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You want whacked-out, run-till-you-drop games? Here they are. You want sedate games for small, quiet groups? Got 'em. Inside Games are more than 400 indoor and outdoor games teenagers love to play: - Balloon Games . . . Twice the fun of a church board meeting, with only half the hot air. An inexpensive good time. - Basketball Games . . . All of them slam dunks. - Volleyball Games . . .What self-respecting youth group doesn't love a good volleyball game? They'll go crazy for these bizarre mutations of the sport. - Indoor Games for Large Groups . . .Reserve your church's gym or fellowship hall for the night, and turn to page 35 for this collection of games! - Living Room Games . . . Great for parties, informal gatherings -- or anytime you've got a roomful of people just sitting around. And more -- indoor games for small groups, mind reading games, and dozens of Ping-Pong variations. Whether you're a youth worker or a recreation leader at a church, school, club, or camp --  Games is your storehouse of proven, youth-group tested ideas.

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"Sadly, studies show that there are few differences in the attitudes and actions between people who claim to be Christians and those who dont choose that label. But everything we read in the Bible says we should be transformed; we should be different than the rest of the world.What would it look like if you lived the life God desires for you? How would your life be different if you abandoned your typical routine and refused to settle for anything less than the best God has in store for you?In Thrive, youll find 20 life-impacting studies that will draw you into the Bible and help you understand who you are and who God wants to help you become. Youll discover what the Bible says about how God made you, what kind of life he has planned for you, and how you can survive the tough times of your life. Even if you struggle to keep your faith alive at times, God wants to help you thrive. The reality is, God loves us just the way we arebut he also loves us too much to leave us that way."

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Not-So-Secret Findings about Youth Ministry

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Deep Ministry in a Shallow World will show you a new way to prayerfully reflect on the questions you face in your youth ministry every day so you can find the answers that will take it to deeper places. Thats because authors Chap Clark and Kara Powell have gathered significant research findings that will help shift your ministry paradigm.Did you know that: the typical strategies we use to build relationships with kids might actually cause them to trust usless because of what this generation has endured? recent research on communication could help us move past the witty talks and funny stories we work so hard to develop and instead actually connect the Bible to kids lives? studies show that offering students just Jesus and not helping them at home, school, and in their neighborhoods might not help them very much at all? The authors research also led to their development of the Deep Design problem-solving processa revolutionary model that will give you better tools than ever before to address every last issue youll encounter in youth ministry.

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Helping Your Kids Serve Others and Right the Wrongs around Them

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It doesnt take a long list of statistics to convince you that our world is broken. Mission trips, service projects, and supporting children through relief organizations are just a few of the ways that many youth workers engage their students in serving the least, the last, and the lost. As good and helpful as these things may be on the surface, thats where they remainat the surface. The problems run far deeper than an occasional paint job or fundraising project can solve. But its not hopeless. Deep social justice is possible in your youth ministry.Following their bestselling book, Deep Ministry in a Shallow World, Kara Powell and Chap Clark provide you with research and insights that will help your ministry get to the next level. In addition to helping you further understand the Deep Design method (introduced in their previous book), their practical Kingdom of God theology will help you go beyond simply trying to motivate your students to serve those in need, and invite your students (and maybe even your leaders) to wrestle with why those people are in need in the first place. Youll hear from well-known social justice leaders and youth workers who are making a difference in urban, suburban, and small town settings including: Jim Wallis (Sojourners) Tony Campolo (Eastern University) Lina Thompson (World Vision/Vision Youth) John Perkins (Christian Community Development Association) Shane Claiborne (The Simple Way) Larry Acosta (Urban Youth Workers Institute) Rudy Carrasco (Harambee Christian Family Center) Jeremy Del Rio (Community Solutions, Inc.) Noel Castellanos (Christian Community Development Association), and more In addition to expanding your personal justice commitments, Deep Justice in a Broken World will help you reflect with your own leadership team, and will provide you with online resources to take you even deeper into the journey. So go ahead, dig deeper into what it means to heal the broken world in which we live. Take your ministry deeper into social justice.

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Embracing First-Century Practices in Youth Ministry

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How many times have you poured your heart and soul into something for your youth ministryonly to have it fall flat, leaving not much more than a fond memory in the minds of students, let alone amazing life-change in their hearts? Youre not alone. Far too often, we build plans and programs and then stop to ask God to bless them. We all want a transformational student ministry, but we need to remember that God has to be the one doing the transformations in the lives of our students. Based on the principles found in the book of Acts, Moving Forward by Looking Back will help you look back at how God transformed lives through the early church, and look forward at how those principles can be applied to your youth ministry today. As you reflect on the book of Acts, youll explore how your youth ministry can implement the principles of: Adorationengaging students with God Communityengaging students with Gods people Truthengaging students with Gods Word Serviceengaging students with Gods world With practical ideas that are easy to apply in any ministry context, whether youre a rookie or a veteran, a professional or a volunteer youth worker, this book is an invaluable resource for any youth ministry that wants to see its students transformed by God.

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(Re) Discovering Narrative to Communicate God's Message

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The Been there, done that culture is starving for reality. Hardly satisfied with the modern conventions of citing facts and figures and pushing propositions, emerging churches are jumping into the narrative form of communication with both feet. But not all emerging church leaders have an inherent handle on the craft and skill of using narrative as a sermon form. Experiential Storytelling zeros in on the hows and whys of narrative, as well as the importance of sharing personal experience to double your storytelling ammunition. In addition, author Mark Miller goes several steps further, giving examples of real-time, hands-on experiences for church members as innovative extensions of traditional teaching and preaching that offer them greater scriptural understanding and ownership of the gospel story.Chapters include: The Dawning of the Age of Experience Once Upon a Story Awakening the Sleeping Giant in the ChurchC*R*E*A*T*I*V*T*Y Reimagining the Sermon Elements of Experiential Storytelling Killer Apps

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Showing Your Friends How to Live Like Jesus

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Before Jesus left his disciples he said to them, go and make disciples of all nations. It wasnt just a command for those twelve disciplesits for everyone who follows Jesus. But what does it mean? In Duplicate This youll learn the foundations of discipleship and what it means to make a disciple, and youll be equipped to walk with your friends as they learn what it looks like to follow Jesus. Youll find answers to the spiritual questions that your friends may be asking, like: How can the Bible be accurate when its so old? Is it true that Jesus was born of a virgin? How can I avoid sin? Why cant I feel God all the time? In addition, youll get tips and other tools that will help you be an effective disciple to your friends and help you duplicate your faith in others.

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Does This Sound Familiar? Hey, Gimme a Break! Aw... You Just Dont Understand! Try to see it my way for once! ... the lines of every teenager through history, right? Not this time! The dirty little secret is that your parents were actually your age once. Believe it or not, they went through a lot of the same junk youre going through now (including with their parents!) ... and another dirty little secret is that some day youll be trying to make sense of your kids and their lives. Read This Book Or Youre Grounded! gives you six chapters with a lot of sound-bites and cool boarding-inspired cartoons, plus wisdom and common sense with an attitude. Read This Book Or Youre Grounded! includes two chapters on understanding, two on getting along one on special needs and concerns; and a final wrap-up of marching orders to put all this wonderful wisdom into practice. God is here, too: author Wayne Rice lays a spiritual foundation for mutual respect, common understanding, and getting along with parents in all ways. This book can change your life... change the life of your family... and change your relationship with those sometimes-weird parental units who hang around the kitchen, hog the TV, and act like its their own house.

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80 sure-fire scripts and other onstage fun to illustrate  your lessons and enliven your events! - Just for Fun . . . Short stunts, funny skits, sight gags, easy prep -- we've got 'em all. If you have even one or two students who love hamming it up and making spectacles of themselves, you'll find plenty of funny fodder here. - Spontaneous Melodramas . . . Fueled by groans, catcalls, cheers, and boos from your small or large audience, student actors in these no-rehearsal melodramatic spoofs will bring down the house. Don't know what spontaneous melodramas are? Plunge into an entertaining and instructive explanation of what they are and how to use them for the most effect, beginning on page 51.  - Sketches with a Point . . . Drama is an ideal medium for grabbing people's attention and priming them for a meeting, a talk, or a Bible study. Have a particular topic in mind? Find your topic (in the topical index, page 7), and you're on your way to just the right script. Whether you're a youth worker or recreation director in a church, school, club, or camp -- Drama, Skits, & Sketches is your storehouse of proven, youth-group tested ideas.

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Reaching Out to Unchurched TeenagersFive facts about the unchurched:1. They believe all religions have value.2. They are spiritual, not religious.3. They dont know what Christianity really is.4. They dont know what they believe.5. They are looking for something that works.If you want to make an impact on this generation, these are five basic rules you must understand. Author Jonathan McKee writes that by taking the time to learn students unique situations you show you care about them as people, not as mission projects.Informative and full of real-life examples, Do They Run When They See You Coming? provides vital information you need to better understand students outside your youth group. Yet this book isnt a sociological or marketing survey; the tangible guidelines and methods inside help you get into the mind of unchurched studentsso you can get to know their hearts. Because, as every youth worker knows, real ministry is always about getting to the heart.

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A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence That Points Toward God

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Does God really exist? Lee Strobel wasn't so sure. So, he decided to use his award-winning journalistic skills to investigate the creation story and prove once and for all if the claims about God the Creator are true. The Case for a Creator Student Edition adapts Strobel's bestselling book to present hard-hitting findings as well as Lee's journey from skepticism to belief in an easy-to-follow manner so you can make a decision about God for yourself. This student edition provides an apologetic look at Christian theology and philosophy for teens.

When Lee Strobel was a high school freshman, science convinced him that God didn't exist. Since then, however, incredible scientific discoveries have not only helped restore Lee's faith, but have strengthened it.

Lee is not alone. More and more scientists, confronted with startling, cutting-edge evidence from many areas of research, no longer believe the universe just "happened" or that life arose by mere chance. Behind a universe of staggering complexity, they are seeing signs of a Master Designer.
Are your science textbooks still telling you the same "facts" that Lee's did years ago? Prepare to be astonished by what some of today's most respected experts have to say about:
The birth of the universeDarwinism and the origin of lifeThe astounding fine-tuning of the cosmosAmazing molecular machines and DNA research
Weigh the evidence for yourself. Then consider this question: Could it be that the universe looks designed ... because it is?

The Case for a Creator Student Edition:
Presents the arguments for and against Christianity teens and young adults often ask and encounter so they can see the real factsUses logic and solid information to examine why Christians believe what they doPresents Christian philosophy and core theology in an apologetic for teensCan also be used in the classroom, small groups, bible studies, or as a family devotionalContains infographics and charts to make the facts clear
Check out these other books from Lee Strobel for young adults:
The Case for Christ Student EditionThe Case for the Real Jesus Student EditionThe Case for Faith Student EditionThe Case for Grace Student EditionThe Case for Miracles Student EditionThe Case for Christ Graduate Edition

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Experiments in Contemplative Youth Ministry

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The Youth Ministry and Spirituality Project was formed in 1997 to participate in the renewal of youth ministry in the Christian church. Its mission is to foster Christian communities that are attentive to Gods presence, discerning of the Spirit and who accompany young people into the way of Jesus. Our mission is founded on the biblical vision of the human person who is created in the image and likeness of God and whose deepest longing is for communion with God and others in love. In response to Christs invitation to abide in him (John 15:4), we believe that the central purpose of youth ministry is to open the minds and hearts of young persons to an intimate relationship with God in Christ through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. We seek to fulfill our mission through retreats, workshops, training events, written materials, and relationships that promote a contemplative approach to youth discipleship. The contemplative approach to youth ministry is based on a Christian communitys commitment to cultivate attentiveness to Gods Presence in the lives of young people and is supported in the following seven ways: SABBATH, PRAYER, COVENANT COMMUNITY, ACCOMPANIMENT, DISCERNMENT, HOSPITALITY, AUTHENTIC ACTION.

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Sometimes you dont have their attention for very long. Whether youve planned for a short message or your program has run long, a ten-minute talk is sometimes all you have space for in your youth ministry. So make sure you make it ten minutes that really count! If you need to communicate something meaningful in just a little time, 10-Minute Talks has just what you needmore than two dozen ready-to-go, story-based talks. With talks for spiritual growth, targeted at your Christian students, and outreach talks, perfect for any teenager, youll be prepared to give them a bite of truth that they can walk away remembering. Following the method Jesus used most often, these More 10-Minute Talks give you stories that can impact students with one simple point. Each talk gives you the tools you need to make it count, and the flexibility to make it work for your context. Along with each topic and title, youll find:  The Big Idea  Scripture  The Story  The Transition Statement  Application  Closing Dont get caught with nothing to sayor too much to say in the time youve got! Get 10 Minute Talks and get a meaningful message across quickly!

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Merlin's Greatest Weakness Could Become His Greatest Strength. With the balance of power between the Druidow and King Uthurs court in sway, can Merlin find it in himself to overcome his past or will he bring Britain to its knees?

When a meteorite crashes near a small village in fifth-century Britain, it brings with it a mysterious black stone that bewitches anyone who comes in contact with its glow---a power the druids hope to use to destroy King Uthur's kingdom. The only person who seems immune is a young, shy, half-blind swordsmith's son named Merlin.

As his family, village, and even the young Arthur, are placed in danger, Merlin must face his fears and his blindness to take hold of the role ordained for him by God. But when he is surrounded by adversaries, how will he save the girl he cherishes and rid Britain of this deadly evil ... without losing his life?

The Winner of the 2014 Silver Moonbeam Award for Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction, Merlin's Blade includes:
Christian, faith-based retelling of the Arthurian legendlocation map and detailed character guiderich historical detailsperfect for young fans of Stephen Lawhead
Dont miss the other titles in The Merlin Spiral trilogy: Merlin's Shadow and Merlin's Nightmare

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A Comprehensive Guide to Working with Early Adolescents

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Many people run scared from the middle school youth room. But (thankfully!) there are people out there who are actually drawn to those young teens. Although often times theyre not equipped to deal with the unique challenges that middle school ministry presents, or theyre just not sure what to do when a room full of young teens (who are part child, but not quite adult) are running around the youth room. Finally, theres a comprehensive guide to middle school ministry, from two veterans of this unchartered territory. Mark Oestreicher and Scott Rubin help youth workers understand the importance of middle school ministry, the development process for young teens and their implications for ministry, and how to best minister to these sometimes misunderstood students. They share their experiences (as middle school pastors and parents of middle schoolers), giving youth workers he encouragement, hope, and training they need to succeed in middle school ministry.

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By celebrating strengths of many traditions in the church (and beyond), this book will seek to communicate a generous orthodoxy.

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A confession and manifesto from a senior leader in the emerging church movement. A Generous Orthodoxy calls for a radical, Christ-centered orthodoxy of faith and practice in a missional, generous spirit. Brian McLaren argues for a post-liberal, post-conservative, post-protestant convergence, which will stimulate lively interest and global conversation among thoughtful Christians from all traditions.In a sweeping exploration of belief, author Brian McLaren takes us across the landscape of faith, envisioning an orthodoxy that aims for Jesus, is driven by love, and is defined by missional intent. A Generous Orthodoxy rediscovers the mysterious and compelling ways that Jesus can be embraced across the entire Christian horizon. Rather than establishing what is and is not orthodox, McLaren walks through the many traditions of faith, bringing to the center a way of life that draws us closer to Christ and to each other. Whether you find yourself inside, outside, or somewhere on the fringe of Christianity, A Generous Orthodoxy draws you toward a way of living that looks beyond the us/them paradigm to the blessed and ancient paradox of we.

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True Confessions of a Total Freak of Nature

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Maybe you have days when you dont feel so good about yourself... Youre not as tall or thin as youd like, or maybe you dont quite fit in or you just get left out. Well, youll start to feel a lot better about yourself once you start reading about Luke! Luke Lang calls himself a freak of nature. Hes a grown man who is the height of an average fifth graderbut thats not what makes him a freak. Hes also about as wide as the average Sumo wrestler (but sadly, too uncoordinated to actually compete as a Sumo wrestler!). Luke knows what its like to feel left out or left behind. But hes got a great sense of humor about his lifes misadventures, and hes sharing the hysterical stories with you, in the hopes that youll feel encouragednot just because youre not as freaky as Luke, but because youll see that God can do extraordinary things through people who are pretty ordinary. While youre reading Lukes embarrassing stories, like the time he got beat up by a girl in Karate class or the time he was fighting for his life at Boy Scout camp, youll learn a little about Gods love and grace, and youll be reminded that you were created on purpose, for a purpose.

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This small book will call to you on days that the janitor reads you the riot act, the church secretary jumps down your throat and those home school parents just wont leave you alone. In this book, Doug Fields shares the wisdom that has helped him survive over 25  years in ministry: Just say No. That two letter word (that often feels like a four letter word to some people!) has the power to help you stay in ministry for the long haul and keep your family intact and thriving.  From the book: Jesus said no to good things... no to significant things... no to important people. He was 100%God/100% human and he had limits. He needed solitude. He needed time to reflect and pray and nourish his spiritual life and time away from those bonehead disciples. He needed space. And, Jesus had a lot to do. You try being the Savior of the world! He had a short window to accomplish his life mission and yet he seemed to prioritize and live so different than we do.  To say no in ministry is to be radical...to be radical is to be counter-cultural...to be counter-cultural is to be like Jesus...to be like Jesus should become our goal.

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A Journalists Personal Investigation of the Christian Faith

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Five of New York Times bestselling author Lee Strobels books for young adults and students thirteen and upThe Case for Christ Student Edition, The Case for a Creator Student Edition, The Case for Faith Student Edition, The Case for the Real Jesus Student Edition, and The Case for Grace Student Editionare collected together in this ebook bind-up volume, presenting all the evidence for Christian faith in one place so readers can decide for themselves.

Award-winning journalist and investigator Lee Strobels journey to faith began with a need for evidence that Christianity was worth believing, and his quest for answers led him to test and prove various held beliefs surrounding Jesus, God, and the elements of faith themselves over the years. Together in one ebook volume, all of his groundbreaking research and interviews with leading scholars have been collected together to answer the questions you have always asked, laying out the facts and taking on the doubts many young people like you encounter every day.

The Case for ... Student Collection:
Presents all the compelling arguments for and against Christianity teens and young adults thirteen and up often ask and encounter in our world, so they can see the real factsCan be used as a primer on Christianity or as a resource to confirm why Christians can confidently believe what they doContains infographics and charts to make the concepts clearCan also be paired with The Case for Miracles Student Edition

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A collection of more than 200 of the newest, most creative, youth-group-tested crowd breakers and mixers ever imaginedThe newest volume in the best-selling Ideas Library is Crowd Beakers and Mixers 2. These ideas are designed to grab the attention of youth groups and keep them entertained for months. Its perfect for youth leaders, camp counselors, Sunday school teachers, and recreation directors.This volume includes a variety of large and small group gags, stunts, mixers, contests, word games, quizzes, and more.  Features include:  User friendlyperfect to hand off to volunteer or student leaders  Conveniently organized  Multiple uses  Field-tested ideas contributed by youth workers and pastors  Ideal for all ages