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Resource: Twists of Faith:
Ministry with Youth at the Turning Points of Their Lives
Marcey Balcomb and Kevin Witt
Discipleship Resources, Nashville, TN
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What is the purpose of this resource?
The authors describe the purpose of this resource as “teaching a type of awareness and a set of skills” that enable adults to be present with young people as spiritual leaders rather than program planners. - How does this resource define youth ministry?
What are the key elements of youth ministry in this resource?
Although there are some suggestions in this book for activities one can do with youth, the primary purpose of youth ministry is faith formation and discipleship. Youth ministry is not activity-based or dependent on programs, camps, etc. It is a way of relating to young people that helps provide them the tools and experiences to grow in faith, hope and love. The book makes a powerful point that the most important gift we can give young people is to help them interpret their lives and experiences in light of the knowledge of a loving and caring God. - How are youth defined? (age group)
There are no specific ages mentioned in this book, but this book is appropriate for anyone working with middle or high school youth. - What understanding of young people is present in
this resource?
Basic to the authors’ understanding of young people is the recognition that adolescence is a time of tremendous change. Young people are presented with many decisions and choices about their friends, their values, their relationship with God, etc. They need and want the hope that is present in the Gospel. - Do you see any particular theological perspective
or agenda within this material? If so, what is it?
God is an active presence in the turning points of our lives is the primary theological understanding in this book. No particular set of ideas or rules is set forth in this book, but there is a clear understanding that spiritual practices of prayer, worship, etc. are essential to knowing God. This book could comfortably be used in a variety of Christian theological traditions, although it would be a frustrating book for those who feel that the Christian faith can be broken down into a set of rules to follow. - How could this resource be used and by whom?
This book would be useful to anyone who cares of about young people – parents, youth leaders, counselors, etc. - What is included when you purchase this resource?
What is the cost of this resource?
This 158 page book provides a theological framework for relational youth ministry in the first five chapters. The next eight chapters provide some thoughts (and some activities) to help young people explore and reflect on turning points such as decisions, relationships, freedom, adventure, loss, search for meaning, family, and encounters with God. The book costs $19.95 and is available from Cokesbury. - What is your overall evaluation of the resource?
(strengths and weakness, etc.)
This is an outstanding book, and should be required reading for every parent, youth leader, minister or educator. The authors have provided solid theological and Biblical underpinnings for a way of guiding youth that will be somewhat uncomfortable for those who are more familiar with providing programs. Yet they make a convincing case that the church’s primary role with young people is to guide their spiritual growth. The authors have a keen understanding of the developmental characteristics of young people and those situations or experiences that nearly all adolescents face that provide opportunities for growth in faith. I heartily recommend this book.