The lights dim . . . the smoke rises . . . the band starts playing. It's a familiar scene, as youth ministries everywhere use entertaining and trendy approaches to draw in teens. But when the lights come on and the fog clears, what do we find?Far too many teenagers raised in Christian homes drift away from the church after high school. Why is this true? Could it be because youth groups, in seeking to elevate experience over truth, have left teens dissatisfied and hungry for that truth?Brian Cosby demonstrates a ministry approach that nurtures teens and brings them back for more -- one solidly grounded in Christ and patterned after the means of grace: the Word, sacraments, prayer, service, and community. Learn how much teenagers not only need a deeper ministry, but want one too.
Giving Up Gimmicks
and over one million other books are available for Amazon Kindle. Learn more
| |||||||||||||||
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Editorial Reviews
From the Back Cover
If you want true success in your ministry, here is the thought-through operational blueprint.
--R. Kent Hughes, Senior Pastor Emeritus, College Church, Wheaton, Illinois
Brian Cosby demonstrates a ministry approach that nurtures teens and brings them back for more--one solidly grounded in Christ and patterned after the means of grace: the Word, sacraments, prayer, service, and community. Learn how much teenagers not only need a deeper ministry, but want one too.
--Harry Reeder, Senior Pastor, Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, Alabama
Many youth ministry books are outdated almost as soon as they are published. . . . This book is different, grounding a vision of gospel-focused youth ministry in the permanent things of apostolic Christianity.
--Russell D. Moore, Dean, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
For more than a generation now we have sought to attract and entertain our precious youth rather than nurture them by grace. The majority have responded by turning their backs on the church. Brian Cosby has listened to their heart and is offering us the best biblical guidance we could ever hope to receive.
--Michael Card, award-winning singer, songwriter, and author
Brian Cosby steps forward . . . and does something that has been unheard of: marrying solid biblical theology to youth ministry methodology. If you are concerned on any level about seeing young people in your church build a faith that will last, then I highly recommend this book to you.
--Danny Mitchell, Coordinator of Youth and Family Ministries, Presbyterian Church in America
As a former youth pastor, I know that most models of American youth ministry are systems of the bench and are not saturated with the Word, sacraments, and prayer. Yet these are precisely the anchors the souls of our youth need. These are precisely what Brian Cosby calls us back to. I thank God for this book.
--Daniel R. Hyde, Pastor, Oceanside United Reformed Church, Oceanside, California
If you are serious about making a lasting impact in the lives of your youth and preparing them for the long haul of life, Means of Grace Youth Ministry is a must read. Brian Cosby understands how the ordinary means of grace changes young people, draws them closer to Christ and builds a foundation that will last.
--Rod Culbertson, Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, North Carolina
Brian Cosby believes that youth ministry should be based on the same means of grace that nurture the whole church. This book contains good theology that reflects his conviction that strong biblical doctrine will grip and transform the lives of youth (and others). So don't read this volume just as a handbook on how to minister to others--you will find yourself challenged and strengthened by reading it! I commend him for writing it, and recommend it to youth workers and others for their personal growth as well as effective ministry.
--Joseph Martin, Professor of Biblical Studies and Ministries, Belhaven University, Jackson, Mississippi
In these pages, Cosby provides us with something exceedingly rare; namely, a clear, cogent and compelling articulation of biblical youth ministry! I warmly commend this book.
--Jon Payne, Senior Pastor, Grace Presbyterian Church, Douglasville, Georgia
In our entertainment culture in which the church often looks like the world in order to draw the world into the church, Brian Cosby offers us a much-needed word about the identity, purpose, and strategy of effective, God-centered youth ministry. A pleasure to read, this book brims over with winsome anecdotes, gospel-driven applications, and passionate pleas to recover biblical understandings on Holy Scripture, sacraments, spiritual discipline, and Christ-like community. For those who desire the gospel of Jesus Christ to permeate the lives of a new generation, this book is a must-read.
--Christian George, Jewell and Joe L. Huitt Assistant Professor of Religious Education, Oklahoma Baptist University
The percentage of students walking away from the church after High School is staggering. This book not only identifies the "why's" but gives applicable, biblical, ways for the church and youth leaders to address this challenge head-on. I would recommend this as a must read for anyone concerned about the next generation.
--Jay Shaw, Youth Pastor, Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, Alabama
--R. Kent Hughes, Senior Pastor Emeritus, College Church, Wheaton, Illinois
Brian Cosby demonstrates a ministry approach that nurtures teens and brings them back for more--one solidly grounded in Christ and patterned after the means of grace: the Word, sacraments, prayer, service, and community. Learn how much teenagers not only need a deeper ministry, but want one too.
--Harry Reeder, Senior Pastor, Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, Alabama
Many youth ministry books are outdated almost as soon as they are published. . . . This book is different, grounding a vision of gospel-focused youth ministry in the permanent things of apostolic Christianity.
--Russell D. Moore, Dean, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
For more than a generation now we have sought to attract and entertain our precious youth rather than nurture them by grace. The majority have responded by turning their backs on the church. Brian Cosby has listened to their heart and is offering us the best biblical guidance we could ever hope to receive.
--Michael Card, award-winning singer, songwriter, and author
Brian Cosby steps forward . . . and does something that has been unheard of: marrying solid biblical theology to youth ministry methodology. If you are concerned on any level about seeing young people in your church build a faith that will last, then I highly recommend this book to you.
--Danny Mitchell, Coordinator of Youth and Family Ministries, Presbyterian Church in America
As a former youth pastor, I know that most models of American youth ministry are systems of the bench and are not saturated with the Word, sacraments, and prayer. Yet these are precisely the anchors the souls of our youth need. These are precisely what Brian Cosby calls us back to. I thank God for this book.
--Daniel R. Hyde, Pastor, Oceanside United Reformed Church, Oceanside, California
If you are serious about making a lasting impact in the lives of your youth and preparing them for the long haul of life, Means of Grace Youth Ministry is a must read. Brian Cosby understands how the ordinary means of grace changes young people, draws them closer to Christ and builds a foundation that will last.
--Rod Culbertson, Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, North Carolina
Brian Cosby believes that youth ministry should be based on the same means of grace that nurture the whole church. This book contains good theology that reflects his conviction that strong biblical doctrine will grip and transform the lives of youth (and others). So don't read this volume just as a handbook on how to minister to others--you will find yourself challenged and strengthened by reading it! I commend him for writing it, and recommend it to youth workers and others for their personal growth as well as effective ministry.
--Joseph Martin, Professor of Biblical Studies and Ministries, Belhaven University, Jackson, Mississippi
In these pages, Cosby provides us with something exceedingly rare; namely, a clear, cogent and compelling articulation of biblical youth ministry! I warmly commend this book.
--Jon Payne, Senior Pastor, Grace Presbyterian Church, Douglasville, Georgia
In our entertainment culture in which the church often looks like the world in order to draw the world into the church, Brian Cosby offers us a much-needed word about the identity, purpose, and strategy of effective, God-centered youth ministry. A pleasure to read, this book brims over with winsome anecdotes, gospel-driven applications, and passionate pleas to recover biblical understandings on Holy Scripture, sacraments, spiritual discipline, and Christ-like community. For those who desire the gospel of Jesus Christ to permeate the lives of a new generation, this book is a must-read.
--Christian George, Jewell and Joe L. Huitt Assistant Professor of Religious Education, Oklahoma Baptist University
The percentage of students walking away from the church after High School is staggering. This book not only identifies the "why's" but gives applicable, biblical, ways for the church and youth leaders to address this challenge head-on. I would recommend this as a must read for anyone concerned about the next generation.
--Jay Shaw, Youth Pastor, Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, Alabama
About the Author
Brian H. Cosby has been serving in youth ministry for over a decade. He is the Associate Pastor of Youth and Families at Carriage Lane Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City, Georgia and author of several books.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
More About the Author
Brian H. Cosby is pastor of Wayside Presbyterian Church (PCA) on Signal Mountain, Tennessee. He holds degrees from Samford University (B.A.), Beeson Divinity School (M.Div.), The North American Reformed Seminary (D.Min.), and Australian College of Theology (Ph.D.).
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By N. K. Dunkin
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I've been working with youth for over 17 years. During those years I have worked along side other youth pastors and youth leaders. What I have seen is what most are seeing in the church and youth ministry these days, that many churches in America have lost their roots, the means of Grace given to us by God. In his book, Cosby takes us back to what is missing in so many churches today. We tend to think that the means that God has given us to grow is not enough and we need to add our own thoughts, methods, and ideas into our ministry. Cosby takes us back to the basics of Scripture, Sacraments, and Prayer and then adds in Service and Community.
Cosby talks about holding our youth to high standards in teaching and expectations from youth. Don't we all want this for our children. We do this at home as we raise them. We don't try to entertain our kids, well at least I hope we don't, but we try to raise them to be responsible, learned Christians in the world who know Christ intimately and seek to deny themselves and follow Him. Shouldn't we expect the same from our youth ministry and church ministry?
There are some who will read this book and be encouraged because are already implementing this philosophy of ministry. May this spur you on to continue in faithfulness. Some will read this book and immediately shun it because of it's doctrine. The main takeaway from this book is that if we want to capture the hearts and minds hearts of our youth to grow up knowing Christ, serving him, and seeking him in the Word, then we need to take a close look at what Cosby has written.
Cosby's use of Scripture shows that he believes that Scripture is fundamental means that God has given us to know Him, know what He has done for us, and know what He expects of us as his children. Too often I have heard conference speakers, youth pastors and pastors teach and thought they were using Scripture but the lesson was not on the Scripture given, only used to "authenticate" the message. Cosby digs into areas of Scripture in his book that show he believes that Scripture can transform lives. Cosby's use of Scripture shows that he believes that Scripture is fundamental means that God has given us to know Him, know what He has done for us, and know what He expects of us as his children.
My hope is that those who read this book will be challenged to look at what Cosby presents. That they will look at their ministry to see if they are truly faithful to what God has called them to do. And, that youth pastors and youth leaders will be energized and refreshed and end the burnout that is going on in our country from trying to entertain our youth.
Cosby talks about holding our youth to high standards in teaching and expectations from youth. Don't we all want this for our children. We do this at home as we raise them. We don't try to entertain our kids, well at least I hope we don't, but we try to raise them to be responsible, learned Christians in the world who know Christ intimately and seek to deny themselves and follow Him. Shouldn't we expect the same from our youth ministry and church ministry?
There are some who will read this book and be encouraged because are already implementing this philosophy of ministry. May this spur you on to continue in faithfulness. Some will read this book and immediately shun it because of it's doctrine. The main takeaway from this book is that if we want to capture the hearts and minds hearts of our youth to grow up knowing Christ, serving him, and seeking him in the Word, then we need to take a close look at what Cosby has written.
Cosby's use of Scripture shows that he believes that Scripture is fundamental means that God has given us to know Him, know what He has done for us, and know what He expects of us as his children. Too often I have heard conference speakers, youth pastors and pastors teach and thought they were using Scripture but the lesson was not on the Scripture given, only used to "authenticate" the message. Cosby digs into areas of Scripture in his book that show he believes that Scripture can transform lives. Cosby's use of Scripture shows that he believes that Scripture is fundamental means that God has given us to know Him, know what He has done for us, and know what He expects of us as his children.
My hope is that those who read this book will be challenged to look at what Cosby presents. That they will look at their ministry to see if they are truly faithful to what God has called them to do. And, that youth pastors and youth leaders will be energized and refreshed and end the burnout that is going on in our country from trying to entertain our youth.
18 of 22 people found the following review helpful
By M. Kozma
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I really wanted to like this book. I pre-ordered it after i read an excerpt online and thought, 'finally, a book that says what I am feeling!' Unfortunately, it doesn't quite deliver on what I expected. It is perhaps for this reason that I gave it 3 stars (though 3.5 is what i would prefer). In full disclosure, I am a youth pastor at a Baptist church in Virginia. Though I do not consider myself a hardcore Baptist (I am not a dispensationalist, a tee-totaler, or into outdated traditions), I do agree with much of baptist theology. In youth ministry i've tried it all, bands, games, gross-out contests, big events, ministry teams, etc. The whole thing is getting tired, expensive and unfruitful. 'Giving up the Gimmicks' agrees. Youth ministry is far too influenced by the entertainment culture. Churches struggle just to keep the attention of adolescents and when we flash enough bright lights, loud music and funny speakers at them to finally grab them, there is the briefest of windows to shove the Jesus pill down their throats and hope it works. But when 88% of youth leave the church after graduating high school, it is clear that our methodology isn't working.
Brian Cosby's answer: A means of grace ministry. I was interested in this phrase and ignorant of its meaning when I first approached the book. Thankfully, an entire chapter is dedicated to answering this question (chapter 2). Means of grace is a phrase common in Reformed churches referring to the outward means by which Christ communicates the blessing of his mediation on his people. Basically, it is the common avenues through which God establishes and grows our faith and blesses us. The means of grace discussed in this book are: Ministry of the Word (Scripture reading and teaching), prayer, the sacraments (Lord's Supper and Baptism), community, and service. The first three are considered the classical means and the last two are more obvious to contemporary audiences. In the Baptist world, this list doesn't sound foreign at all. We practice all of these in our ministry, but instead of calling them a 'means of grace', we refer to them as spiritual disciplines or avenues to connect with God (though we would call baptism and communion ordinances, not sacraments).
I read this list and thought "great, i totally agree that getting back to these practices will only help grow the faith and faithfulness of students. Now give me some ideas on how to implement them." Here is where it gets disappointing. Cosby is obviously both very intelligent and very Reformed and it shows in his writing. Each chapter begins by examining the Reformed theology behind each means of grace. It usually takes up approximately half the chapter. This means that we get a healthy dose of quotes from the Westminster Confession, which i respect, but do not consider authoritative. I don't actually mind that the author takes the time to do this. More youth ministry practitioners authors should examine the theology behind their practices. But this book is just so incredibly Reformed/Presbyterian and it won't let you forget it.
There is something I just couldn't figure out: I couldn't tell who the intended audience was. At first I assumed it was for a Reformed audience, concerning practices that they can implement to reform (no pun intended) their youth ministries. But as I kept reading I realized that every chapter began with an explanation and defense of Reformed theology, as though the reader wasn't familiar with it. Is the author trying to convince his audience of the rightness of Reformed theology? It became annoying during the discussion on baptism when the author actually takes the time to defend infant baptism, with Scripture references and all, in a book on youth ministry. I found myself constantly having to put the book down and examine the passages and arguments he offered before I could move on. Isn't this a good thing? For me, not really. This is a book on youth ministry, I did not read it to discuss the legitimacy of infant baptism or whether or not Christ is spiritually present in the elements. I don't need a primer on the doctrine of justification or election. Obviously the author is well-versed in his theological heritage and that is commendable, but that's not why I picked up his book. Having to weed through the theological sand of the first part of the chapters would be worth it if there was application gold buried at the end. But that was not the case. Usually the application of the means of grace to a youth ministry were already familiar: Memorize Scripture. Preach the word exegetically. Pray together. Practice servant leadership. Meet in small groups (or D-groups for Discipleship groups). Nothing really ground-breaking here. Nothing fresh. In fact it is probably stuff you are already doing or have already tried. Of course this is good stuff and maybe youth ministries have got away from the simple practices that make disciples. I don't expect the author to come up with new ways to make disciples, that would be contrary to the thesis of the book as it would be by definition, a gimmick. But surely he could have spent more time applying ancient and biblical practices to today' youth culture.
Conclusion: If you are fully Reformed you should have not problems with this book theologically. If not, you will either have to read slower to examine all his arguments the for means of grace or skim over them and admit that we just see some issues differently so you can get to the application section. In the end though, don't expect to be blown away with fresh ideas on how to apply these means of grace, which is sad because in a rather short book (about 140 pages) there isn't much room left for it after the theology is discussed. Having voiced my complaints, which are more like irritations, I did appreciate the message of the book. We need to get away from expensive and ineffective means of entertaining youth to Christ, and get back to the original practices that built the early church. The five means of grace discussed are good foundations to build a ministry upon (Though why not evangelism, mission, worship, etc?) After reading through the first half of it I did begin to make some adjustments to my own youth ministry. For instance: I began taking the Lord's Supper with the Youth on sunday nights. I hope that anyone else who read this book will appreciate its core message and get past its flaws. A better book on the same subject, written by Methodist ministers The Godbearing Life: The Art of Soul Tending for Youth Ministry
Brian Cosby's answer: A means of grace ministry. I was interested in this phrase and ignorant of its meaning when I first approached the book. Thankfully, an entire chapter is dedicated to answering this question (chapter 2). Means of grace is a phrase common in Reformed churches referring to the outward means by which Christ communicates the blessing of his mediation on his people. Basically, it is the common avenues through which God establishes and grows our faith and blesses us. The means of grace discussed in this book are: Ministry of the Word (Scripture reading and teaching), prayer, the sacraments (Lord's Supper and Baptism), community, and service. The first three are considered the classical means and the last two are more obvious to contemporary audiences. In the Baptist world, this list doesn't sound foreign at all. We practice all of these in our ministry, but instead of calling them a 'means of grace', we refer to them as spiritual disciplines or avenues to connect with God (though we would call baptism and communion ordinances, not sacraments).
I read this list and thought "great, i totally agree that getting back to these practices will only help grow the faith and faithfulness of students. Now give me some ideas on how to implement them." Here is where it gets disappointing. Cosby is obviously both very intelligent and very Reformed and it shows in his writing. Each chapter begins by examining the Reformed theology behind each means of grace. It usually takes up approximately half the chapter. This means that we get a healthy dose of quotes from the Westminster Confession, which i respect, but do not consider authoritative. I don't actually mind that the author takes the time to do this. More youth ministry practitioners authors should examine the theology behind their practices. But this book is just so incredibly Reformed/Presbyterian and it won't let you forget it.
There is something I just couldn't figure out: I couldn't tell who the intended audience was. At first I assumed it was for a Reformed audience, concerning practices that they can implement to reform (no pun intended) their youth ministries. But as I kept reading I realized that every chapter began with an explanation and defense of Reformed theology, as though the reader wasn't familiar with it. Is the author trying to convince his audience of the rightness of Reformed theology? It became annoying during the discussion on baptism when the author actually takes the time to defend infant baptism, with Scripture references and all, in a book on youth ministry. I found myself constantly having to put the book down and examine the passages and arguments he offered before I could move on. Isn't this a good thing? For me, not really. This is a book on youth ministry, I did not read it to discuss the legitimacy of infant baptism or whether or not Christ is spiritually present in the elements. I don't need a primer on the doctrine of justification or election. Obviously the author is well-versed in his theological heritage and that is commendable, but that's not why I picked up his book. Having to weed through the theological sand of the first part of the chapters would be worth it if there was application gold buried at the end. But that was not the case. Usually the application of the means of grace to a youth ministry were already familiar: Memorize Scripture. Preach the word exegetically. Pray together. Practice servant leadership. Meet in small groups (or D-groups for Discipleship groups). Nothing really ground-breaking here. Nothing fresh. In fact it is probably stuff you are already doing or have already tried. Of course this is good stuff and maybe youth ministries have got away from the simple practices that make disciples. I don't expect the author to come up with new ways to make disciples, that would be contrary to the thesis of the book as it would be by definition, a gimmick. But surely he could have spent more time applying ancient and biblical practices to today' youth culture.
Conclusion: If you are fully Reformed you should have not problems with this book theologically. If not, you will either have to read slower to examine all his arguments the for means of grace or skim over them and admit that we just see some issues differently so you can get to the application section. In the end though, don't expect to be blown away with fresh ideas on how to apply these means of grace, which is sad because in a rather short book (about 140 pages) there isn't much room left for it after the theology is discussed. Having voiced my complaints, which are more like irritations, I did appreciate the message of the book. We need to get away from expensive and ineffective means of entertaining youth to Christ, and get back to the original practices that built the early church. The five means of grace discussed are good foundations to build a ministry upon (Though why not evangelism, mission, worship, etc?) After reading through the first half of it I did begin to make some adjustments to my own youth ministry. For instance: I began taking the Lord's Supper with the Youth on sunday nights. I hope that anyone else who read this book will appreciate its core message and get past its flaws. A better book on the same subject, written by Methodist ministers The Godbearing Life: The Art of Soul Tending for Youth Ministry
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By John
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
If you read one book about youth ministry, read this one.
I've worked in youth ministry for the past 7 years and was thankful to be taught early on that I was stepping into youth ministry, not youth entertainment. This distinction has been liberating for me, as it causes me to constantly evaluate what I'm doing. Am I simply pacifying kids, making sure they stay out of trouble and hopefully think about Jesus once in a while?
Cosby's book goes so much further than the advice I got. More than saying what not to do, he gives a helpful, biblical roadmap for what to do; the result is both convicting and freeing.
Read it for yourself, to find refreshment. Read it for those who lead with you, to do war against unhealthy expectations. Read it for those you lead, to help you remove the clutter so you can give them what they need: Jesus.
I've worked in youth ministry for the past 7 years and was thankful to be taught early on that I was stepping into youth ministry, not youth entertainment. This distinction has been liberating for me, as it causes me to constantly evaluate what I'm doing. Am I simply pacifying kids, making sure they stay out of trouble and hopefully think about Jesus once in a while?
Cosby's book goes so much further than the advice I got. More than saying what not to do, he gives a helpful, biblical roadmap for what to do; the result is both convicting and freeing.
Read it for yourself, to find refreshment. Read it for those who lead with you, to do war against unhealthy expectations. Read it for those you lead, to help you remove the clutter so you can give them what they need: Jesus.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
A God honoring approach to youth ministry
Brian Crosby, author and experienced youth minister, has an idea which to some in youth ministry will be as common sense as putting your pants on before your shoes, but to others... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Paul & Miranda
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book even if you are not a Youth Pastor
If you have children or youth and they go to Church, or you wish they would, this is a book for you. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Harman R. Clark
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Just what they needed!"
As soon as I saw this book I knew it was just what our new Director of Youth Ministies needed. He and his wife are serious minded people and when I gave them this book, they said,... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Eugene Witmer
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not-Impressed...
I was very excited about this book. I was excited to dig around in suggestions that Cosby was bound to have about drawing a post-modern generation into something deeper, but was... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Greg
5.0 out of 5 stars
Corrective for Youth Ministry Today
I really enjoyed this book. Our church at the time was revamping and re-thinking our Youth Ministry program so this book came at the right time. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Gregory T Smith
4.0 out of 5 stars
time for something different
We have a whole generation of kids who have grown up in a culture which disdains involvement, serious thought, deep commitment, real contentment, dedication, and solid content. Read more
Published 11 months ago by William Muehlenberg
