Youth Minister Book Study

Each part will be read prior to each session. Please keep this in mind when purchasing the book to give yourself enough time to obtain the book and read before the sessions start. Each part is roughly 30-40 pages.

How to purchase the book
There are a number of places online to purchase the book. Here are links to two options below that have both paperback and eBook options:

Sophia Institute

Amazon

About the Book
The Art of Forming Young Disciples examines the ever changing dynamic of teens in today's culture and why the "youth group" model is failing in many ways. The book discusses a simpler and more effective way to youth ministry not through programs and curriculums, but through small group accompaniment and discipleship. See below for a full description:

(from www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/the-art-of-forming-young-disciples) 
Not long ago, veteran Youth Minister Everett Fritz counted the number of his former Youth Group members who were still practicing the Faith. The result? Almost all of them had left the Faith! Fritz learned that other parishes reported similar staggering losses, pointing to a grim truth: today’s Youth Ministries simply do not form young people into lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ. Not satisfied with these dismal results, Fritz devised a different way of forming young people in the Faith. It’s an approach that can truly transform the spiritual lives of young people by applying the same one-to-one personal method that Jesus Himself used to form his twelve original disciples . . . only one of whom was lost! Fritz has worked with countless parishes, helping them make the shift to a small-group discipleship structure. You’ll learn to avoid the many pitfalls and common mistakes parishes make, as well as ways you can easily build the volunteer base needed for a successful transition. He will help you create a comfortable environment that leads young people into self-reflection, as well as the critical role parents and the parish community play in youth formation. Finally, Fritz shares various resources that can help you accomplish your goal. But he warns: you’re not running a program that has been pre-developed. Relationships and mentoring make disciples; programs do not. If you’re troubled by the number of young people in your parish who leave the Faith year after year, then open these illuminating pages and learn the art of forming young disciples.