Unstoppable Youth Ministry - by Duane H Smith (Paperback)

About the Book

The book begins with a shift from outsourcing youth ministry to hired personnel, hoping to land the right leader, to cultivating and developing leadership from within.

Book Synopsis

Unstoppable Youth Ministry addresses the issue of why many young people are unenthusiastic about what the church has to offer while also exploring factors that can generate a renewed sense of excitement and interest. Believing that a pivotal mind shift in how we approach ministry to youth is necessary, the book examines why our current youth ministry efforts are not yielding the desired results, encouraging and compelling youth pastors and church leaders to reimagine and reshape their approaches. The book begins with a shift from outsourcing youth ministry to hired personnel, hoping to land the right leader, to cultivating and developing leadership from within.

While not a "how to" or "plug and play" formula, the book offers helpful insights on how we can change the trajectory of youth ministry in such a way that young people are equipped and empowered to not only continue growing their faith post high school but engage their God-given calling to be agents of flourishing in all of life. The book outlines what is necessary to further challenge and motivate youth to engage a deeper sense of purpose and calling, believing that God will use them powerfully to make a positive impact in this world.

Endorsement:

The book, Unstoppable Youth Ministry, provides fresh insight and new questions for every church leader to consider. Churches of all sizes and across denominational lines share the same burden and call to reach our young people for Jesus Christ, but the old systems and approaches no longer work. I recommend youth workers, pastors, parents, and church boards read the book, discuss its content, and prayerfully consider how the Holy Spirit might move in the days ahead among our youth and the local church. As a father of four kids, a former full-time youth pastor, and a current church planter, Unstoppable Youth Ministry has stirred up in me an awareness and a desire to see deep change in the way we think about and live youth ministry.

-Rob Holland, Former Youth Pastor, Current Church Plant Pastor, and Lead Pastor at Lifeline Community Church in Wyoming, Michigan

This book on youth ministry was exceptionally insightful! The guidance and encouragement show great wisdom regarding the ever-changing youth ministry culture. The author's extensive experience and knowledge are palpable throughout the book. I highly recommend this book to any ministry or individual passionate about empowering youth and transforming lives!

-Chelsey Dornbos, Former Zero Gravity Young Adult Group Co-leader and Current Assistant Director of Tuition-based Programs at Jenison Public Schools, Jenison, Michigan

About the Author:

Duane Smith, author of "Unstoppable Youth Ministry," is a vocational youth ministry veteran with over four decades of experience. Having served several churches as a youth pastor and over one hundred as a coach/consultant, Duane has learned through success and failure what works and what doesn't. In addition to direct church work, Duane has launched or led six non-profit organizations that provide services to support youth ministry, including Kingdom Vision Alliance Group, an initiative that fosters collaborative synergy among ministry organizations. Duane is blessed as a husband, father, and grandfather to ten grandchildren. Fishing in Alaska as often as possible is one of his greatest adventures.

Review Quotes

The book, Unstoppable Youth Ministry, provides fresh insight and new questions for every church leader to consider. Churches of all sizes and across denominational lines share the same burden and call to reach our young people for Jesus Christ, but the old systems and approaches no longer work. I recommend youth workers, pastors, parents, and church boards read the book, discuss its content, and prayerfully consider how the Holy Spirit might move in the days ahead among our youth and the local church. As a father of four kids, a former full-time youth pastor, and a current church planter, Unstoppable Youth Ministry has stirred up in me an awareness and a desire to see deep change in the way we think about and live youth ministry.

-Rob Holland, Former Youth Pastor, Current Church Plant Pastor, and Lead Pastor at Lifeline Community Church in Wyoming, Michigan

This book on youth ministry was exceptionally insightful! The guidance and encouragement show great wisdom regarding the ever-changing youth ministry culture. The author's extensive experience and knowledge are palpable throughout the book. I highly recommend this book to any ministry or individual passionate about empowering youth and transforming lives!

-Chelsey Dornbos, Former Zero Gravity Young Adult Group Co-leader and Current Assistant Director of Tuition-based Programs at Jenison Public Schools, Jenison, Michigan

Many view youth groups as the church of tomorrow. That is partially correct, as the youth group is also the church of today-a place where students can be disciplined by a group of faithful staff and volunteers seeking to serve well. But how to equip and empower the next generation? This book offers practical insight and guidance into the opportunities and obstacles that our frontline workers in youth ministry face, while also laying out the Biblical blueprint of discipleship in the youth ministry context. Are you ready to invest in the church of today with your time and talent? Dig in and get ready to faithfully make an impact for God's Kingdom.

-Joel Baar, Current Attorney and Co-owner of Baar and Lichterman, PLLC, in Grandville, Michigan; Volunteer Church Leader at Fellowship Church, Hudsonville, Michigan; and Former President of the Board, Alliance of Reformed Churches