resources for effective youth ministry
Teen
Stuff
It is so important that teens learn
to take responsibility for their spiritual growth - ultimately it is up
to them as parents, teachers and pastors cannot make them spend time in
daily Bible reading - this is something they have to commit to do - as
do we all. However, we can help them by providing excellent devotionals
written specifically for teens to help them as they face the challenges
and joys of growing up. We have looked at many excellent youth devotional
resources in past issues and will look at more in this issue too.
  |
Friends are Friends Forever
Your Place In This World Author - Michael W. Smith Publisher - Thomas Nelson |
These two books are excellent tools to help teens/young adults think through how God is working through and in their lives and what their purpose in life is.
Teens have so many important decisions to make and things to learn that have a major impact on the rest of their life. They are looking for answers and direction - all of which they can find in god's Word. In these two books Michael shares stories from his life along with God's Word to help challenge and encourage teens.
favorite features:
- in both books Michael talks as a friend - from his heart
- in "Friends Are Friends Forever" Michael shares about important topics such as salvation, God's Grace, forgiveness, prayer, marriage, to mention a few and then follows each chapter with verses from Scripture to challenge and encourage the reader
- in "Your Place In This World" Michael talks about Place, Purpose, Passion and God's Plan by sharing examples from his life and Scripture
Both books are filled with excellent
information to truly help make a difference in the lives of teens.
I especially like that Michael encourages teens to spend time in the Word
and challenges them to live a life to God's glory - not their own.
Since most teens enjoy Michael's music, he has a powerful opportunity to
share an important message and most teens will want to listen to what he
has to say. I highly recommend these books for teens as they will
find both books encouraging and challenging. Extremely well done
Michael and Thomas Nelson!
  |
Camp, Car Washes, Heaven & Hell
Life, Love, Music & Money Authors - Susie Shellenberger & Greg Johnson Publisher - Bethany House |
It's not easy being a teen - you still have so many things to learn and yet want to become more independent. These two books give teens "77 important ideas on living God's Way" and "77 important ideas on surviving planet Earth".
favorite features:
- both books are filled with excellent, helpful information - things teens really need to know . . . and even want to know
- each of the 77 ideas per book are short and to the point - teens could read one each morning and have something important to think about all day
- "Camp, Car Washes, Heaven & Hell" include information on
- staying plugged into God's Power
- being a summer missionary
- prayer
- encouraging youth leaders
- sharing faith with friends
- "Life, Love, Music & Money" include information on:
- "developing a true sense of identity
- setting priorities
- making a difference for Christ
- life after high school
- avoiding the over commitment trap"
These books are filled with real,
important information and ideas teens really need to know and if teens
put this information into practice, really make it a part of the way they
live, they will find life a bit easier and much more enjoyable! Extremely
well done Susie, Greg and Bethany House!
 |
WWJD Today? Daily Time With
Jesus
Author - Brian Shipman Publisher - Broadman & Holman |
I really like resources that provide a challenging and encouraging devotional to be read each day as this can help us stick with reading and spending time with God every day. This resource is designed to do just that!
favorite features:
- 52 weeks of devotions on the life of Jesus
- each week has six daily studies and one day for application, review and prayer
- includes a Scripture index
- includes a Topical index
- each daily devotion begins with a Scripture passage
- each daily devotion includes a brief story to illustrate the point
- each daily devotion includes a deeper look at the application and provides room to write answers to the application questions
- each daily study includes suggestions to help you pray through the application
- weekly Bible study and prayer review provides room to write the passage that most spoke to you during the week and encourages you to memorize it
- provides area to write a situation where you might be able to use that verse
- provides space for prayer requests and encourages you to pray
I like that this devotional is
short enough to help teens begin and stay with a daily time for Bible study
and real enough for teens to challenge and encourage them to want to stay
with it and make daily devotions a part of their life. The issues
covered in this devotional are excellent for teens - I like how it addresses
teen's needs by introducing them to Who Jesus is by looking at His life.
Extremely well done Brian and Broadman & Holman. Teens will not
be the same after using this study for a year!
About The Youth Department - Volume 1, Edition 3
Copyright © Lynda Freeman
Last Updated Dec. 19, 1998
Web Page by Lynda Freeman
Send an e-mail to Lynda at lynda.freeman@usa.net