Larger	Purpose-Driven Youth Ministry : 9 Essential Foundations for Healthy Growth Author: Doug Fields
	Book Information Publisher: Zondervan Book Type: Hardcover Rating: 8 ISBN-13: 9780310212539 - ISBN-10: 0310212537 Publication Date: 1/1/1998 Pages: 395 Book Reviews

From the youth pastor of Saddleback Church--a revolutionary approach to building a self-sustaining youth ministry. What The Purpose-Driven Church has done for pastoral ministry, this book is about to do for youth ministry. Doug Fields, the youth pastor at Rick Warren's Saddleback Church, reveals the foundations for a powerful, Purpose-Driven Youth Ministry (PDYM). Youth leaders passionate about a ministry that fulfills the five scriptural purposes of evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, ministry, and worship will discover a proven, team approach that reduces burnout and incorporates the strengths of the church as a whole. What they won't get is another Six Easy Steps book. Says Fields, "You will not find the PDYM to be a cookie-cutter approach promoting do it my way because there's only one way. Rather, it's a model that can be adapted to fit the unique needs, personality, and circumstances of any church." Developing a Purpose-Driven Youth Ministry is a flexible and exhaustive approach to building a healthy, self-sustaining youth ministry based on nine components: Power of God, Purpose, Potential Audience, Programs, Process, Planned Values Participating Leaders, Parents, and Personnel. Here in detail and depth is the theory behind effective youth ministry. And here is the application--the means for translating sound principles into practical action. From developing a purpose statement, to drafting a plan for spiritual growth, to the ins-and-outs of family involvement, to keeping the ministry focused, fresh, and vibrant, this volume meets virtually every concern of student leaders with up-to-date insights and seasoned, frontline advice.

"For almost twenty years, I've been living with the overwhelming responsibility to develop a youth ministry that equips students rather than a youth ministry that coordinates events," says Fields. "I don't want to direct programs; I want to disciple students." This book captures the sweep of Fields' experience and vision. Destined to become a youth ministry classic, Developing a Purpose-Driven Youth Ministry is an absolute must-have for today's youth minister.