things back to basics. Gave good ideas for questions to ask like:
1. Who is god?
2. What is he like?
3. How do you most deeply experience God? (And practicing different ways together)
1. Who is god?
2. What is he like?
3. How do you most deeply experience God? (And practicing different ways together)
November 23, 2017
Loved it!
March 15, 2019
Yaconelli made a simple and challenging statement in every chapters.. I love the way Yaconelli gave some examples which is helpful for readers.
May 8, 2022
A book that transformed how I looked at ministry and how I spend time with young people. I 100% recommend this to anyone in ministry.
June 25, 2024
Quite possibly one of my favs! Very practical and stirring. I will be reading this again!
May 30, 2019
This book has helped me to re-think and regularly evaluate my work with youth. The committee that helped to create my position chose it at the foundation for their youth program, and I have appreciated the examples and models that the author offers throughout. The congregations featured in the book come from many traditions, and the book is adaptable for nearly all parish contexts. There is not a single model for doing ministry with youth, but the author offers core values and practices that can help a community discern how to do ministry (of all kinds, really) well.
April 28, 2018
Really enjoyed this. i haven't read a "teaching" book in a long time. learnt a lot from this for ministry with youth and young adults. everyone in fact. people are not contemplative enough. we should not just push programmes out.. but point out a relevant and near Jesus in the ordinary stuff of life.
October 7, 2012
Probably my favorite youth ministry book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews