I am working on a bibliography for youth workers, and I’d love to gather input from various youth workers around the globe. What have you read recently? And what are the “must read” books for other youth workers? Of course, the Bible would be on top of all our lists, but after that, what books would you recommend to other youth workers? Please send me your list at mwalker@garbc.orgor post your recommendations in our Notebook. I will post the completed list in future issues of this newsletter. Thanks for your help.

The bookstore at the college I attended called the other day to ask if I would consider doing a book signing for them last weekend during their Homecoming festivities. This was a first for me. I have written three booklets on youth ministry for RBP, but I have never been asked to participate in such an auspicious activity such as a book signing before. I joked with the manager and said he must be desperate and shouldn’t expect crowds to show up just to get my signature with a pithy saying on the inside front cover of a book. Actually, I had no idea what to expect. I didn’t know what to wear to something like that. I didn’t even know if I had to bring my own pen. I felt as if a red Sharpie might have been too ostentatious or grandiose.

(more…)

I’m a fan of Sunday School. That’s been the emphasis of the last few issues of this newsletter.

As I’ve been saying, it is my contention that this ministry can still be a viable and integral ingredient of an effective local church youth ministry.

It seems ludicrous to me that some are saying Sunday School is old-fashioned, out-of-date, and irrelevant. Perhaps some churches treat Sunday School in such a way. However, it seems as if there are so many positive reasons why School School can still be an effective, culturally-relevant, and strategic part of a local church’s comprehensive educational strategy.

I believe in Sunday School. I believe in the importance of systemically and creatively teaching God’s Word in a way that relates to the various age groups in today’s intergenerational church ministries. I also applaud churches that have thought through the validity of an all-inclusive plan to utilize a wide array of educational ministries to build their people toward spiritual maturity.

(more…)

And what are the “must read” books for other youth workers? Of course, the Bible would be on top of all our lists, but after that, what books would you recommend to other youth workers? Please send me your list at mwalker@garbc.org or post your recommendations in our Notebook. I will post the completed list in future issues of this newsletter. Thanks for your help.