In this episode of YMU, Danny, Isaiah, Josh, and Rebecca discuss how various books and authors have deepened their faith, as well as books they most recommend to youth ministers and students. With schools out for the summer, having extra resources such as reading suggestions for students, is a great way to continue to minister to your students and leaders even if many of them are traveling for the summer months.

10ofThose.com - Great resource to buy books in bulk orders

Foundational Books for Leaders

Josh Hussung:

The Pursuit of Holiness (Jerry Bridges): Provided categories for understanding the battle against sin; now a required read for his interns.

The Dangerous Duty of Delight (John Piper): A foundational text on finding joy in God as a means of glorifying Him.

Isaiah Marshall:

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: Inspiring story of faith and justice despite immense suffering.

Danny Kwon:

Prodigal God (Tim Keller): Shifted perspective from the younger son to the older, legalistic son, helping him minister to those in a fundamentalist church context.

Becca Heck:

Prodigal God (Tim Keller): Pivotal read that introduced the full gospel of grace, countering a fundamentalist upbringing.

Hinds' Feet on High Places (Hannah Hurnard): An allegorical journey of following the Good Shepherd through life's challenges.

Recommended Books for Students

Gifting Strategy: Becca Heck gifts graduating seniors a book with a personal note and a 5-year ""keep"" rule.

Rationale: Accounts for students' spiritual growth during college, ensuring the book is available when they are ready for it.

Josh Hussung:

Mere Christianity (C.S. Lewis): Strong apologetics for Christian students.

The Screwtape Letters (C.S. Lewis): Insightful allegory on spiritual warfare.

Don't Waste Your Life (John Piper): A common graduation gift from his church, often appreciated more after college.

Danny Kwon:

Prodigal God (Tim Keller): Easy-to-read, thin, and non-intimidating for senior high students.

Isaiah Marshall:

The Wounded Healer (Henri Nouwen): Helps students embrace vulnerability and pain as a path to effective ministry.

Ecclesiastes: Puts life's pursuits in perspective, revealing their meaninglessness apart from God.

Becca Heck:

Ragamuffin Gospel (Brennan Manning): Opened up a world of grace, especially for students from sheltered backgrounds.

Prayer in the Night (Tish Harrison Warren): A solid resource for processing grief, relevant for students facing major life transitions.

Life of the Beloved (Henri Nouwen): A small book on understanding one's identity as a beloved child of God.

The Art of Self-Forgetfulness (Tim Keller): A classic on humility.

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Hosted by: Danny Kwon, author of Teenagers and Mental Health; Becca Heck, M. Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary; Isaiah Marshall, Rooted's Director of Ministry Development; and Josh Hussung, M. Div. in Pastor Studies from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.