Highly recommend this work for all working in youth ministry
931769
I am constantly blown away by Andrew Root's writing. Highly recommend this work for all working in youth ministry.
2945772
This book is a great resource for anyone involved in working with teenagers.  This book provides a good balance of theoretical and practical information for those who desire to make a difference in teens lives through teaching.  Dr. Lambert does an excellent job of emphasizing the lack of and need for good teaching in youth ministry.  I strongly recommend this book as a read through and resource for every youth pastor, leader, or volunteer.
2035443
I have not finished this yet, but I wanted to make a review of it right away. If you are a youth pastor...get this book! read it, implement it! It is a good book. Alvin makes a great case, and gives practical ways you as a youth pastor can shift your ministry to a more missional approach. God is shifting youth ministries across the country, and I hope this book will be a catalyst to make us think outward. This book should be widely read by youth pastors and all those in youth ministry of any kind.
3763555
I am currently the youth director for my church youth group. This first couple of years, I went over things that I thought teenagers cared about or had concerns about. After doing research, I found this devotional and I love it. The students are given a devotional schedule and we go over anything that they read that week that they found or had interest in. The topics in it, though sometimes are about going to college or finishing high school, could be used by people of any age. It focuses on building relationships with Christ and how to understand the bible in every day life. My youth members always say that making time to read the bible was difficult in their busy life, but reading this devotional and spending a few minutes with God was easy.
573851
This is an excellent read for high school students and youth groups. Very motivational and a factual guide to understanding the "real life" twists and turns that can happen in life. In addition, a refreshing story of the redemptive love of Jesus Christ. A recommended read for this generation!
3115872
This book is incredible for Children's Pastors. There are many practical appliances for this book and helps out any new Children's Pastor to realize the difficulties they will face during ministry. For those already in ministry this book is an excellent resource on what to do in certain situations and what not to do. With the book the Children's Pastor can go beyond helping the child or children involved to handling parents also. This book is a great resource in educating what to do in crisis situations.

Being a college student with the goal of becoming a Children's Pastor, this book has truly opened my eyes to the realities of the ministry. Those going through college can talk about a child's cognitive development to phases they go through, and to tough situations. This book brings those real life tough situations to life with true stories and how they were handled. Seeing how others were involved in the situation and the reactions of family members and pastors is priceless insight. I recommend this book for those looking to go into Children's Ministry and those even wanting to volunteer in Children's Ministry.

The stories truly speak for themselves. There are moments where you cover your eyes or slap your forehead thinking is that really how they handled that or is that really what they said? There are other times where you heart is being tugged on by how the situation turned out. Through these experiences there are also many gold nuggets to take away. By gold nuggets I mean other techniques that Children's Pastor use that would be very applicable in most and should be applied in most Children's Ministries.

I want to make sure I comment on how at the end of each chapter they have care and counseling tips. These are good little pieces of information that one should take to heart and remember them. They will help multiple situations and are important to have. Then after the tips they have a whatnot to say and what to say section. This especially helpful since I have hardly faced any of these crises in real life with Children's Ministry. Now some of the phrases shared on those pages we can think duh not to say that, but there are many on there that we have seen said. Actually maybe for some of us those phrases have been said to us.

This book is an encouragement to all Children's Pastors and those getting involved in the ministry. This book is a good one to have on the shelves and even better to have on the desk. The book is an easy read and is very practical. The situations are from those who experienced them and that is a wealth of knowledge being shared in this book. The book is almost worth it for the counseling tips, what not to say and what to say sections. I have seen many pastors stumble with what to say and these phrases/questions truly are one of the greatest attributes of the book.
3686024
Justin Fatica has written a wonderful and inspiring book in "Hard As Nails", and I highly recommend it not only to teenagers, but adults like myself who still could use that extra jolt of God's love.  Justin has visited my parish in New Jersey a few times over the last year with his Hard As Nails ministry, and each time he visits and speaks to our kids, is more moving and inspirational than the last.  As I've told him directly, I've been involved with the teen youth ministry for over 20 years now, and never in that time have I seen our kids moved in the way he moves them.  Justin is truly gifted, and I can't recommend his book enough.  You will be touched by God in a special way when reading "Hard As Nails".  It's a must read for everyone, especially those involved in youth ministry.  Justin, you really nailed it!
355609
Paul Martin brings to the surface the true art of getting to the heart of students in youth ministry. His unique way of discipleship is like none I've seen before. He emphasizes the importance of spending time with youth and reaching beneath what an average teenager may tell you in an everyday conversation; he turns "My day was okay" into "I'm struggling and need a hug." Paul's main focus is to not rely on outcomes, but rely on process. Outcomes lead to failure and process leads to hope and perseverance. The tools Paul suggests in getting to know a student allow for independent relationships for a discipler to come to know the student as a created masterpiece in Christ; it is Christ who created them and a descipler's job to just help reveal that. The process he suggests seems unachievable, but as his one of his youth, I have seen it applied and with the encouragement he gives in the book there is proof that it is possible to build these relationships. This book is a must for anyone interested in discipleship whether it be for a teen or an adult and also for anyone interested in strengthening their relationships with family and friends.
1727942
What an incredible way to start the new year off in children's ministry by reading this book. "Seeing what others can't" is my favorite chapter by far. The information that is in this book is great for anyone just starting in ministry or a 12 veteran of Children's Ministry like myself. If you're in Children's Ministry or know someone who is, buy this book!
1125748
This book is a fantastic resource for young people that have grown up in Christian homes.  It's so easy to grow up in a Christian home and learn to "go through the motions".  I love how this book challenges "the motions", daring the reader to stop and consider whether they really believe in what they've been living, and if they don't have their own faith in Jesus, to stop at nothing until they have found it.

It was amazing, I had been considering this very topic when I found out that Josh and Ryan were in the process of writing this book!  I was so excited!  What a blessing it is that they are able to share their journey and impart the lessons that they learned along the way with a generation of so many young people struggling to claim faith as their own.  This book is sure to be a great encouragement, and Lord-willing, will change the lives of many young Christians as the fire of faith is ignited within their own hearts.

My only objection was that I did notice a small bit of coarseness in the language.  Not offensive, just coarse and worldly.

Other than that, I look forward to seeing what the Lord will do with this book-- I pray that He will be able to use it as a tool to inspire and change many lives for His glory!
4335344
Dr. Green has penned an excellent resource for the Evangelical Christian community. Empowering Young Christians offers teens and young adults both practical and spiritual guidance on the path to growing into Gods call for their lives as disciples and witnesses of Gods grace and also as mature, self-assured persons in school and the workplace. The book could easily be incorporated into a variety of settings  (church youth group, discipleship classes, life skills seminars, parochial school, home education, etc.) by a wide-range of leaders including youth ministers, small group leaders, teachers, and of course, parents. Not only could it be utilized in group settings, but it is accessible and straightforward enough for the average, self-motivated young person to tackle individually. It is clear, well-written, and comprehensive.
As has been mentioned by other reviewers, I have some concern about proof-texting. I would especially be cautious about extracting individual verses from the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) since ancient historical and socio-cultural norms both informed and influenced the writing of those texts. New Testament sources ought also be considered as wholes rather than sound bites for the same contextual reasons; plus, it is good interpretive practice to examine both source and literary context. The overarching themes found throughout the Biblical witness offer us fuller pictures of Gods plan and intent for the world much better than bits and pieces written for specific persons in specific times and places.
Again, Dr. Greens book is a great gift to the Evangelical Christian community. However, not all Christians read, understand, and interpret the Biblical text in the same manner. For instance, all Christians do not embrace the literal reading of Scripture, nor do all Christians subscribe to the same theories of atonement and salvation. As a progressive Christian pastor and theologian, I struggled with the interpretive lens through which Empowering Young Christians is written. Because I read and interpret the Bible differently, I would hesitate to recommend this book in my own youth group or to own teenagers.
However, Dr. Greens other book, Leadership and Soft Skills, though presumably written for a secular audience, is fantastic! I confidently recommend it to others in the progressive Christian community, as well as to persons in other faith traditions. It is truly a resource for everyone and an excellent one at that.
Thank you, Dr. Green for your research and passion. Your thoughtful attention to processes and practices, coupled with your dedication to young people is a winning combination.
1931602
Great book. I had my other youth workers get a copy because we are going to be teaching it during Sunday School. A quick read that it well worth reading over and over. It doesn't matter where you are in your walk with Christ...this book is a must ready and belongs on your shelf.
2129560
I learned about this book (and am now on Amazon to buy it for myself) from another Youth Director.  I have been in the field for more than 25 years and have a Masters Degree working with Youth, and this is the very best short-but-concise book I have found about working with small youth groups, which are typically in small churches (who typically do not have paid youth leaders).

Another Amazon reviewer has already attested to the practicality of this book.  I totally agree - it is excellent.  There are specific "how to do" steps, for such topics as legal and safety issues, volunteer expectations, reproducible forms, planning worksheets, lists of program topics, ideas for activities, etc.  The book may not look long, but it is packed with info and well-organized (esp. to refer to specific sections).  Amazon doesn't list the Table of Contents on-line, so I will list it here (abbreviated): Intro: Fewer Than Ten, Chap. 1: Founded in Scripture, Chap. 2: Benefits of a Single-Digit Youth Group, Chap. 3: Adult Leaders, Chap. 4: Starting or Re-Starting a Youth Group, Chap. 5: Cooperative Youth Ministry, Chap. 6: Youth Issues, Chap. 7: Great Activities, Chap. 8: Reproducible Descriptions and Forms, Final Wrap-Up: Resources.  This book is totally user-friendly.

Another highlight (and what especially draws me) is the quality of its spiritual content.  The author shows depth and sensitivity to youth and Scripture.  Even with years of experience, I was inspired by its contents and given a fresh view of how to nurture spiritual maturity in the lives of youth.  The 40+ activities discussed in this book each include fun plus connectedness plus growing spirituality. Youth are treated with dignity and respect and as having value in this world, instead of as superficial "party-goers" (or similar) looking for the next best thing for action.  In other words, this book offers substance to youth - a rare quality to find in "youth group" books.  I highly recommend this book to both new and experienced youth leaders.
4937684
I am still re-reading and highlighting this practical guide to college ministry. From Chuck's ministry experience, I encountered so much practical and useful information to apply immediately in my own ministry to college-age young adults.

This book helped me put together one of the best ministry proposals and job descriptions that I have ever used in church staff situations. And I am sure I will be coming back to it regularly in order to keep me on track.

You could probably start or lead a ministry to college students or young adults without this book, but I wouldn't recommend it.
842908
I am not in youth ministry - perhaps only in a secondary capacity as a helper.  Yet this book showed me that as a Christian, I am challenged to be a bearer of the Christian life and presence of God to anyone I am in contact with - especially the young who are in the midst of vital growth that will rely on their keen discernment of what they see in the lives of other Christians.  The book provides a powerful examination of the Christian life that applies to more than just youth ministry - it is all encompassing and challenging in our roles as people who belong to God and are commissioned to bear him in our lives to others.
3766163
I just received God, It's Me through amazon.com. I can tell the author put a lot of work into this book creating a wonderful resource for youth leaders. This book contains great topics and materials that are hard to find in other resources. I am definitely going to show it to our youth leader at church.
253092
If you are part of a church who is sitting in your conference room, scratching your heads as to why more young adults aren't walking through your doors, you need this book. Not only are Scott Pontier and Mark Devries clear about the mistakes we've all been making in trying to correct our lack of young adults connected with our churches, but they infuse you with hope that you CAN connect with this age group. If you're looking for another book on Millennials, this is not the right book for you. Scott and Mark are more concerned about you building relationships with Millennials than reading about them. They not only give dozens of real-life examples of issues we are all facing when it comes to reaching young adults, but they help define what needs to shift in your thinking in order to conquer this issue. And then they give a road map of how to build a sustainable ministry with young adults.