Top 5 Books for Youth Pastors
The following list is in no specific order, but these are books that we think you need to read as a Youth Pastor. Every Quarter we will update the reading lists, but these are the first five books we recommend for any Youth Pastor to read. Disclaimer: Not all books were written or published in the last two years, but are books we think will help you as a Pastor.
The Grown-Up's Guide to Teenage Humans written by Josh Shipp:
Somewhere in late September and early October of 2017, this book crossed my desk as a must read for Youth Pastors and workers. Yes, it is lengthy, but Josh who is well educated and researched put out a book that talks through challenges of communicating, understanding a teenage mindset, and he works with specific age ranges. I believe after you read this book, you will recommend it to parents because it will help parents have better conversations and relationship with their teen.
An Unhurried Life written by Alan Fadling:
Fadling’s book is a must-read for all Pastors and leaders. It causes you to slow down and not miss time with Jesus. Throughout the year take time to read this book once a year. It will help you to re-examine your life and schedule. One of the things that Unhurried Livingwill do is make you think through the why of your productivity.
Love Does written by Bob Goff
Love makes us do many different things every day. Love Does challenges you to think outside of the box and be available every day for people. Naturally, our love comes from Jesus, which allows us to in return love other people. I felt refreshed when I read this book a few months ago. I recommend every pastor take time to read this book over the next few months. It helps you think about the interactions you have in ministry and your community. Just a disclaimer, this book was not written by a pastor.
Meet Generation Z: Understanding and Reaching the new Post-Christian World written by James Emery White:
Meet Generation Z allows pastors, parents, and leaders all learn more about the teenage population in America right now. I found this book very hard to put down. White leaves nothing out of his explanations of details and information about the current population within our ministries. I read this book and came up with new approaches and ideas for reaching teenagers in our student ministry in Orlando. Generation Z will challenge the way we have been doing ministry and cause you to re-evaluate the “why.”
Unpacking Scripture in Youth Ministry written by Andrew Root:
I love theology and think that sometimes people believe teenagers cannot handle theology within our ministry. Andrew Root will challenge that in his book, Unpacking Scripture. Root has a series out there on Youth Ministry and different aspects of theology, but the Unpacking Scripture ranks on the top of my list from his theological journey through youth ministry. If you want to learn more about teaching theology and scripture within your ministry than this is your book to read.
