In many ways youth pastors and volunteers occupy a specialized area of church life—but in other ways, we are generalists. We teach, disciple, offer pastoral care, lead services, plan events, administrate, and build bridges between generations, just to name a few of our responsibilities. Because of the diversity of our roles and the ever-changing nature of our culture, youth ministers must always be learning and growing. Each year Rooted curates a list of the best new books for youth workers to read, and this year we have two to recommend.
Each of these books was published in 2023, and each one is sure to make a valuable contribution to the ministry of youth leaders who are seeking to care for teenagers in a grace-filled, gospel-centered, Bible-saturated way. At the same time, neither book is youth-ministry specific; the benefits of reading these titles extends far beyond the realm of youth workers. Both of these books are excellent choices; may you find support and help here as you minister to the students in your care.
Honorable Mention:
Caring for Families Caught in Domestic Abuse: A Guide toward Protection, Refuge, and Hope edited by Chris Moles (New Growth Press)
It can be very difficult and stressful for those leading in the local church to know how to minister to and help families dealing with domestic abuse. With Caring for Families Caught in Domestic Abuse, Chris Moles brings together experts who examine different aspects of this growing issue, to practically help us work through domestic abuse from a biblical worldview. These are deep and hard waters to wade through for the local church, but there is wisdom within this collaborative work.
The authors of this book propose the team-based approach to responding to domestic abuse. They offer a balanced method of ministering to the abused family members, with outlining a biblical response to the abuser. One of the strongest suggestions involves listening well to all those involved in the abusive situation as you counsel them. The writers demonstrate how to be an advocate for the abused by serving in a way that leads them towards the greatest Advocate we have, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Written specifically to help those leading in the local church, Caring for Families Caught in Domestic Abuse will be a strong resource for those in student ministry and in all ministries to the younger generation.
Winner:
A Christian’s Guide to Mental Illness: Answer to 30 Common Questions by David Murray and Tom Karel Jr. (Crossway)
The church historically has demonstrated a wide variety of reactions to the idea of mental health. A Christian’s Guide to Mental Illness provides a way for all Christians to be proactive and ready for dealing with this multilayered, ever-increasing, complex issue. Offering Christlike care for those struggling with mental health concerns through two veteran authors makes this work a resource you can return to for guidance.
Written in a very accessible way through question-and-answer format, the book shares both issues of mental health struggles and the path towards hope that all of us have in Jesus Christ. It would be hard to find more important questions about the topic of mental health, combined with compassionate answers that seek to support the one suffering and the ones caring for the sufferer.
Authors Murray and Karel provide a well-rounded approach, including stories of their years working in the field with patients. This book is a valuable tool that all believers in Jesus can benefit from for years to come.
The 2023 Rooted Book Awards Team included Chelsea Kingston Erickson, Tim Franks, Rebecca Lankford, and Tracy Yi.
