Congratulations! You've agreed to serve as a volunteerÑperhaps the most underrated, underappreciated, misunderstood role in youth ministry!

But your role is also one of the most essential. SeriouslyÑthe healthiest, most effective youth ministries are built on a solid foundation of dedicated, talented, committed volunteers.

The Volunteer's Field Guide to Youth Ministry will help you chart a course of growth as a follower of Christ and as a leader in your congregation. You can read it from front to back, or you can treat it like a reference toolÑscan for topics that are relevant today, and save the rest for later.

Chapter topics include:

• Discovering your unique personality and the way God has wired you
• Preparing for the adventure of youth ministry volunteer work
• Understanding the teenagers you work with
• Supporting parents as they raise their teenagers
• Working with other volunteers on your team
• Following leaders in your ministry and congregation

You have a family. You have a full-time job. You have other commitments and responsibilities. Yet you understand the rewards and blessings of serving as a youth ministry volunteer. The Volunteer's Field Guide to Youth Ministry will become one of your favorite tools as you serve teenagers and help lead them toward a Jesus-centered life.


Len Kageler teaches youth ministry at Nyack College (Nyack, New York) and is a volunteer in the middle school ministry of his local church. Author of many books for youth workers, he loves not only working with teenagers but encouraging and trainging those who do youth work. He holds a Ph.D. in sociology and his interests include winter backpacking, Subaru Outbacks, home remodle, and the very odd hobby of Roman history in Britain.