Youth Ministry Theory

Practicing Passion (by Kenda Creasy Dean). This is a book for those who want to get behind face value, and look at the principles of WHY we do youth ministry. Using sociological research, anecdotes and giving real-life suggestions, Kenda Creasy Dean maps out some of the key touchstones of what appeals to postmodern young people and why.

The Vision/The Vow (by Peter Greig). This book is about the 24hr prayer vision, how and where it began and how far the idea has spread around the world.  It gives a good picture of the type of alternative worship young people crave and how to achieve it locally. Published by 24-7 prayer

Practical Tools

YouthWork Magazine is the monthly publication for Christian youth workers. Articles, news, events, reviews, ready-to-use meeting plans, ideas, job ads, websites, humour and encouragement. Check out the YouthWork Website. Subscription £29 per year.

Tune in Chill Out: Using Contemplative Prayer in Youth Work (by Jenny Baker and Moya Ratnayake). This book is a collection of ancient prayer practices re-worked for the 21^st century, and for use with young people.  You don’t have to have sat on a mountain for 10 years before doing Ignation prayer with your teenagers, you just need the tips in this book and a willingness to give it a go.  With lots of practical help, praying with your youth group has never been easier.

Lights Camera Faith: A Movie Lectionary (by Peter Malone, Sr. Rose Pacattee, and Rose Pacatte). This is a series of books linking movies to each Sunday of the Church year.  With ideas and suggestions to go with each film, this is particularly appropriate for older teenagers, or groups that are comfortable with discussion.  What an easy way to get into Scripture – gather a group of friends, settle down with some popcorn, reflect on the reading and discuss the questions! Published by Pauline Books and Media

Rock Solid - A dynamic and user-friendly programme for 11-14-year-old groups involving games and activities to get across life skills and Gospel/moral foundations. Originated by Youth for Christ and well-tried here and abroad.

RS2 - Very comprehensive follow-up meetings programme for use with11-14s who’ve perhaps been through “Rock Solid” and are keen to know more. Includes subscription to YouthWork. Published by Youth for Christ , approx. £20 monthly.

Theme Games Vols 1 & 2 - By Lesley Pinchbeck - Scripture Union, £8.00. Constantly-used treasure of ideas for games with a scriptural teaching point.

Cell It - By Laurence Singlehurst, published by Youth with a Mission (YWAM) - authoritative & practical short guide on the cell or small-group model for successful youth ministry and church structure. About £4.50 plus P & P

Youth Bibles

The Message - Probably the best Bible version for working with teenagers not used to Scripture. Not a straight translation, but in language they can relate to. By Eugene Peterson, published by NavPress.

Amplified Bible - Not an audio Bible, but recommended for group leaders and catechists; gives variant readings for thousands of keywords so you can be sure of picking up all shades of meaning. Published by Zondervan, from Christian bookshops

Other Publications

DYSpatches is the newsletter of the Youth Ministry Office and is always packed with reports & photos of NYMO events, useful resources, event tips and news from youth groups in parishes across diocese. It comes out three times a year and is also available as an interactive e-newsletter. (If you register to receive DYSpatches via email, you’ll also automatically receive 3 sets of online youth ministry resources for you to use absolutely free, as a bonus!).  If you would like to receive DYSpatches, contact Liz on 01844 273337 or email liz@nymo.org

The Annual Diocesan Directory is published towards the end of the preceding year. It contains a full list of all our parishes and schools, histories, topical articles, a prayer groups directory and much other essential information. Usually available from your own parish, otherwise contact Bishops House to order.

The Catholic Directory is the national equivalent, listing parishes, schools and other Catholic bodies in all the Dioceses of England and Wales. Also chaplaincies, religious orders, Vatican & church hierarchies, statistics, charities, and how to address a Pronotary Apostolic. About £30 from Catholic bookshops.

Click here to find your nearest Christian Bookshop & link to publishers