A Book 10 Years In The Making

I love writing about my experiences in youth ministry.  For years those stories have been shared in one on one conversations and this blog.  People who have followed me over the 8 years of Marathon Youth Ministry have asked, “Are you going to write a book?”  

I wasn’t sure; however, after one final push from my friend Andy Blanks of YM360, I did.  And, yesterday I officially signed a contract with Ave Maria Press.  Right now, the feeling is unreal.

While the majority of the manuscript is written, there is still a lot to do.  Such as:  

• There’s developing the title.  Right now the working title is Rebuilding Your Youth Ministry. 
• Expanding and strengthening the content.
• Coming up with a look for the cover.

And we’ll be moving towards a release next year.  Needless to say it’s actually happening.  So, you might wonder, “What’s the book about?”  Well, it:

• Shares My Story: It’s the story of a guy currently in the trenches of youth ministry.  What youth ministry was like for him growing up and how it looks now in his current job.  The setting is a Catholic Parish in Northern Baltimore County.  In the book I want to share how I’ve gotten where I am and what’s helped me in my journey.

• Encourage Churches To Invest Or Build A Youth Ministry: I love youth ministry and I believe the church cannot survive without it.  You need the next generation in your church because it’ll challenge everyone who is a part of it to grow.  This book will be the encouragement churches need to raise up a new generation of disciples in the church.

• Give Practical Tools And Insights: This book isn’t theory.  This is the story of someone currently in the field.  It’s filled with what’s worked and what hasn’t.  I’ve put together of tools, tips and habits that have helped grow the youth ministry we have today.  While, our youth ministry is not the largest, it is definitely healthy and vibrant.

I’m excited for this book to come out and I cannot wait to share it with everyone.  I want to especially thank those who have encouraged me to write it.  Those who have walked with me in ministry and those who work with me on a regular basis.  Thank you to my coworkers, pastor, family and especially my wife.  Thank you to God who has given me this experience.  Thank you.