So if you know me, you know that I love to read. While I do have the Kindle app on my phone, I prefer an actual physical book. There is just something about holding it in your hands and being immersed into the world it creates in your mind. Being able to escape into the world the author has created - I love it! Don't get me wrong, I do read books other than fiction - it's what this post is actually going to be about.
I just finished 2 very different books. One related to my world of ministry, and one related to church health. These books were very different and my reaction to each book was drastically different.
Let's start with the church health one. It was given to me to read last year, and it took me a while to find the time to actually read it with everything else I wanted to read. I finally had time just after Christmas this year. The author of this book is from a different church denomination than the one I am in. While reading his book, I could more or less agree with the principles he was describing on evaluating church health. I may not stand the same as him on every point he wrote, but I can understand and mostly agree. It's the last chapter that I really had trouble with. My first reaction was hate and hurt. How could he be saying things like that, and how could this book be given to me? While I am still not a fan of this book, I've had some time to "cool-off" my reaction. It's not a book I would easily recommend others to read (hence why I'm not naming the book or author here), but as I've had time to reflect and think about it, I've learned and realised a few things. First, while I don't agree with everything this author states in his book, I've been learning how to appreciate the other opinion side than where I stand. It becomes hard when it almost feels like it's an "attack" against my position, but I've been learning that's it's not about me personally. It's a belief system that has 2 sides to it. While I definitely don't agree with the extremes of this belief system, I can appreciate that they are both there. It doesn't make either of us wrong, but human. Second, I've come to appreciate it because it gives me a glimpse into the other side of this debate. I have to write a paper next year for my ordination and this book actually may be one or my references. I really dislike books like this that are of one mindset - ones that have no regard for the other side of things. In the case of this book, it's denomination-specific (there are hundreds of different denominations with varying ideas on this subject), and in some aspect church specific to his specific church. It really annoys me when authors are that close-minded and don't acknowledge the other side of a debate. I know he's writing on a particular side of this debate, but still. Maybe it's just the topic, but I'm still not a fan of this book. Lastly, it makes me grateful that I am in a denomination that accepts me. One that acknowledges both sides of this debate and gives grace to both sides. That's all I'm going to say about that book. If you want to talk to me more about it, we can do it in person.
The second book I just finished is one that is changing how I think about and do ministry. Doug Fields "Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry." If you could see my copy of this book, there are sticky notes and sticky tabs everywhere. I've underlined and starred a lot of this book, it's that good! I don't remember where I first saw this book, but I am so grateful that I picked it up! It's about knowing where to start and how to start. Fields talks about connecting with parents, relating to students, dealing with difficult people and volunteers. How to connect with your leaders and your leadership - both above and below you. How to navigate change and knowing the phases that come with change.
I am newer to Youth Ministry. If you've read my blog before, you will have read some of my story. While I had some experience with youth ministry, this is my first position as a youth pastor (and the children's pastor!). It's a complicated role to navigate at times and knowing how and when to do things. Don't get me wrong, I love what I get to do. I love being able to minister to and work with children and youth, but it's a different path to navigate. That's why I am very grateful I picked up this book! I am excited to be able to put some of his principles in to place and to learn how to be a better youth pastor to my youth and for our church. There is a ton of practical advice for newer (or new to) youth pastors. It's not only going to help me survive being a youth pastor, but also to thrive in my role. It's a book that not only is going to help me now as I'm just in my second year as a youth pastor, but as I continue to serve in this role. This book is going to be something I continually look at and use.
I love books like this! When you find an awesome book that encourages and lifts you up it's a book to hang on to! If you are new to Youth Ministry (or know someone who is) I highly recommend this book!
