Book Review: Youth Ministry - A multi-faceted approach edited by Sally Nash

Having done a Youth Ministry degree through CYM (Centre for Youth Minsitry) I feel that I have studied, reflected and approached nearly every angle of Christian Youth Ministry. Over the last 9 years I have read many books, each with its own stamp and suggestions for good practice. Many of them have been useful, others have been generic and instantly forgettable, however Sally Nash’s new book jumps straight to the top of the pile entitled “essential reading to do my job well”.

Firstly, and maybe most importantly, this book is approachable. With short-fire chapters, space for your own reflection and challenging questions, I felt the author was almost encouraging me not to read it all in one go - but rather take in some information and mull it over in my mind. I really enjoyed that.

The book is titled a ‘multi-faceted approach’ which is exactly what it is. It explores the ever-changing and evolving face of a Youth Minister in an ever-changing and evolving culture. The chapters unpack different roles; a youth minister needs to be a ‘Politician of Integrity’, ‘Empowering Liberator’, ‘Boundary Marker’ and a ‘Flawed Hero’. 

These ominous-sounding titles are broken down in each chapter, providing real-life examples of practitioners, who had either struggled with the role, or had succeeded. Either way I found the examples very helpful; often they came just after my mind began to wonder “how would i do that?!”

Essential reading for any Youth Minister, this book contains 12 bite-sized gems of knowledge from some of the most respected youth ministers, lecturers, counsellors, vicars, practitioners and most importantly followers of Jesus Christ.

This book is all about empowering and equipping people in Youth Ministry to do their jobs better. ”Youth Ministry” is thoroughly rooted in theological reflection and the bible is used throughout to back up points and encourage the reader along their spiritual journey.  I am confident that all Youth Ministers will find this book to be challenging, but also a source of encouragement and inspiration.