Customer Reviews

Twists of Faith: Ministry with Youth at the Turning Points of Their Lives

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When I first saw Twists of Faith, I thought, "I wish I'd had this book 30 years ago -- it would have helped my ministry so much." This is a practical book of real helps in dealing with youth at crisis points in their lives. It's rooted in Scripture and faith, and also in understanding of who youth are and how their faith can play out in their daily lives. It is helpful, not just theoretical, and one that every person who works with youth -- or who cares about youth -- should read and take to heart.

The book is inspiring, instructional and helpful. What a refreshing book! I have recommended it to anyone and everyone who works with youth. It is scripturally grounded and easy to read. Quite often, ministry is about knowing and recognizing when the window of opportunity occurs to help others experience God. It is also about how to create the windows of opportunity. Then a leader must know how to make this happen often without being manipulative! Twists of Faith will give you guidance to make this happen. It will also encourage you to listen to what is happening at the core of each youth in your life. Twists of Faith puts to practice the skills Jesus used in His ministry. It's about building relationships and being a spiritual mentor. This book is perfect if an adult in youth ministry wants to go beyond the silly games and goofy get togethers. It will minister to you, as you minister to the youth in your life. It is a wonderful tool for building an intentional ministry of growing faithful disciples of Christ. It will help you find your theological compass and help you see that we are in the business of tending to each others' souls.

Most youth ministry books talk about the importance of helping teens grow in faith. Unlike most, this book really helps you know how to do it. It is written in two sections. The first is more about the leader: the importance of recognizing moments when youth are most likely to grow in faith, our fears, and how to prepare ourselves as "spiritual leaders." The second section helps us with detailed information in eight types of faith forming opportunities. The authors do not teach the art of psychological manipulation - they teach the art of listening to youth and helping them listen to God. This is a very helpful book for anyone who takes the ministry of faith growth seriously.

This is an amazing book! The stories express the core of some issues teens deal with, while being moving and soul touching. The opportunity to deepen your own faith and spiritual practices while learning to help youth do the same is so very valuable. This combination is really helpful. The second section of the book includes some wonderful exercises and activities to help youth deal with issues in new ways. It grapples with some of the hard stuff youth are faced with these days. I feel this is one of the top two books currently available to help us with teen spirituality in everyday life. I highly recommend it!