The Core Realities of Youth Ministry: Nine Biblical Principles That Mark Healthy Youth Ministries

by Mike Yaconelli

Mike Yaconelli composes his thoughts and passions regarding the nine core realities of youth ministry: veracity (youth ministry must expose students to the life-giving truth of Jesus Christ), authenticity (authentic youth workers will draw young people to Jesus Christ), audacity (youth ministry must push students, parents, and the church outside their comfort zones), sanctuary (youth ministry must provide a safe place for students), diversity (youth ministry must challenge young people to embrace diversity), humility (youth ministry should be clothed in humility), intimacy (our relationship with Jesus is our youth ministry), mystery (youth ministry must foster mystery, rediscover astonishment, and leave room for unanswered questions), and creativity (youth ministry must free students and youth workers to discover and express their God-given creativity). As an added resource, each member of the CORE™ seminar team, including authors and speakers such as Laurie Polich, Efrem Smith, Marv Penner, Duffy Robbins, contributes sidebars throughout the book responding to Mike’s thoughts.

Genres: Young Adult

144 pages, Paperback

First published December 23, 2003

Reviews

[Justin Boshoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Old but Gold! The values still apply today although the packaging has changed. Really enjoyed the true story accounts outlining experiences.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going back for this book review. In 2003 Mike Yaconelli wrote a book called The Core Realities of Youth Ministry. I had just come from a National Youth Workers Convention, where Mike hosted. I bought a copy of this book, as well as his Dangerous Wonder. I ate them both up and still think they are great.

That's why I was greatly discouraged when I went this last spring to find my copy of The Core Realities. I looked at home. I looked at my office. I went around accusing people of stealing it. Nothing. It was nowhere.

Figuring I would find my original once I purchased a new copy, I took the plunge. I bought it because my original copy had my notes written in the sides. I bought it because I had used it 7 years ago to add to my teaching of core values and I wanted to revisit that topic. (That's not to say I haven't talked about core values in 7 years....)

I believe Mike has written a powerful gem that every youth pastor should be required to read. I think that much of it is translatable directly to teaching with teens. The core realities are veracity, authenticity, audacity, humility, diversity, sanctuary, intimacy, mystery and creativity. This makes for a very diverse summer of discussion with any youth group.

Mike writes each chapter in a very relational way, as he shares part of his story. He also shares the space with many other youth ministry voices as they chime in with sidebars.

I highly recommend this book. It's older, so a inexpensive copy can be found quite easily. But if anyone has seen my original copy, let me know. I'm still looking for it.

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is solid

[Jt]

youth ministry