One minister describes this book as ‘refreshing rain for dry youth workers and barren youth ministries.’ He goes on to say: ‘more than the same old youth ministry tips and tricks, it gives principles and practices to soak in God's grace, love, and power. I wish I had read it 15 years ago.’
This book is an unusually honest, open and disarming account about a church facing the challenge of struggling to cope, and working out a radical new approach for youth work. The author contends that too often we allow ourselves to be constrained and restricted by a limited understanding of God's love and purpose for our lives. Exploring long forgotten techniques and deep truths, Yaconelli broadens our spiritual vision to believe that God can do wonderful things in ordinary times, in the midst of mess and muddle- a very positive and optimistic perspective.
Duffy Robbins, professor of youth ministry, Eastern University; author of Enjoy the Silence and This Way to Youth Ministry has no doubts about Yaconelli's reputation as a true spiritual pioneer, experimenting with contemplative youth ministry practices before contemplative youth ministry practices became cool. He comments: ‘This book has about it the unique air of authenticity. He shares with us in these pages his own journey as a youth worker who actually believes that God's still small voice speaks louder than the roaring windstorm of our busy youth ministry calendars. It's a book about creating for our students places of silence and opening up spaces for God to speak.’
We need to be called back to the contemplative practices that bind our lives to the life of Christ - not looking within to discover self but to re-discover Christ. This is not an esoteric or over theologised approach, but one anchored in the fertile soil of Christian tradition, in the mess and grind of day-to-day life, and in the explosive transformation that awaits us when we wait upon God. The results have been transformative, and this engaging book, richly illustrated with personal stories, provides refreshment and new ways of thinking for anyone who has grown weary or disillusioned with the vital tasks of working with and caring for young people.
David Coleman is the Communications Manager for the Church Army Contemplative Youth Ministry
Mark Yaconelli
SPCK
£8.99
