Sustainable Youth Ministry by Mark DeVries

Who should read it

This book if not only for youth ministry workers, but for churches who are serious about moving youth ministry from a reactionary, programmatic approach to a sustainable integrated system which continues bearing fruit over the long haul.

Why

In Sustainable Youth Ministry, DeVries shows that when church youth ministries are stuck, it's often because they are often built on a number of unspoken assumptions. He suggests that sustainable youth ministries are built upon a systems approach.

Throughout the book DeVries uses the illustration of the 'dance floor' to show the importance of stable structures. He suggests that "When the dance floor [i.e. undergirding structures of ministry] is in bad repair, talent is not enough. Right preparation is not enough. Not even passion and enthusiasm can prevent the inevitable dissatisfaction and disaster." (Devries, p. 52) Like all sustainable structures, a sustainable structure for youth ministry requires an intentional architecture with an intentional vision, which is clearly documented with measurable goals. It is not something that can be built overnight, but requires thoughtful and prayerful consideration over a longer period of time. He also suggests that within a sustainable youth ministry, the focus out to be on building and affirming the structure, rather than the perceived charisma or cultural flair of the youth ministry staff.

Publisher

Intervarsity Press, Downers Grove, 2008