No Banana Splits: Building Lifelong Disciples In a Short Term World

by Bob Perkins

How do you build lifelong disciples in a short-term world? This is the major thesis of Bob Perkins’ second book, “No Banana Splits.” What began as a twelve-page “White Paper,” has already been used as a training tool for youth ministry for over twenty years and has been read by thousands of people. Now in a completely updated new edition available for the first time in its complete form, Bob has given the book a complete edit and included a deeper theological discussion and significant additional material for this new publication from Brighton Publishing. Bob lays out a theological foundation for his thinking, builds a philosophical outline for his model and gives concrete and practical advise for building a ministry. By adopting the “No Banana Splits” model you will be free from the exhausting pressure to create the next event/gimmick/program, and will be energized to invest your life in the lives of others. Bob began his ministry in the late 1970’s as a volunteer leader and immediately rejected the idea that kids would be attracted to the Christian faith by gimmicks, program and events. He instead focused on the model of Jesus and invested in a handful of “disciples”—kids who were ready to go deeper in their faith and expend themselves for their friends—to have a major impact in a high school. These kids became the foundation for a twenty-two year ministry in Baltimore, Maryland, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, St. Louis, Missouri, and Ontario, Canada. In each place the “No Banana Splits” model of relational ministry was wildly successful. The purpose of this book is to change the conversation around youth ministry and move it from an event/gimmicks/program centered model to a discipleship ministry where an investment in lifelong discipleship leads to greater and deeper ministry; Where more kids are reached and walk with Christ for their entire lives. It is a model for ministry where we can look back and see the disciples who have gone on to be faithful followers of Christ in their homes, work, churches and communities. While Bob’s focus is on youth, the principles in this book will be applicable to any ministry regardless of the age group.

158 pages, Paperback

Published August 12, 2016

Reviews

[Melanie Irizarry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn’t touch my soul, but was a great reminder of what kingdom work should look like. It’s a great model of what discipleship should look like and what it means to teach and walk alongside kids. It’s not about numbers but His glory. Lots of things I’d want to implement. Just gotta figure out where to start.

[Chris Motz · Rating 1 out of 5]

There were two sections in the book that I found helpful. The rest of the book did not leave me with much.

[Kim Johnson (Osborne) · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a new young life leader, this book impacted so much in my understanding of YL and what the Bible says about reaching others for Christ. It definitely feels unprofessionally published, but I don’t really care since the content is really excellent. I love the focus on authentic, relational, biblical ministry, rather than focusing on gimmicks and metrics. Excellent read for YL leaders and youth ministry roles.

:)

[Jake Ruefer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is poorly written and cheaply produced/edited. But, you forgive it as time goes on. The way he makes his case and some of his phrasing can be frustrating. However, Perkins is completely unpretentious and mounts a convincing argument for a disciple based youth ministry. This is a book specifically for Young Life leaders but as a youth pastor, I still found it helpful. I would recommend.

[Owen Chilcoat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think if “Master Plan of Evangelism” was catered directly to a Young Life leader. Applicable, practical, and full of hot takes. I am walking away from reading this book excited about the idea that there is no such thing as conversion without discipleship! I have a few thoughts and questions that I’d love to pick Perkins’ brain if we ever sat down for coffee.

[Kevin Matznick · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a Young Life staff person, I really enjoyed this book because it hit on so many principles in our ministry. If you are not familiar with YL, this book probably wouldn’t be that enjoyable but it does have some great underlying principles on discipleship that apply to anyone.

[Brianna Ferrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for discipleship and learning more about YoungLife!

[Liberty Messer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for the YL humans to read

[Gabbie Kline · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s so good - all you younglifers should read