Many church workers and youth leaders in ministry wonder how they can best serve the youth in their congregations. As many churches are experiencing dwindling engagement and attendance, leaders are striving to measure their effectiveness in ministry now more than ever. LCMS Youth Ministry staff members Rev. Dr. Mark Kiessling and Julianna Shults provide solutions to these quandaries in their new book, Seven Practices of Healthy Youth Ministry. This research-based resource includes seven practical insights to empower youth leaders to take on the essential task of caring for teens in Jesus’ name.
“We wanted to take what we hear in God’s Word, through our research, and from practitioners and make something accessible for any youth leader,” says Julianna. “Healthy youth ministry is simple, but it isn’t always easy. We hope churches and leaders will find encouragement and practical ideas for helping healthy youth ministry take shape.”
The seven practices are written to enlighten readers for the road ahead and fortify faith in their church’s youth. Mark and Julianna’s practical insights touch on both congregational qualities and qualities observed in youth. Whether it is a seasoned youth ministry leader or a brand-new church worker who picks up this book, the tips are designed to encourage and provide a road map for caring for each reader’s youth.
“We are thankful for the many young adults, youth, congregations, parents, pastors, and church workers who participated in research and conversations and who provided feedback on resources,” says Mark. “It’s inspirational to work with so many young people who love their peers and with adults who love young Christians and want to keep them connected to God’s church.”
Visit cph.org for more information. Contact Erica Sontag to schedule an interview with the authors.
About the Authors
Julianna Shults is a DCE serving as program manager of resources and leadership for LCMS Youth Ministry. With a BA in psychology and a master’s degree in community development, Julianna served congregations in Florida and Chicago. She coauthored Relationships Count and contributed to other books from CPH, and she cohosts the podcast End Goals with Mark. Julianna is a self-proclaimed nerd, coffee snob, and obsessive aunt.
Rev. Dr. Mark Kiessling serves as the director of LCMS Youth Ministry. In that role, he supports the leadership, service, resourcing, and networking functions of LCMS Youth Ministry. Mark graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (2006). He is married to Beth (Timm), who teaches preschool at Christ Community Lutheran School in Kirkwood, Missouri.
About Concordia Publishing House
Concordia Publishing House (CPH) is the publishing arm of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. For more than 150 years, CPH has been providing individuals, churches, and schools with products that are faithful to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. From books and Bibles to church supplies, curriculum, and software, CPH offers more than 10,000 products to support the proclamation of the Gospel worldwide. Visit CPH online at cph.org.
