Youth Ministry in This Season of Disruption

by Mark Oestreicher, Sean McDowell, Andrew Root

Choose your word for these times we’re unprecedented, weird, challenging, exhausting. Each of them is true, of course. And youth workers everywhere are struggling to figure things out, wrestling with calling and expectations, experimenting and learning and holding onto hope.This book dives headfirst into that space with you, bringing the voices (and thinking) of 28 unique youth ministry practitioners–consider them as your own little band of partners.Broken into five sections, Youth Ministry in This Season of Disruption begins with two critical reminders–a historical encouragement from Sean McDowell, and a theological encouragement from Andrew Root. Section three pauses, asking us all to consider five critical issues as we pivot and adapt.Section four includes entries from seven in-the-trenches youth workers willing to share how they’ve misstepped in this season, and what they’ve learned from that (ideally, helping you sidestep those same mistakes). And, finally, the dozen chapters of section five include a host of innovative and experimental wins from youth workers just like you.This book doesn’t have all the answers. But it’s a snapshot from the brilliant and resourceful tribe of youth workers that you’re a part of. Between the lines, we hope you’ll get a sense of God’s Spirit Don’t give up; you can do it!

103 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2020

Reviews

[Zach Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!
As a veteran youth worker I so appreciated not only the timeliness of this book - but also that every page was PACKED with so much wisdom!

[Hillary Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had some interesting points but I waited too long to pick this one up for most of it to be useful now. I felt some PTSD kicking in as I was reading the chapters and remembering my own panic during the first few months of the pandemic. The ‘Missteps and Learning’ section probably had the most chapters that could apply to a ministry context even without the pandemic in play. The reflections are based on the authors’ church context which is important to remember.

[Holly Zaher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Youth ministry

Incredibly encouraging and helpful as we attempt to move from iteration to innovation in these strange times. Grateful for other youth ministers who are doing good work.

[Tom Roepke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read on a season we are still in. Helpful thoughts and perspectives.