Resources

Group, Sep/Oct 2003 by Julian, Steven, Sabott, Kate, Miller, James W, Kimberly, Chad

A Fresh Start

What it is: This 30-day devotional written by Scott Larson is designed to be used by new Christians-as individuals, in pair discipleship, or in small groups.

The scoop: Larson hits a home run with this "follow-up" book. While most new-Christian studies cover only the basics of faith, A Fresh Start goes deeper in time commitment (30 days) and in topics covered, dealing with questions such as, What's the right way to pray? Why do I still struggle and have problems? Where do I go from here? The daily format takes students through an opening prayer that introduces the topic and then through an exploration of how God's Word addresses the question. Afterward, students "make it personal" by journaling their responses to one or two questions. Each chapter concludes with a prayer and an activity that encourages students to an even deeper response. There could've been more questions and more space given for journaling and interaction. However, this resource is one of the best in an ocean of follow-up booklets and studies. I'll be doing more than reviewing this book-I'll be ordering this book!

Cost: $7.99

Available from: Group Publishing, Inc., 800-447-1070, (970) 669-3836.

Everything Counts

What it is: Steve Case presents Oswald Chambers' classic devotions from My Utmost for His Highest in adapted form, with additional elements and in accessible language for contemporary teenagers.

The scoop: This book offers students a year's worth of powerful devotions. Each one includes a Scripture passage, a to-the-point summary of Chambers' message, an "Oz Says" box with a word-for-word excerpt from this day's devotion as it appears in My Utmost for His Highest, and a "Just Between You and God" section for taking the principle to the next level. As in Chambers' original publication, the topics of the devotions are compelling, profound, and potentially life-changing. And Case does a great job emphasizing the significant truth of the Scriptures, as well as adapting the devotions to reflect struggles more common in today's world. In some cases, the "Oz Says" quotes are quite extensive, which led me to wonder if most teenagers might find the original writing too difficult to understand. However, overall, the hopeful encouragement and practical application points will make this a valuable resource.

Cost: $14.99

Available from: Youth Specialties, Zondervan Publishing, 800-776-8008, (610) 532-1249.

Making a Difference

What it is: This multimedia experiential resource consists of four lessons that teach teenagers to be servants by involving them in community service.

The scoop: Wow! Sunday school just hit the road with this full-contact mission experience. Toss aside "canned" lessons for this mission resource that comes in a can. Four lessons send students out to collect food and clothes to give to a needy family. Thoughtful questions, video and music tracks (CD, DVD, and VHS), six student journals, and interactive reflection activities give theological interpretation and depth to the kind of community service all Christian teenagers should experience. Students will have to decide whether they want to be sheep or goats. Some of the worship experiences will truly leave you in tears. While it might be hard to use with a larger group, it's ideal for concentrated studies with smaller groups. Students will forget your chalkboards, maps, and lectures-this is the "class" that they'll always remember.

Cost: $79.99

Available from: Group Publishing, Inc., 800-447-1070, (970) 669-3836.

Worship Feast

What it is: This compilation of 50 multisensory worship services written by Daniel White, Tim Gossett, Beth Miller, Jonathon Norman, and Jennifer Youngman is designed to draw young people closer in their relationship to God.

The scoop: The authors of this book are very accurate in their belief and conviction that worship needs to be a multisensory experience for students. It's not just singing, not just praying, not just sharing and caring, but rather a mix of all these that make a great experience for the different types of students involved. One of the strongest elements of this resource is the way the authors organize the worship services into four distinctly focused areas: prayer services, services for the spiritual journey, community-building services, and services for the season. A caution I would share is simply that you, as a youth leader, need to examine each lesson to make sure the philosophies of ministry and theological understanding agree with your particular denomination or church. This isn't a resource to use blindly, but one that must be used strategically to find the elements that will work for your group.

Cost: $15

Available from: Abingdon Press, 800-672-1789, (615) 749-6347.

Reviewer Steven Julian has seven years of youth ministry experience.

Reviewer Kate Sabott is associate editor of youth ministry resources for Group Publishing. She has seven years of youth ministry experience.

Reviewer James W. Miller has eight years of youth ministry experience.