Two Good Reads

Third Culture Kids and Hurt are two great books relating to youth ministry that I have found to be very insightful when it comes to working with youth.

If you're raising kids in the military or on the mission field, (or you're interested in understanding how to support these kids) Third Culture Kids is a great resource. A "third culture kid" or TCK, refers to someone who, as a child, has spent a significant period of time in one or more culture(s) other than his or her own. The book addresses a number of issues ranging from personal characteristics, developmental issues and relational patterns of TCK's to help us understand where these kids are and what their needs are.

Hurt is an exceptional book that explores the world of today's teenagers. If you're working with teens, or want to better understand teens, or have thought "teenagers today are way different from when I was teen, I just don't get them" - this is a must read. Clark discusses how today's changing family structure is impacting teens, he explores school life, extra-curicular activities, sexuality among teens, peer relationships, and adult relationships. He has years of ministry experience, and he provides thoughts and insights into how we engage students and meet their needs. Throughout the book, there's a reoccurring theme of abandonment - Clark believes that adults have become so consumed with their own lives, that they are overlooking the needs of teens.

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