A youth minister's career is typically less than 5 years. And that's not because they "graduate" to adult ministry. It's because they burn out. Going the distance requires setting specific and unique boundaries. This book gives them to you with humor, real stories, and loads of inspiration.
Joel Lund was awarded "Top 10 Idaho Author" for his first book, "The Ultimate Survival Guide For Youth Ministers" His second book, "Watson's Way; Life Lessons We Earned From Our Brilliant Dog," won the "Top 3 Idaho Book" award. He’s received numerous North American Book Awards.
He also writes the young adult fantasy series—The Gargoyle Chronicles—under the name Brandon King. He’s a galleried artist, musician, and pet person. He’s spoken to tens of thousands of people (kids and adults) and is the co-founder of Prepare For Rain, a transformation incubator for people wanting more out of their lives.
Joel grew up in the Seattle area. In the middle of his college years, he traveled around the country in a band. Later, he earned a Master's (Regent College) and worked many years in youth ministry. With no sales experience to get him going, his second career was in the financial services industry.
Learn more about Watson, the Canine Guru, at watsonsway.com. Learn more about Joel at prepareforrainpress.com.
For some, youth ministry is a team experience. Maybe you inherited the team from your predecessor or maybe you've nurtured your team. But if you are in a small community or serve a small church, your risk for going solo is high. Unfortunately, engaging in youth ministry can be a very isolated--and isolating--endeavor. And that's not so good.
Book Excerpt
The Ultimate Survival Guide for Youth Ministers
Kids can be a tough audience. Not particularly attentive to you. Rather thoughtless, more often than otherwise. Working with them in a solo, Lone Ranger capacity not only makes you wear out faster, it makes your perspective more vulnerable to inaccuracy. We have established that help from others, in terms of shared ministry, can come from staff, parents, concerned members, and even kids… all within certain boundaries, of course. But what about receiving help from fellow youth ministers? Can peers be helpful? In what ways can they be? Are there boundaries to set and maintain in this area, as well? And who exactly would fit under the description of a “peer?”
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