How to Be the Best Volunteer Youth Worker in the History of the World

by Kurt Johnston

When it comes to the teenagers in our ministries, giving our best matters. The reason why is “Getting better at youth ministry is worth the effort because teenagers are worth the effort,” writes veteran youth worker Kurt Johnston. With that in mind, he put together this compact, practical, and approachable book for youth ministry volunteers, brimming with insights and wisdom from his decades in youth ministry—including some memorable and hilarious stories of the mistakes that taught him along the way. Broken down into ten essential topics, the contents here apply to all youth ministry volunteers, whether you’ve been involved for decades or days, and regardless of your age, gender, or the square footage and general awesomeness of your youth space. A roster of seasoned volunteer youth workers provide commentary to round out each chapter, offering perspectives and important lessons learned from their individual contexts. Whether you read these words on your own or collectively with others on your youth ministry team, who what you find here just might help you become the best volunteer youth worker in the history of the world! About Kurt Johnston Kurt Johnston In youth ministry since 1988, Kurt Johnston has been at Saddleback Church since 1997. Although he leads Saddleback’s kids and youth teams, he’s still a junior high pastor at heart. Kurt and his wife, Rachel, live in Southern California and have two adult children.

85 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2020

Reviews

[Heather Voelz · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband bought this book. He helps with the youth ministry and I help with junior high/high school Sunday school. He asked me to review it as a possible resource for the other volunteers at church. The book has 10 chapters that go over various tips to build a successful ministry. At the end of each chapter there is also a short personal story from a youth volunteer detailing how they have seen the advice in the chapter bear fruit. Gives me just enough to ruminate on and put into practice as well as lots of encouragement for where you might be currently. As a 40 year-old it was also nice to see stories from a variety of ages--trying to keep up with teens can feel like a younger person's territory, but it was nice to see examples of how youth ministry can still be done as we get older.