Contemplative Youth Ministry:
Practicing the Presence of Jesus
(Youth Specialties) by Mark Yaconelli
Extraordinary (And Essential) Read For Anyone Struggling In Youth Ministry
Youth ministry isn’t about what to say, what to do, or how to be;
it’s about serving the needs of the students God has put in your life.
This book is an attitude overhaul that creates a more organic approach to
youth ministry that helps you create meaningful silence, covenant
communities, and contemplative activities that allow your students
recognize the presence of Jesus in their everyday lives.
Personal Review: Contemplative Youth Ministry: Practicing the
Presence of Jesus (Youth Specialties) by Mark Yaconelli
After setting down Contemplative Youth Ministry, I am left desiring more.
More teaching in the gentle voice of Mark Yaconelli. More encouraging
stories of ministries who have successfully integrated a more
contemplative approach to doing ministry to and with teens. More

examples of how we can all incorporate elements of contemplation into
both our lives and our ministries.
Mark is a bit of a mystic (much like his father - Mike - was and John
Eldredge, Rob Bell and Brian McLaren are), choosing to focus a lot of
attention on the practice of living in God's presence. This is a very
important element of the Christian life that many of us forget. We need to
rest in the presence of God, for out of this, our real ministry springs. Mark
also spends much time focusing upon integrating ancient practices, such
as the lectio divina, the liturgy for discernment, and the awareness
examen, into weekly youth ministry staff meetings and regular youth
programming. These are just a couple of the items that make this book
such an important resource.
Mark's storytelling method truly invites the reader in to experience the
events he is sharing about. He draws you in and includes you, as if you
were there as it was happening. He speaks of more effective ways to call
volunteers into ministry alongside us. And he is honest. Honest about his
own faults, his own shortcomings and failures... and honest about the fact
that not every ancient practice will go over well with each youth group. We
need to listen to see where our teens are most alive to adequately
"program" for them. We need to remember that just as Christ is always
present, He is just as present in the thoughts and the hearts of our teens.
We need to keep open minds to their thoughts, their feelings, their ideas.
They just may prove to be our greatest teachers.
I firmly believe that every youth minister - paid staff or volunteer - should
incorporate this book into their own education. There is so much that can
help us as we seek to help guide students to Christ. There are things that
will not work for us (just as in any model of youth ministry, portions work
because of the group that it is coming from; unique talents, temperaments,
abilities) - but there is so much to be found within the pages of this book
that will help us... even if it is only put into play so far as guiding our own
Spiritual journeys. Read this book. Meditate upon this book. Use this book.
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