PASSING ON THE FAITH A Radical New Model for Youth and Family Ministry By Merton P. Strommen and Richard A. Hardel Parents, pastors, camp/retreat leaders, youth leaders, and community leaders will cheer the arrival of this book. It offers wise, well documented affirmation that places family at the forefront of faith formation among youth. This is a comprehensive approach for effective youth and family ministry. The partnership among families, local faith communities, and church-related ministries produces truly effective, long-term pathways for youth to grow closer to God. Available from St. Mary's Press, (800) 533-8095 and online bookstores, e.g., http://www.amazon.com and http://www.barnesandnoble.com etc. ISBN 0-88489-606-4 THE GODBEARING LIFE The Art of Soul Tending for Youth Ministry By Kenda Creasy Dean and Ron Foster This newly published book has tapped into a widespread yearning for a resource that deals directly with the primary need for God in the lives of teenagers and those who minister among them. Dean and Foster are prophets in the best sense, telling the whole challenging, hope-filled story of youth ministry. From the first page, this book breathes with a passion for God and a love for teenagers. It goes a long way toward putting "ministry" back in youth ministry. The Godbearing Life draws the focus away from our rootless preoccupation with techniques and programs to the essential role of helping youth embrace Jesus Christ and find direction for their lives. It is considered by many to be the modern, foundational resource for youth ministry. Available from Upper Room Books (800) 972-0433 or online at www.upperroom.org. $14.95. ISBN 0-8358-0858-0 TWISTS OF FAITH Ministry with Youth at the Turning Points of Their Lives By Marcey Balcomb and Kevin Witt This timely, provocative book helps parents, camp counselors, youth workers, and mentors learn to help youth connect more deeply with God through the changes and transitions of their own lives. It draws adults who care about youth to the core of youth ministry by helping them engage teenagers in experiential learning to deepen their faith. Making decisions, experiencing loss and crisis, finding meaning and purpose in life, sustaining healthy relationships, etc. provide unmatched, fertile ground for seeking God and the way of love. Be there when it really matters. Teachable moments occur often during adolescence; adults with relationships of trust and respect among youth can help them reflect on their experiences in light of faith. You can walk with youth along pathways that transform twists of fate into twists of faith. Available from Discipleship Resources (800) 685-4370 $19.95. ISBN 0-88177-251-8 SEEKING AND DOING GOD'S WILL Discernment for the Community of Faith By Sharon Duger, Pamela Lardear, Garrie Stevens Seeking & Doing God's Will helps leadership teams seek God's guidance as they make decisions and vision for the future. As an alternative to "Robert's Rules of Order," this discernment model, based on the Wesleyan Quadrilateral of Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience, includes: 1. Reasons to use the Quadrilateral as a framework for discernment; 2. Guidelines on when and how to use the discernment model; 3. Information on how to conduct each movement (Scripture, tradition, reason, experience) of the process; 4. Suggestions on leadership selection and how to design a discernment experience based on years of testing with congregations, extension ministries, and conferences. This book is designed for any ministry team that wants to seriously listen for the voice of God and follow the way of Christ as an integral part of decision making and strategic planning. Available from Discipleship Resources (800) 685-4370 $15.95. ISBN 0-88177-232-1 | New Camp/Retreat Certification | | Share Our Worlds Approved by State Department | | It's Working for Us | | | Partners in Discipleship: Camp and Retreat Ministries | | Resource Review | | Conservation U.S.A. | | Continuing Education & Fellowship Events | | Camp/Retreat Memo Archives | | Camping Home | Articles | Links | Staff | | Comments | Directory | Events | Employment Opportunities |