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I’m excited that our volunteer team has recently begun monthly meetings to talk about the ministry, share stories, pray for one another and keep up to date on the happenings of the church. I would love to do a book discussion for our team, as a way to expand the conversation and to sneak in some training in an engaging way. I have to admit, I’m all over the map with which book to choose.
Originally, I thought about Formational Children’s Ministry by Ivy Beckworth. Though it’s a great book, inspirational, and profound – it seemed a little much for our first book discussion. I’m presently considering Creating Magic
So, lend me your advice – have you read an especially great book geared towards the volunteer team? Leave a comment and let me know about it!
Lindsey,
Are you looking for something that will help them grow specifically as volunteers or something more general to help with their spiritual growth?
I agree about Formational Children’s Ministry. Lot’s of great stuff in there, but it might be a little heavy for a first book. Donald Miller’s A Million Miles in a Thousand Years is a GREAT book and will do wonders for personal growth. I’ve also just started reading Radical by David Platt. It’s another great book on living an authentic Christian life.
In terms of children’s ministry specific books, I like the concepts of Think Oranges (and especially the exposition of Deut 6). Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions may also be a good choice. I am also a huge fan of Come ‘Ye Children by Charles Spurgeon. It is an older book but chocked full of great wisdom on teaching kids about God.
I’d be careful of Come Ye Children only because of the old language. Not sure what your volunteers are like, but mine probably wouldn’t get past the first page. Otherwise, I agree with Wayne on Think Orange and Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions.
For a personal growth book, I honestly think there is no better book than The Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg. Ortberg is a master of making spiritual discipleship practical and powerful. I’ve read it a few times and it changes my life every time. Plus, it is a great book to work through as a group.
Thanks for the suggestions, guys. I will check it out. I also just started reading Radical and it’s been very good. I’m open to either volunteer-training or personal growth. I’m looking for a good “starter” book that will get the conversation going and help us grow closer as a team.
Lindsey,
A really easy read and a good first book I like is Children’s Ministry that Works!(revised and updated) by Group The Basics and Beyond Copyright 2002