Since forever altering the course of the youth ministry world with his
best-selling, groundbreaking book, Purpose-Driven(R) Youth Ministry,
Doug Fields' mind--but especially his heart--has been focused on the
many unique needs of new youth workers. Doug translated his passion,
insight, and vision for his beloved "rookies" into what you're now
reading, Your Fist Two Years in Youth Ministry--hands-down the most
comprehensive companion to not only surviving, but also thriving, during
the most crucial phase of youth ministry. Employing his renowned wisdom
and humor--as if you and Doug were chatting over a long, relaxing
meal--the author disarmingly relates stories and principles from his own
successes and failures over 20-plus years in youth ministry. In the end,
he offers treasure troves of practical advice, all in the hope that new
youth workers can travel a smoother path and achieve real longevity in a
church culture that all too often chews them and spits them out. Doug
covers all-important issues such as: - Dealing with discouragement -
Establishing a solid spiritual foundation - Building effective
relationships with students - Resolving conflict - Ministering to
parents and families - Trailblazing change - Working with volunteers -
Defining a realistic job description - And many others! In addition, a
chorus of insightful sidebar voices joins your conversation with Doug,
among them ministry veterans Jim Burns, Steve Gerali, Mike Yaconelli,
Helen Musick, Chap Clark, Marv Penner, Rick Warren, Jana L. Sundene, Bo
Boshers, Duffy Robbins, Tony Campolo, and Richard Ross, all who've
composed extensive, topical essays for each of the dozen chapters. Your
First Two Years of Youth Ministry is a must-have tool for new youth
workers, volunteers, seminary professors and students, senior pastors,
elders, church boards--even veteran youth workers who've been
ministering in unstructured environments and are now asking, "What did I
miss? What can I still learn?" The first two years of youth ministry are
never easy. But never fear. Doug fervently assures us: "Hang on. Hope's
coming!"
