Recent Reads: Help! I'm a Student Leader by Doug Fields

What the book's about: The subtitle of Help! I'm a Student Leader accurately describes what this book is about - Practical ideas and guidance on leadership. It is written specifically for youth serving as leaders in a church context. 

Why I read this book: Four years ago, I read this book with my student leadership team. It sparked amazing conversations with them about many issues related to leadership. This year, I chose to read it again with my student leadership team in hopes of equipping students to lead. 

My favorite quotes from the book:

- "Instead of viewing your leadership role as a chance to exert power and voice your opinions, view it as an opportunity to serve." 

- "As a leader you must have a positive attitude when ministry becomes difficult... which it will." 

- "Knowing the purpose of each program will help you be less of a spectator and more of a leader who can leverage your peer relationships to help fulfill each program's purpose." 

- "I'd rather you attempt to solve problems & make mistakes than not try at all." 

Thumbs up or thumbs down? Thumbs up

Who I'd recommend this book for: Youth workers and their student leaders. Though students can certainly read this book on their own, I've found it especially useful for sparking thought-provoking discussions in and amongst my student leaders. 

Jen Bradbury on Youth Ministry

Jen serves as the Minister of Youth and Family at Atonement Lutheran Church in Barrington, Illinois. A veteran youth worker, Jen holds an MA in Youth Ministry Leadership from Huntington University. Jen is the author of The Jesus Gap: What Teens Actually Believe about Jesus (The Youth Cartel), The Real Jesus (The Youth Cartel), Unleashing the Hidden Potential of Your Student Leaders (Abingdon), and A Mission That Matters (Abingdon). Her writing has also appeared in YouthWorker Journal, Immerse, and The Christian Century. Jen is also the Assistant Director of Arbor Research Group where she has led many national studies. When not doing ministry or research, she and her husband, Doug, and daughter, Hope, can be found traveling and enjoying life together.

More about Jen

Jen's Books

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A Mission That Matters: How To Do Short-Term Missions Without Long-Term Harm

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Now Available!

Unleashing the Hidden Potential of your Student Leaders

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The Real Jesus

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The Jesus Gap

What Teens Actually Believe About Jesus

Based on National Research

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