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This is a book that needs a
different title. Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry by Doug Fields
should be entitled, How to Start Right and Thrive in Youth Ministry for
Decades or something to that affect. If Matt Brinkley’s book Stay The
Course Of Youth Ministry goes into the biblical and practical principles of
longevity as a youth worker, then Doug Fields’ work delves more into the
“how-to” aspects of starting right and continuing strong in youth ministry for
many years. Fields does a fine job stressing the importance of a solid spiritual
life in Christ. This book will truly help either a novice or veteran in the high
calling of ministry to youth and their families.
The book is set around Fields
having a meal with a relatively new youth minister and discussing ways to be
used by the Lord to establish Christ-honoring youth ministry. His “advice over a
meal” approach works well. Interspersed throughout each chapter are brief essays
by experienced youth workers who support and complement Fields’ ideas. Also
helpful are comments “from the trenches,” where people share practical
applications to real church situations.
This book covers the essentials
for youth ministry; how to make positive changes that people can live with,
working with a youth ministry team, being a family friendly youth ministry, the
importance of being with students, dealing with discouragement and handling
conflict in a godly manner, among other areas of discussion. Probably the most
important chapter in the whole book is the last chapter on “What do I do now?”
It shows the importance of consensus in terms of expectations and having a
workable job description that all involved can live with. Even the final
appendix is really useful.
I recommend this book to anyone
involved in youth ministry, whether paid or volunteer. Doug Fields answers a lot
of common questions about youth ministry. The Lord can also work through these
concepts and suggestions to assist any youth worker to the great glory, honor
and praise of Jesus Christ. Buy the book—it will help your church and its youth
ministry reap blessings for years to come.
Dean Conkel
Coordinator of Youth and Family Ministries
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