Internet
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Resource: Up
the Creek with a Paddle: Building Effective Youth and Family Ministry
Editor
Paul Hill
Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 1998.
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What is the purpose of this resource?
The purpose of this resource is to provide youth leaders with proverbs of wisdom related to youth and family ministry. Specifically, the resource strives to assist youth leaders in growing in confidence and developing wisdom, in gaining expertise in practical ways to navigate the waters of youth ministry, and in developing a solid theological and philosophical foundation for youth ministry. - How does this resource define youth ministry?
What are the key elements of youth ministry in this resource?
Youth ministry is seen as something counter-culture. Youth ministry is like paddling a canoe against the currents of culture, competitive forces, and parents who expect youth leaders to be solely responsible for the faith life of their children. This book is present as a paddle to assist in such paddling. Youth and family ministry is concerned about the lives of people and the faith that can give them abundant life. The key elements to youth and family ministry are caring conversation, family rituals and traditions, a family devotional life, and intergenerational service to others that conveys the beliefs, values, and lifestyle of the home. Youth ministry is based in family ministry. - How are youth defined? (age group)
A specific age range for youth is not presented. - What understanding of young people is present in
this resource?
This resource is concerned with both family and youth ministry. It sees the role of the family as integrally connected to the life of young people. This resource sees youth as influences by their parents first, then other caring adults, peers, and finally significant retreat/camp events. A young person’s faith development is dependent upon relationships with parents and other caring adults. - Do you see any particular theological perspective
or agenda within this material? If so, what is it?
Twenty-one authors contribute articles and proverbs of wisdom so there are a variety of perspectives presented. However, a general theological perspective is present in the view of youth ministry as counter-cultural. In this resource, youth and family ministry is conducted in the midst of adversity and opposition. Other than this cultural view, the resource does not portray any particular theological perspective outside of the reformed tradition. - How could this resource be used and by whom?
This resource is intended for any person responsible for or involved with the youth and family ministry of a local church. - What is included when you purchase this resource?
What is the cost of this resource?
For $19.99, the purchaser receives the one book. - What is your overall evaluation of the resource?
(strengths and weakness, etc.)
Overall, this resource provides a wealth of helpful wisdom for those involved in youth ministry. A definite strength is found in the utilization of 21 different authors providing advice, which results in 21 unique perspectives. The proverbs are based on answering “why” questions rather than “how to” questions. While the resource is concerned with broad aspects of youth ministry, it does provide some practical tips and suggestions. The resource also provided substantial rationale and description regarding the definition of youth and family ministry. The greatest weakness may be that the resource’s view of youth ministry is limited to a counter-cultural emphasis.