Internet
Explorer users will notice that the reviews are organized in a collapsible
outline. Simply click on a question and the answer will appear below it.
Resource: Connect:
Life and Christian Faith for Young Teens
By
Pamela Dilmore, Chris and Sherly Findley, Jim Niedermaier, Jeff Rasche, Kay
Saunders, and Susan Norman Vickers.
Abingdon Press, 1998.
-
What is the purpose of this resource?
This resource is designed to connect and involve youth in the life of the church. It is also intended to help the church to be a positive influence in the lives of youth and to help them grow in their faith. - How does this resource define youth ministry?
What are the key elements of youth ministry in this resource?
This resource does not provide a general definition for youth ministry. Instead it provides units, comprised of three sessions, which each focus on a topic or issue. This particular volume examined Media, The Journey of Faith, Holy Spirit, and The Potter and the Clay. According to this resource, youth ministry should work towards connecting youth with the larger church body by helping them grow in their faith, by being a positive influence on youth, and by helping youth to become involved in a church. This resource provided practical lesson plans with activities and Bible study. - How are youth defined? (age group)
Youth are defined as ten to fifteen year olds. - What understanding of young people is present in
this resource?
This resource provides some helpful information regarding the developmental needs of young adolescents. It understands that youth present enormous developmental diversity and require a variety of types and levels of activities. It views youth as important to the life of a congregation. It portrays the youth leaders as ones responsible for serving as positive influences on adolescent lives and helping them to grow in their faith. - Do you see any particular theological perspective
or agenda within this material? If so, what is it?
While it produced by a United Methodist publishing house, the resource does not exhibit particular theological or denominational agenda. Emphasis is placed on the importance of connecting youth with the church body and their vital role in the life of the congregation. - How could this resource be used and by whom?
This resource is designed for adult leaders of youth groups, youth Sunday school classes, or weekly discussions and Bible studies. It provides helpful tips in each session for substitute teachers. - What is included when you purchase this resource?
What is the cost of this resource?
The resource reviewed was actually just volume 9 in a 10 volume series. Each volume covers 4 to 5 major issues and set those topics up as units. Each volume costs $19.95. - What is your overall evaluation of the resource?
(strengths and weakness, etc.)
This resource appears to be very practical and easy to use. The multi-volume series would be a helpful addition to any church’s library of curriculum. The units are all centered on topics that are important to today’s youth. The resource offers reproducible pages, activities related to the Bible, faith, and life, clear and easy-to-follow lesson plans, a variety of activities, and last-minute preparation options for substitutes. The activities and questions all seem developmentally appropriate for the defined youth age range.