This is our booklist which keeps our faith out on that wild frontier.

Youth Ministry

We Beat the Streets/Sampson Davis, et al
This is the true story of 3 black men who grew up in gang-infested neighborhoods and became doctors. For those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, this is a must-read. Through the story there are truths which any youth can hang on to, to beat the situation they live in.

Faith Shaping by Stephen D. Jones
This books does the best explaining over every other book on what we are doing in youth ministry and on what we should be doing with the youth God has given us to work with.

How Rude!: The Teenagers' Guide to Good Manners, Proper Behavior, and Not Grossing People Out by Alex J. Packer
There are many lesson ideas found in this one book. In 2004 this large book was re-released into three smaller books: How Rude! Handbook of Family Manners for Teens: Avoiding Strife in Family Life; How Rude! Handbook of School Manners for Teens: Civility in the Hallowed Halls; How Rude! Handbook of Friendship & Dating Manners for Teens: Surviving the Social Scene. The smaller books make great gift prizes. The overall series makes for thousands of practical uses.

Family-Based Youth Ministry by Mark DeVries
The title of this book is a poor choice. It should really be titled "What 50 Years of Youth Ministry Has Brought Us." This is a must read book but the title gives a wrong pre-conception that may keep you away from it.

The Wounded Spirit by Frank Peretti
Most everyone is familiar with Frank Peretti and his writings. However this book is not fiction and is a must for anyone in the ministry. It deals with wounded spirits which are the very ones who are at our churches. The personal insight he gives in invaluable.

The Gospel of Good Success by Kirbyjon H. Caldwell
This book covers every area of development youth (and adults) need to make the most of their lives. All in one book. Each chapter is a step that must be accomplished. This book would make a great group study.

Holy Wow: Boost Your Youth Ministry Creativity/Jeff White
Youth ministry idea books are a great resource to help plan the youth ministry. This special book pushes you to brainstorm, create, build upon to find creative solutions for your personal ministry. Instead of just offering "Generation Repeat" stuff to your youth, this book will motivate you to plan differently, to dig to provide those "holy wow" experiences for your youth.

The Ambitious Generation by Barbara Schneider and David Stevenson
The authors of this landmark study of 7000 teenagers offer practical, specific advice about how parents and teachers can better direct and support adolescents in their efforts to achieve their dreams of success. Why not youth workers too? We can do something to help them and bring their faith near to what is important to them. This book will help you see your important place.

More Than a Label by Aisha Muharrar
This book is written by a teenager about something that all teenagers go through--labeling of each other. Her approach is eye-opening (especially to adults who may have forgotten what this is like) and informative. With this knowledge you will be able to bring faith near to youth who struggle with such labels.

The Essential 55
This is a great little book written by the 2001 Disney Teacher of the Year. This North Carolina boy purposely teaches in Harlem and has experienced great successes in his students. It is from these rules he has made and applied that have challenged his students to grow beyond expectations. He put this book together to help other teachers, and others, to grow successful students. You are not a school teacher but you do teach students and this book can help you do that.

What's Up with Boys? by Crystal Kirgiss
This is a great easy-to-read book for girls to understand better the mystery of boys. This book covers most of the boy quirks. Each chapter ends with questions which make it a great tool for a girls-only small group.

What it Takes to Pull Me Through by David L. Marcus
If you have one or two youth who are always taking those risks and never seem to "get it," this book helps you understand that mindset. It covers a residential behavioral program to give you that look into their decision-making. It also will indirectly give you ideas in how to help those one or two you have.

Call Waiting by Ronald Wilson
Using true life stories, this book encourages youth that the call on their life may not be to full-time ministry but to serve God as a lawyer, psychologist or even a tree trimmer.

God's Playbook by Reggie White
This is a great book for youth athletes to help them walk out their faith as they compete.

Ghettonation by Cora Daniels
A great culture book on how standards are being lowered and accepted. It is a fun read but it also gives you a lot to think about and be challenged by.

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