The Godbearing Life: The Art of Soul Tending for Youth Ministry (Book)
Kenda Creasy Dean, Ron Foster, Authors.  Nashville, TN: Upper Room Books, 1998.

Claiming that we have sold our youth short by feeding them programs that isolate them from the rest of the congregation, the authors redefine youth ministry as a discipline that equips youth to participate in parish life and ministry—now, not later.

By focusing on the youth leader as spiritual director, the authors tell why and how a youth leader can become a mentor, a bridge, and an interpreter of religious tradition. They explain how the youth leader must avoid being too busy with programs and must nurture her or his own spiritual life by taking time to pray, meditate, and observe other spiritual disciplines.

The appendices provide a look at American youth ministry, guidelines for adult leaders of youth, and resources for professional development. With each chapter containing reflective questions and suggested action items, this book would be a good study and discussion starter for youth communities and teams, volunteer youth directors, parents, staff, pastors, and judicatory youth teams.

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9/5/2006
Reviewer: Matiu Fungalei

How It Was Used: Read for Reflection

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See also these resources:

Soul Tending: Life Forming Practices for Older Youth and Young Adults (Book)
Kenda Creasy Dean, Ron Foster, Authors.  Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2002.
This book provides senior high school students and young adults a forum for exploring a variety of topics in the context of their faith. Materials for discussion on 43 topics are included.