Hands on help: Resources
Group, Jul/Aug 1998
Student-Led Discussions: Now Can I Know God Exists?
What it is: This resource uses individual, pairs, and group structures to get kids talking about God's existence, the Bible, hell, creation and evolution, and other difficult issues of Christian faith.
The scoop: Plan to spend more than an hour on these meaty discussions that challenge kids to put their faith into action. This book gets kids to interact not only with each other but also with popular arguments against Christianity, such as "Truth is relative," "The Bible is full of contradictions," and "All the world's religions worship the same God." Discussion leaders will need help tweaking the lessons in light of denominational theology. Since the book doesn't have a resource list, youth leaders might need help with research and additional questions. These discussions are well worth the effort, though, for teaching kids "how to give an answer for the hope that is within them."
Cost: $6.99
Available from: Group
Publishing, Inc., 800-447-1070.
Quick Picks
New resources to energize your ministry
Student-Led Devotions for Youth Ministry-These 38 activelearning devotions are designed to foster faith and develop leadership. Price is $14.99. Available from Group Publishing, Inc., 800-447-1070.
When Things Get Tough- Author James Long centers on the book of James to help kids deal with tough times. Price is $9.99. Available from Zondervan Publishing House, 800-727-3480.
First Impressions: Unforgottaable Openings for Youth Meetings-Discovery-oriented openings covering a wide variety of options, including seasonal, devotional, and just-forfun ideas. Cost is $13.99. Available from Group Publishing, Inc., 800-447-1070.
Redemption-For kids who may be caught up in collectible card games such as Magic, Redemption offers a Christian alternative. Cost is $9.95 for starter sets and $9.95 for the players guide. Available from Cactus Game Design, (913) 8433028 or (630) 595-4899.
Actual Reality CD-"ROM-This music-driven CD-ROM engages kids in an interactive search for biblical truth through a multimedia approach that includes Scripture, music videos, and artist interviews. Cost is $29.98. Available from Actual Reality Ministry, (614) 433-0057.
Better Safe Than Sued
What it is: Author Jack Crabtree's goal is to inform youth ministers about legal issues relating to safety and negligence.
The scoop:
Crabtree, who's not aon attorney, uses easy-tounderstand language to present many alltoo-familiar safety scenarios and to provide detail on how to prepare and/or respond to problems. He covers a wide range of subjects, including insurance, transportation do's and don'ts, staff selection and training, and keeping parents truly informed. A helpful appendix features forms and policy ideas. Although Crabtree doesn't deal directly with counseling liability-a "hot" area-the book is practical, enjoyable to read, and one of the few resources available that recognizes youth ministry has its own very distinctive legal concerns.
Cost: $15.99
Available from: Group Publishing, Inc., 800-447-1070.
When Kumbaya Is Not Enough
What it is: In this foundational book, veteran youth minister and youth ministry professor Dean Borgman shares what he's learned during his 50-year career.
The scoop:What do you believe about youth work? What's your theology of youth ministry? Dean Borgman's thoughtful and thought-provoking book walks you through the right questions to get you to insightful answers to those questions. This isn't a quick read. Borgman states his case, then asks you to discover answershe doesn't instantly prescribe them. Take seriously the reflection and discussion questions, and you'll spend a considerable amount of time with Borgman. But who better to hold the mirror up to your youth ministry and ask the tough questions?
Cost: $16.95
Available from: Hendrickson Publishers, 800-358-3111, (978) 532-6546.
Reviewer Tracee Hackel has 12 years of youth ministry experience.
Reviewer Drew Crislip is a family court judge and has 24 years of youth ministry experience.
Reviewer Mikal Keefer is a Group copywriter and has 16years of youth ministry experience.
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