# data[].attributes.description
Inside Wisdom On...Growing in Christ, youll find biblical principles and practical tips to help you grow in your relationship with Christ. Youll even be challenged to think about what it means to be a godly person, even if you decide to be something other than a missionary or a pastor when you grow up. Youll discover how wisdom can not only help keep your faith alive, but help it grow.

# data[].attributes.description
Designed for middle schoolers, Deeper Bible studies provide you with a unique and effective tool for your students. Use in large or small groups to help communicate Gods truth in a way that connects with young teens and shows them what faith can look like in their everyday lives. Choose will help students learn about temptation, the Holy Spirits power to help, and what God desires from them. Pray helps students understand and participate in meaningful prayer with the creator of the universe.  Theyll find that not only does God listen; he cares. Stick shows students what God says about friendships and helps them find and be great friends. Trust will help you teach your students who Jesus is and what it looks like to trust him on a deeper level. With questions that meet the developmental and spiritual needs of early adolescents, youll find that your students engage in the Deeper studies and really grasp the lessons.

# data[].attributes.description
Contemplative Youth Ministry is refreshing rain for dry youth workers and barren youth ministries. More than the same old youth ministry tips and tricks, it gives principles and practices to soak in Gods grace, love, and power. I wish I had read it 15 years ago. - Kara Powell, Ph.D., executive director, Center for Youth Ministry and Family Ministry, Fuller Theological Seminary Mark invites readers to be encountered by the presence of Jesus who is always near. This book is transparent about the challenges that churches and families face as they desire to be effective in youth ministry. The book is filled with the honest stories of different kinds of youth ministries representing the breadth of Christianity in the United States. I heartily endorse Contemplative Youth Ministry as a rich encounter with the souls of youth and adults whose lives have been transformed by our very present God. - Bill Kees, director of youth ministries, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Mark Yaconelli not only reminds us of some of the long-forgotten pathways of faith, he shares with us how it actually looks when men and women who love God practice it with young people. I especially appreciate Marks optimism in his perspective of todays kids, for his insights are grounded in Gods view of them. - Chap Clark, Ph.D., associate professor of youth, family, and culture, Fuller Theological Seminary Mark Yaconelli was experimenting with contemplative youth ministry practices before contemplative youth ministry practices became cool. This book has about it the unique air of authenticity. He shares with us in these pages his own journey as a youth worker who actually believes that Gods still small voice speaks louder than the roaring windstorm of our busy youth ministry calendars. Its a book about creating for our students places of silence and opening up spaces for God to speak. - Duffy Robbins, professor of youth ministry, Eastern University; author of Enjoy the Silence and This Way to Youth Ministry Mark Yaconelli has emerged as one of youth ministrys most provocative voices in the wilderness, calling us back to our theological taproots: The contemplative practices that bind our lives to the life of Christ. If Marks research has taught us anything, its that these practices do not cause youth ministry to take fl ight into a spiritual never-never land; rather they anchor young peopleand their churchesin the fertile soil of Christian tradition, in the nitty-gritty of daily life, and in the explosive transformation that awaits us when we wait upon God. - Kenda Creasy Dean, parent, pastor, and professor of youth, Princeton Theological Seminary; author of Practicing Passion: Youth and the Quest for a Passionate Church

# data[].attributes.name
Still More Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks

# data[].attributes.subtitle
100 More Attention-Getting Stories, Parables, and Anecdotes

# data[].attributes.description
A captivating, skillfully chosen illustration communicates more, is remembered longer, and has greater impact than thousands of words that offer abstract truth but tell no story. Jesus knew the value of story. He consistently sprinkled his talks with parables, stories, and illustrations to drive home the point He was making.  In the best-selling tradition of Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks and More Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks, comes a third volume of lively, effective illustrations, stories, parables, and anecdotes, compiled by veteran youth worker Wayne Rice. Some will make listeners laugh, some will make them cry, and all of them will make kids think. This all-new collection of illustrations comes from the personal files of many of todays most popular youth speakers. Guaranteed teenager friendly, Still More Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks will give a youth minister fresh ways to help kids understand and apply important truths for their lives.

# data[].attributes.description
Christians wrestling to apply the teachings of Jesus to their everyday lives. Communities plagued by divisiveness and hypocrisy, with an emphasis on wealth and status. Thats the book of James ... and the story of our modern lives. A Youth Worker's Commentary on James has the entire NIV Biblical text printed alongside a deeply rich, yet readable, look into the meaning of this marvelous book. The book includes dozens of word studies, with fascinating historical accounts and personal stories, followed by a large section of thought provoking questions to get your students thinking and talking.  Written for youth workers, ministry volunteers, and everyday people who want to probe deeper into the Book of James, youth workers will find it an invaluable aid for message and lesson preparation. Using this book to achieve a solid understanding of James, including its historical context, rationale, and meaning, youth workers will then apply this pertinent wisdom to the needs and issues they and their youth groups are working through. A Youth Worker's Commentary on James also includes bonus material and activities that make the passages come to life.

# data[].attributes.description
Weve all heard the statistics about how much TV kids watchand how its not good for them. Well, throw those stats out the window so you can use TV for the good of your students! Following the best-selling format of the Videos That Teach series, TV Shows That Teach will give you plenty of TV show clip ideas to use for illustrations or teaching on a variety of topics or Bible passages. From the classics, to some of the latest and greatest shows, youll find ideas that will fit into any message youre trying to communicate to your students. Included in this book are clip ideas from comedies like Happy Days, The Simpsons, Saturday Night Live, The Office, The Cosby Show, Everybody Loves Raymond, and more. Youll also find clips from dramas like The West Wing, Freaks and Geeks, 24, Lost, My So Called Life, The Sopranos, and more. And, of course, there are lessons to be learned from reality shows like The Simple Life, American Idol, Survivor, The Real World, and more.Search by topic or Bible reference to find just the right clip, or just look through the table of contents for your favorite shows. Each clip will give you start and stop points, Bible passages that relate to the topic in the clip, as well as questions to get your students thinking and talking about what they just watched. Theyll never see TV in the same way!

# data[].attributes.name
Leave a Footprint - Change The Whole World

# data[].attributes.description
You are here for a reason. God is calling you to reshape the planetto help change it for the better. But if youre like most people, youll spend years searching out why God made you the way he did and never really uncover Gods beauty in you and ultimately never realize why God created you. Some people believe that when it comes to Gods Will in your life, theres only one answer. Well, inside the pages of this book, youll discover that God has definitely created you for a purpose, but that purpose isnt an occupation set in stone for the rest of your life.Take the time to find out what it means for you to leave a footprint. The marks you leave on this world could make all the difference. Inside youll explore: Who am I really? What gifts and skills do I have? Youll look deep inside your emotions, your personality, and abilities to understand how God has uniquely gifted you to make a difference on Planet Earth. What do I dream about? Youll look at what your heart longs to do, and youll learn that what you dream about is probably something God has placed in you. God has given you passions...will you use them for his glory? Why am I here? Youll discover your life purpose and look into the things you think God may be calling you to do. And, youll be challenged to use who you are in the world right now.So take off your shoes and step out in faith. Youll find out what it means for you to leave your footprint in your world today, and what it could mean for your future.

# data[].attributes.description
"Wes is young, enthusiastic, and perhaps a little idealistic about his new position as the youth pastor of the largest church in his denomination. Running into the ministry at full-steam with the best of plans and intentions, Wes soon learns that all the idealism and plans cant prepare him for the struggles hes facing. When Doug, the star quarterback, stops coming to youth group, Wes is faced with questions and frustration from the parents and church leaders. When he tries to win Doug back, Wes becomes even more confused when he learns that Doug began attending the youth group at the smaller church in town. Britt is a seasoned youth worker who has been at the smaller church in town for too many years to count. Doug ends up at Britts youth group, and soon after, Wes comes to Britt for insight. Only months before, Wes thought little of Britt because of his small youth group, but now he comes to Britt for help. In this creative fable, youll be invited into the ongoing conversations between Wes and Britt as they explore what it takes to have an effective youth ministry. Youll watch as they discover what it takes for students to have a long-term, transformative faith. As Wes changes the way he does ministry, you might find yourself with a new perspective as well."

# data[].attributes.subtitle
Using Improv to Create Memorable Moments in Ministry

# data[].attributes.description
Using Improv to Create Memorable Moments in MinistryThe Skit Guys bring you more than 200 skits to use in your youth group. Indexed by topic and Scripture reference, you can illustrate just about any lesson you want. Plus, each skit is ready to go and will allow all your students to participate in the teaching, whether or not they can act. Theyll laugh, they might cry, and in the end, theyll learn something important.

# data[].attributes.subtitle
An Amateurs Guide for Working with Teenagers

# data[].attributes.description
Thank you for making the decision to be a volunteer youth workeryou give the gospel a flesh and blood presence and show Gods compassion for students in a way no one else does. Being a youth worker can be exciting, intimidating, fulfilling and challenging, and until now there was no manual on how to be a volunteer in a youth ministry. After more than twenty years as a paid youth worker, Jim Hancock left and became a volunteer in a student ministry. That experience taught him things he may never have learned as a youth ministry professional, and now he wants to empower others who are passionate about being volunteer youth workers. Inside this book youll find practical help, like: tips about what to do on the first day ideas on how to build and develop relationships with students ways to combat youth culture shock how to prepare students for life after youth group how to say goodbye when it is time to leave ...and many more indispensable insights that will make your experience as a volunteer youth worker valuable and rewarding for you and your students.

# data[].attributes.subtitle
500 Dynamic Discussion Starters to Get Your Teenagers Talking

# data[].attributes.description
This collection of 500 discussion prompts will get your students laughing, thinking, sharing, and getting to know each other. From the silly to the insightful, these Top 3 choices are great for icebreakers, time killers on road trips, and much more. Heres a smattering of whats inside: What are your top 3 fast food restaurants? What are your top 3 fears? What are your top 3 cartoon characters? What are your top 3 names of God?While these prompts may seem elementary, they are effective, efficient ways to get inside your students heads and hearts. Think of them as gateway questions that can lead to deeper revelations of whats really going on with your kids.

# data[].attributes.description
You know, were an interesting breed. We pour our whole life into ministrygiving physically, emotionally, spiritually, relationally, even financially. And, we do all of this to encourage students to live like Christ beyond youth group. Even when we struggle, fail, or find ourselves at the end of a long month feeling drained and discouraged were still called to show our students the love of Jesus. The Youth Worker Book of Hope offers you encouragement and hope in those moments of darkness by using experiences and advice from people who have been through the valley and learned from it. Youth workers from around the country have contributed personal stories of their own desire to quit, confrontations with parents, struggles with running the ministry, getting fired, and many more. Youll read about how other youth workers messed up and how they found hope at the end of a seemingly hopeless road. In tough times its easy to get lost. The Youth Worker Book of Hope meets you while youre still struggling and draws you in to the hope of God.

# data[].attributes.description
A practical and personal approach to apologeticsfor students. How many times has your teacher asked you a question, and you stare blankly at the ceiling, hoping to discover the answer lingering there? Its frustrating when we dont know the answers to the questions were asked by others, but it can be even more frustrating when we dont know the answers to the questions we are asking ourselves. Have you ever asked one of these questions? Does what I think really matter? What is truth? Is God there? Has God spoken? Am I important enough? Am I good enough? Whats so great about heaven?If youve ever wondered about any of these questions, youve come to the right place. In Living with Questions, Dale Fincher will help you look at each of these questions in such a way that youll discover clues, helpful tools, and answersand what they all mean for your life and your faith. The answers you find will put you on a path to dig deeper and gain confidence in your faith. As Dale addresses the big questions that hes been asked by students across the country, youll find that youre not alone in your doubt, confusion, orquestioning. As you learn to live with questions, even the answers are only steps in the right direction. Youll find how they whet the appetite to go deeper into your purpose on this planet and to discover something bigyet very personalthats worth living for.

# data[].attributes.description
As the world's youth population continues to grow and interact globally in an instant through blogging, texting, and social networking, youth ministry is adapting in equal fashion. Authors Terry Linhart and David Livermore offer advice that's substantiated by more than twenty prominent worldwide youth leaders: be prepared. Global Youth Ministry is the first textbook to recognize the phenomenon of global youth ministry and to coordinate leading youth ministry voices in a discussion of the theological, theoretical, sociocultural, and historical issues that shape ministries around the world. Traditionally, students of international youth ministries have had to wade through a range of sources, perspectives, and agendas. This versatile text distills all that, and focuses on real-world experiences, challenges, and issues that are part of international ministries. This book is essential reading for undergraduate and graduate-level students and youth ministry leaders who have a heart for missions, social awareness and spiritual empathy, and a desire to serve young people around the world.

# data[].attributes.subtitle
Exploring Issues Adolescent Girls Face and Strategies to Help Them

# data[].attributes.description
Girls are more than just sugar and spice. Weve all figured that out. What we havent figured out completely is how theyre wired, why they do the things they do, how the world around them affects their choices and opinions, and what that means for youth ministryuntil now.In Teenage Girls, youll find advice from counselors and veteran youth workers, along with helpful suggestions on how to minister to teenage girls. Each chapter includes discussion questions to help you and other youth workers process the issues your own students face and learn how you can help them and mentor them through this tumultuous time.In addition to the traditional issues people commonly associate with girls, such as eating disorders, self-image issues, and depression, author Ginny Olson will guide you through some of the new issues on the rise in girls lives. Youll understand more about issues related to:Family  Addiction  Emotional well-being  Mentalhealth  Physical welfare  Sexuality  Spirituality Relationships

# data[].attributes.subtitle
Youth Workers Share Their Worst Failures and Best Advice

# data[].attributes.description
"Everyone makes mistakes. But why make the same ones that other youth workers have already learned tough lessons through? Whether youre a youth ministry volunteer or youve just stepped into a full-time youth ministry position, chances are that you dont know everything...not yet anyway. Here youll find wisdom from seasoned veterans who have been there and done that so you can avoid the pitfalls theyve found themselves facing.With true stories from real youth workers, youll get the truth that you just dont learn in your seminar classes or volunteer training meetings. With thought-provoking questions, relevant Scripture, and practical applications, youll learn from some of the common, but avoidable, blunders of youth ministry veterans such as:  Soul care slip-ups Team building terrors Relationship errors Parent problems (or is it problem parents?!) Programming pitfalls Budget blunders Moral minefields Authority ailments Crisis controlWhile most people will cover up their mistakes and hope to never be found out, these brave youth workers are laying it all out there so you dont have to make the same mistakes. Let their encouragement and wisdom be your most-read training manual."

# data[].attributes.description
Think about sin and the crossthe way that salvation changes who we are and how God sees us. Its a central part of our faith, and yet its one of the most confusing and difficult things to teach. Especially to a room full of teenagers.In Taking the Cross to Youth Ministry, Andrew Root invites you along on a journey with Nadiaa fictional youth worker who is wrestling with how to present the cross to her own students in a meaningful way. Using Nadias narrative, along with his own insights, Root helps you reimagine how the cross, sin, and salvation can be taught to students in a way that leads them to embrace a lifestyle that chases after Jesus, rather than creating teenagers who just try to be good.

# data[].attributes.subtitle
Exploring Issues Adolescent Guys Face and Strategies to Help Them

# data[].attributes.description
Youth workers need to fully understand the inner workings and development of adolescents in order to really meet their needs. In Teenage Guys, Dr. Steve Gerali presents the stages of development that adolescent guys go through, providing stories from his own experiences in ministry and counseling as well as practical research findings to equip youth workers (both male and female) to more effectively minister to teenage guys.With advice from counselors and veteran youth workers, youll find helpful suggestions on how to minister to teenage guys and their families. Each chapter includes discussion questions to help you and other youth workers process the issues your own students face and learn how you can help them and mentor them through this tumultuous time. In addition to concepts like mentoring and rites of passage, Dr. Gerali also walks readers through the seven areas of development young guys go through.Youll understand more about: Cognitive development Identity formation Social development Emotional development Physiological development Sexological maturation Faith formation

# data[].attributes.subtitle
A Practical Guide to Avoiding Burnout in Your Ministry

# data[].attributes.description
There are so many benefits to being a youth worker: You get to hang out with teenagers, watch their lives transform, and help them become adults who live for and love Jesus. But when you signed on the dotted line to work in youth ministry, nobody mentioned the negative side effects: isolation, criticism, a general feeling of being constantly overwhelmed, relentless questioning from parents and church leaders. The list can go on... But your frustration doesnt have to overtake you, or take you away from ministry. Inside the pages of this book youll find humor, comfort, and encouragement for those times when you feel like you cant go any further. Youth ministry veteran, Steven Case, will help you through just about every scenario that adds to your discontent, including complaining parents, dealing with tragedy, and deciding when to leave a bad situation. Find practical tips to help you deal with the challenges of youth ministry, and get soul-renewing ideas to help you continue on, despite the struggles, so you can get back to enjoying youth ministry like you used to!

# data[].attributes.description
Knowledge may get your students pretty far in life, but it wont be enough to get them through some of the daily challenges they will face as Christians. And it wont help them grow in their faith. What students really need is God's wisdom, and for that theres no better place to start than the book of Proverbs. Through engaging activities and thought-provoking questions that get right to the heart of Proverbs, your students will see that even though this book was written thousands of years ago, the instructions still apply to them. By the end of this study, your students will know how to answer questions that include:  How do I know what path to take?  What does God have to say about premarital sex?  How should I respond to money?  How should I treat other people?  How should I handle criticism?Written with the busy youth worker in mind, Studies on the Go: Proverbs provides Scriptural depth and substance to be tackled in a manageable time frame. The questions are real, down-to-earth, and straight to the point to get students quickly into Proverbs so they can hear Gods word on a practical level. Designed for Sunday school classes, youth groups, and small groups, this curriculum is guaranteed to get your students excited about and engaged with the Bible.