at Risk: Bringing Hope to Hurting Teenagers (Ugly Cover; Great Content)
I'm reading this book because it was given to me from my supervisor Nick. The cover is nasty and tacky but it is full of great stuff. To read to first chapter, go here. It tells the (success) story about a boy named Kevin. The thing I love about the book is that it is not full success stories but is actually quite realistic and practical. It would be great for anyone going into ministry because there are always going to be 'hurting teenagers.'
The chapter I loved most is about fathers and mothers in Christ. This is what Paul was for Onesimus. We can have a profound impact on someones life by being a father or mother in Christ to them. I agree with just punishment but when it comes to teens (and when used reasonably with adults) the cure for the type of anger that produces violent crime is acceptance rather than 'more prisons, tougher laws, and stiffer punishments." This acceptance is to be like the type that Christ extends to us: unconditional and never condoning wrong action.
He goes on to speak about the type of behaviour to expect from youth who either have no mother, or no father, or both and the differences of each. He explains the proper role of a father or mother in Christ and also what it is not. All the while he is drawing parallels with Paul and Onesimus from the book of Philemon. In other words, the guy is Biblical (that was for you amac).
He dedicates an entire chapter to identity in Christ. He says, "it must be the crux of how we disciples young believers." He stresses that we must live out our own identity in Christ so that those we minister to can 'hear, see, and touch the life of a committed Christian."
The chapter I loved most is about fathers and mothers in Christ. This is what Paul was for Onesimus. We can have a profound impact on someones life by being a father or mother in Christ to them. I agree with just punishment but when it comes to teens (and when used reasonably with adults) the cure for the type of anger that produces violent crime is acceptance rather than 'more prisons, tougher laws, and stiffer punishments." This acceptance is to be like the type that Christ extends to us: unconditional and never condoning wrong action.
He goes on to speak about the type of behaviour to expect from youth who either have no mother, or no father, or both and the differences of each. He explains the proper role of a father or mother in Christ and also what it is not. All the while he is drawing parallels with Paul and Onesimus from the book of Philemon. In other words, the guy is Biblical (that was for you amac).
He dedicates an entire chapter to identity in Christ. He says, "it must be the crux of how we disciples young believers." He stresses that we must live out our own identity in Christ so that those we minister to can 'hear, see, and touch the life of a committed Christian."
He touches on boundaries and how to manage rebellion. It is all very exellent and convincing because his entire life has been dedicated to this work. Therefore he knows his stuff. The book is full of stories that illustrate his point whether they are encouraging or discouraging. He presents stories of boys who have left his care on bad terms and have gone on to continue a life of sin and rebellion. I love his honesty.
Near the end of the book he speaks about our need to be advocates for the youth that we minister to. I love that because it reminded me of Christ who is my advocate with God the Father.
Near the end of the book he speaks about our need to be advocates for the youth that we minister to. I love that because it reminded me of Christ who is my advocate with God the Father.
posted by Son of Man at 8:10 PM
1 Comments:
cool man, i love that it's not a book i would ever pick up, but i could really benefit from the training.
does he give any basic principles?
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