3 Books to Help Your Smaller Youth Ministry

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Very often, when we think about student ministry we think about the mega-church student ministries that boast a hundred or more students. Watch their social media or visit their websites you'll find pictures of large groups of students doing amazing activities. But large churches with a hundred or more students isn't the norm. The norm is smaller. And, sometimes smaller can be really awesome!

Most youth workers I know serve in churches where the student ministry averages 6 to 15 students. Some churches might run as high as 20 to 30 students. This is a big difference from the 100, 150, even 200 students we often hear about at seminars, conferences, and in books or blogs. That's why I am thrilled with an exciting series of books that are now available for youth workers who serve in "smaller" church.

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I was recently with a group of amazing youth workers who have found themselves working with students in "smaller" churches. As I listened to them, getting to know a little about them and their ministry, I was reminded of these books and how helpful they are.

So with my new friends in mind, I want to share these three resources written with the "smaller" church youth worker in mind.

Thriving Youth Ministry in "Smaller" Churches

Thriving Youth Ministry in Smaller Churches is a great and super helpful resource for youth workers in smaller churches. First off, Rick Chromey lays down a simple definition for the term "smaller" church. It's not that we serve in a small church, or even a little church, we're in smaller churches. Beyond the definition, Rick and Stephanie offer practical tips while showing the advantages of serving in a smaller church. If you're working in a smaller church, Thriving Youth Ministry in Smaller Churches is a must read.

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99 Thoughts for Smaller Church
​Youth Workers

I love Stephanie Caro and her heart for youth workers in smaller churches. And, I love the 99 Thoughts series of books. Stephanie's 99 Thoughts for Smaller Church Youth Workers is quick and easy read. Packed full of insight, ideas, tips, and stories, you will find yourself coming back to this book over and over again. Stephanie is a friend and a leader within the "smaller" church community whose advice and experience is super valuable. Along with the book, Stephanie speaks and writes about smaller church youth ministry. Just Google Stephanie Caro.

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small(er) Church Youth Ministry

A newer book on the market, I picked up Small(er) Church Youth Ministry, No Staff, No Money, No Problem, at my last NYWC this past Fall (2017). I started reading it a few weeks ago and I am already finding it very helpful.

When describing the book Amazon says, "Smaller Church Youth Ministry highlights the big impact small churches can have on the faith journey of their young people. It is designed to encourage and help small churches start, build, and lead effective disciple-making youth ministry. Topics include a biblical foundation, practical helps, tools and activities."

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If you are serving in a smaller church, I strongly recommend these three books for your library. And, I would encourage you to look up Stephanie Caro and read some of her blog posts. Or come and join us in November for the National Youth Workers Convention in St Louis, from November 15 through the 18th, 2018. 

Click on the graphic to visit the convention website.

The National Youth Workers Convention is one of the best (and currently the most affordable) youth ministry conferences to reach the national market. You will worship along side thousands of youth workers, visit will over one hundred exhibitors, and have the opportunity to sit in on over 100 seminars. And if you're fast, you can still register for the crazy low fee of $99! (The $99 registration fee is for a strict limited time only. Visit the website to learn more!)

- jay

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Jay Higham is a veteran youth worker of over 25 years; having worked with students in the local church and Christian camping settings. Jay is currently serving as the student ministry director at a church, located in Western PA. Jay has been married to Amy for over 21 years. Together, they are raising 5 kids, (4 boys and 1 girl). Jay is an aspiring author, blogger, speaker, vlogger, and social media junkie. He is passionate about student ministry, family ministry, and training youth workers to love and serve their students with passion and excellence.