University
Ministries Resources
Books
Researching
Student Age Population
Evangelism
College
Life
Missions
Apologetics
Study
Guides
Evangelism
Apologetics
Christian
Growth and Discipleship
Missions
Servant Evangelism - Ideas
Books
Researching
Student Age Population:
CANADA'S
TEENS: Today, Yesterday and Tomorrow
Bibby, Reginald
W.
Toronto: Stoddart Publishing Co. ©2001
What's going on with teens today? What are their experiences
with violence, sex, and drugs? What do they value, enjoy,
and worry about? How do they feel about family life,
spirituality, cyberspace, and Canada? How do they compare
with teens of the past, and with their parents and grandparents
today? And how are they going to turn out?
Bibby addresses these important questions by drawing
on his unparalleled nationwide surveys of young people
and adults spanning the years 1975 through 2000.
TEEN TRENDS:
A Nation in Motion
Posterski, Donald
C. & Bibby, Reginald W.
Toronto: Stoddart Publishing Co. ©1992
Sociological study of youth in Canada including chapters
on religion, family, education, media and other adults.
They document 10 dominant directions young people are
taking today. They also raise pointed questions about
the kind of life we are creating for young people in
Canada-what we are doing right and what we are doing
wrong.
A GENERATION
ALONE: Xers Making a Place in the World
Mahedy, William
& Bernardi, Janet
Downers Gove: InterVarsity Press ©1994
Sometimes called Generation Xers, baby busters, thirteeners
or twentysomethings, those borne between 1961 and 1981
have inherited a bleak world. Many Xers come from broken
families. It is a generation that has never known political,
religious or economic leadership unmarred by scandal.
It has grown up in an atmosphere of ever more brutal
and widespread violence. These authors show that this
is a generation in search of meaning and community-and
open to a radical Christianity that accepts pain as
part of the life of faith.
A TRIBE APART:
A Journey into the Heart of American Adolescence
Hersch, Patricia
New York: The Ballantine Publishing Group ©1998
For three fascinating, disturbing years, writer Patricia
Hersch journeyed inside a world that is as familiar
as our own children and yet as alien as some exotic
culture-the world of adolescence. As a silent, attentive
partner, she followed eight teenagers listening to their
stories, observing their rituals, watching them fulfill
their dreams and enact with their tragedies. She found
that teens have fashioned a fully defined culture that
adults neither see nor imagine-a culture of unprecedented
freedom and baffling complexity, a culture with rules
but no structure, values but no clear morality, codes
but no consistency.
THE BRIDGER
GENERATION
Thom Rainer
Nashville: Broadman/Holman ©1997
This is the first look at the bridger generation's character and culture. Thom S. Rainer has not only given the pos-X generation a name, he has examined it in detail, and reveals his findings here with incisive commentary about how the Bridgers will affect our schools, churches, government and culture.
SAVING THE MELINNIAL GENERATION
McAllister, Dawson
Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publisher, ©1999
Meaningful relationships, genuine connections, and real love: if those are the things this generation of teens-- the Millennial Generation--is crying out for, who can deliver? You can, says Dawson McAllister. Yes, you the parent, you the youth worker, you the teacher--anyone who wants to show teens the real love of Jesus Christ. But if you want to give Millennials what they're looking for, you've got to be willing to meet them on their own turf. And that's not always easy because the Millennial Generation is one of the most skeptical generations in history. You don't have to let them down. Saving the Millennial Generation will help you understand Millennials--what makes them tick and what ticks them off when it comes to school, church, and home. You'll have to earn their trust, but it'll be well worth the effort. Because in the end, you'll build relationships that will bring fruit both today and into all eternity-- for you and for the Millennials.
SOUL SEARCHING: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers
Christian Smith with Melinda Lundquist Denton
Oxford University Press ©2005
Soul Searching tells the definitive story of the religious and spiritual lives of contemporary American teenagers. It reports the findings of The National Study of Youth and Religion, the largest and most detailed such study ever undertaken. Based on a nationwide telephone survey of teens and their parents, as well as in-depth face-to-face interviews with more than 250 of the survey respondents, Soul Searching shows that religion is indeed a significant factor in the lives of many American teenagers. Chock full of carefully interpreted interview data and solid survey statistics, Soul Searching reveals many surprising findings. For example, the authors find that teenagers are far more influenced by the religious beliefs and practices of their parents and other adults than is commonly thought. They challenge the conventional wisdom that many teens today are "spiritual seekers." And they show that greater teenage religious involvement is significantly associated with more positive adolescent life outcomes.
Evangelism:
OUTBREAK!
"Creating a Contagious Youth Ministry through Viral
Evangelism"
Steir, Greg
Chicago: Moody Press, ©2002
This a powerful tool to help you lead the charge for
effective outreach in your youth ministry. Greg has
presented the vision for God's purpose of evangelism
and laid it out in an easy to understand format. Provided
are practical Bible-inspired strategies to help youth
leaders to reach out, infect and excite young people
to a passion for God. Each chapter of this book concludes
with a review statement, a challenge for the leader,
and questions for the entire youth ministry team to
go over, think about and put into action.
OUT OF THEIR
FACES AND INTO THEIR SHOES
Kramp, John
Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers ©1995
Successful Christian witness begins, not with in-your-face
gospel showdowns, but in-your-shoes empathy. To share
Christ with someone who is lost, you first have to understand
how they think and feel. And that's where lostology
comes in. John leads us in a study of being lost and
what it can teach Christians about evangelism.
KEEPING
YOUR COOL WHILE SHARING YOUR FAITH
Johnson, Greg
& Shellenberger, Susie
Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers ©1993
This is a book about caring about your friends, caring
about yourself, learning how to share your faith without
being a geek, how to make homemade Fudgsicles (just
kidding), and deepening your relationship with Christ.
Without losing your cool.
GENTLE PERSUASION
Aldrich, Joseph
C
Portland: Multnomah Press ©1988
When it comes to evangelism, do you ever feel like a
sheep among wolves? You know the gospel message should
get out, but frankly, you're in no hurry to become supper
for some hungry wolf pack. You've been chewed on once
too often; let the "professionals" do it.
This book is an encouraging appeal for Christians of
all ages and abilities to become part of God's strategy
for bringing needy men and women to Christ.
College Life:
HOW TO STAY
CHRISTIAN IN COLLEGE
Budziszewski,
J.
NavPress, ©1999
This is an interactive guide through the maze of college
realities. The author discusses the foundations of the
Christian faith, and directly addresses different worldviews,
and myths that students encounter at college. Filled
with quotes, stats, resources, stories and encouragement,
it will equip you to conquer the dangers that lie ahead.
Missions:
MY LIFE HIS MISSION: True Stories From Students Living On the Edge
This six-week challenge is filled with amazing real-life stories and relevant teaching to help students decide how they can serve in worldwide mission. My Life, His Mission is will inspire students to look beyond themselves and see a world that desperately needs Christ.
Each chapter introduction is followed by 5 days of in-depth Bible study. My Life, His Mission can easily be used by an individual student or by a group.
One: Impact the World on Your Knees
Students find effective ways to pray for the lost
Two: God’s Call: Random or Real?
Students consider their response to the Great Commission
Three: The Trust Factor
Students confront their level of trust in God
Four: Flex or Freak Out?
Students discover that God doesn’t always work on their timetable
Five: Tell the Story
Students learn to share the gospel and their story
Six: Risky Faith
Students decide if they are willing to risk everything for Jesus
Available from the "International Mission Board Resources", http://imbresources.org/
Apologetics:
The Case For A Creator:A Journalist Investigates Scietific Evidence That Points Toward God
Lee Strobel
Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, ©2004
In recent years, a diverse and impressive body of research has increasingly supported the conclusion that the universe was intelligently designed. At the same time, Darwinism has faltered in the face of concrete facts and hard reason. Has science discovered God? At the very least, its giving faith an immense boost as new findings emerge about the incredible complexity of our universe. Join Strobel as he reexamines the theories that once led him away from God. Throug his compelling and higly readable account, you'll encouter the mind-stretching discoveries from cosmology, cellular biology, DNA research, astronomy, physics and human consciousness that present astonishing evident in the case for a creator.
The Fingerprint of God: Recent Scientific Discoveries Reveal the Unmistakable Identity of the Creator
Dr. Hugh Ross
Reasons to Believe,
Whitaker House (©2000)
In The Fingerprint of God Dr. Hugh Ross, astronomer tells the fascinating story of how the latest research into origins not only has sealed the case for divine creation, but has revealed the identity of the Creator Himself. The Fingerprint of God uniquely ties together science and faith with an integrity that both scietists and theologians will appreciate. It will inform the lay reader whose mind is open to learn new reasons to believe.
Creation As Science
by Dr. Hugh Ross, Ph.D.
(
NavPress
©2006)
Development of the scientific creation-model concept represents one of Hugh Ross's most significant contributions to Christian apologetics. This new book explains why a testable model is essential, outlines the basic components of RTB's model, and includes predictions about the direction of future research. Ross brings a calm, confident voice to the acrimonious clash between intelligent design/creation and evolution advocates. He understands why naturalists cling to their evolutionary models despite serious weaknesses--models that ultimately thwart scientific progress and leave humanity without hope or purpose. Everyone can benefit from a new and better scientific model to explain the world around us, especially a model that attests the accuracy and authority of the Bible!
For many other later resources by Dr. Hugh Ross and Reasons to Believe check the web site: http://www.reasons.org
The Design Revolution:Answering the Toughest Questions About Intelligent Design
William A.Dembski
Downers Grove, Illinois,Intervarsity Press, ©2004
Winner of a Christianity Today 2005 Book Award!A 2005 Gold Medallion finalist.Is it science? Is it religion? What exactly is the Design Revolution?Today scientists, mathematicians and philosophers in the intelligent design movement are challenging a certain view of science--one that limits its investigations and procedures to purely law-like and mechanical explanations. They charge that there is no scientific reason to exclude the consideration of intelligence, agency and purpose from truly scientific research. In fact, they say, the practice of science often does already include these factors! As the intelligent design movement has gained momentum, questions have naturally arisen to challenge its provocative claims. In this book William A. Dembski rises to the occasion clearly and concisely answering the most vexing questions posed to the intelligent design program. Writing with nonexperts in mind, Dembski responds to more than sixty questions asked by experts and nonexperts alike who have attended his many public lectures, as well as objections raised in written reviews. The Design Revolution has begun. Its success depends on how well it answers the questions of its detractors. Read this book and you'll have a good idea of the prospects and challenges facing this revolution in scientific thinking.
Darwin's Black Box: The Biochemical Challenge to Evolution
New York: Free Press (©August 1996)
Charles Darwin's theory of life's evolution through natural selection and random mutation fails to account for the origin of astonishingly complex biomolecular systems, argues Behe, associate professor of biochemistry at Lehigh University. In this spirited, witty critique of neo-Darwinian thinking, he focuses on five phenomena: blood clotting; cilia, oar-like bundles of fibers; the human immune system; transport of materials within the cell; and the synthesis of nucleotides, building blocks of DNA. In each case, he finds systems that are irreducibly complex?no gradual, step-by-step, Darwinian route led to their creation. As an alternative explanation, Behe infers that complex biochemical systems (i.e., life) were designed by an intelligent agent, whether God, extraterrestrials or a universal force. He notes that Francis Crick, co-discoverer of DNA's double-helix structure, proposed that life began when aliens from another planet sent a rocket ship containing spores to seed Earth. Perhaps Behe's plea for incorporating a "theory of intelligent design" into mainstream biology will spark interest.
By Design or by Chance: The Growing Controversy on the Origins of Life in the Universe
Castle Quay Books Canada:Toronto (© April 2004)
The conflict between Darwinian evolution and intelligent design is rapidly growing into a major scietific and cultural upheaval. The issues are complex and the disagreements are often heated, by Denyse O'Leary writess about them in a way that is clear, even-handed, and entertaining. Anyone who wants to get up to speed on this history-making controversy should read her book. Denyse O'Leary is a Canadian author who has been a freelance writer since 1971, specializing in science news of interest to faith communities for such publications as Christianity Today, Faith Today, and the Christian Times. She has writen for newspapers and magazines including the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, and Canadian Living.
Origins of Life: Biblical and Evolutionary Models Face Off
Fazale Rana and Hugh Ross
Navpress ( © April 2004)
For years naturalistic theories have monopolized academia as the only possible scientific explanation for the origin of life. But there's something most people don't know--the facts just don't support such theories.
In Origins of Life, biochemist Fazale Rana and astronomer Hugh Ross reveal a model that shows how perspectives on first life's beginnings can be tested-as a creation event-with astounding results. Rana and Ross explode the myth that scientific evidence supports naturalistic theories and show how research corroborates a transcendent Creator who formed and nurtured the initial life forms and more.
Origins of Life presents the first-ever scientifically testable creation model for the origin of life, and is the first book in twenty years with a Christian perspective on the origin of life.
Study
Guides
Evangelism:
SHARE JESUS
WITHOUT FEAR
Fay, William
& Hodge, Ralph
Nashville: LifeWay Christian Resources
This presents a natural, non-threatening way to share
the gospel that eliminates the pressure, the argument,
and the fear of failure. You will learn how to guide
non-believers to the Word of God through everyday conversation.
WITNESSING
THROUGH YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
Colson, Charles
Nashville, LifeWay Christian Resources 2000
This study will help you understand your responsibility
for leading others into relationships with God; define
your circles of influence for witnessing; evaluate a
lost person's attitude toward the gospel; understand
the Holy Spirit's role in cultivating witnessing relationships;
develop skills for sharing the gospel; adapt your witness
to a person's receptivity to a relationship with God;
develop a strategy for cultivating relationships and
for witnessing; and how to recognize and utilize witnessing
opportunities.
Apologetics:
HOW NOW
SHALL WE LIVE? College Edition
Colson, Charles
Nashville, LifeWay Christian Resources ©2000
This study presents a radical challenge to the campus
and to all Christians to go beyond salvation-to understand
biblical faith as an entire worldview, a perspective
on all of life. One will learn of the great spiritual
battle today is a cosmic struggle between competing
worldviews. It will help you answer three of life's
basic questions-Where do we come from and who are we?
What has gone wrong with the world? How do we fix this
mess we find in today's culture?
Christian Growth &
Discipleship:
THE CHALLENGE:
Transforming the World through Covenant Living
Edwards, Dave
Nashville, LifeWay Christian Resources ©2000
This study will help university age students move deeper
into true covenant living. It is designed to reach students
who not only seek to develop themselves academically,
but who also wish to develop a personal relationship
with Christ as well.
VIRTUOUS
REALITY: Becoming the Ideal Woman
Courtney, Vicky
Nashville, LifeWay Christian Resources ©1999
Through this study, Vicki shines a bright light to reveal
the heart and character of a Godly woman. It gives college
women an awareness of how to live a lifestyle devoted
to God and how to discover one's purpose as a Christian
woman living in today's world.
THE HIGHEST
EDUCATION: Becoming a Godly Man
Matte, Gregg
Nashville, LifeWay Christian Resources ©2000
Gregg has powerfully addressed the major spiritual and
personal issues facing college men during a time when
their values are often challenged and formed. He addresses
the following issues: Friendships; Dating; Temptation;
Money; God's Will; & Time.
The Pursuit: Knowing Christ Intimately- Sharing Him Intentionally
Milt Hughes
Nashville, LifeWay Christian Resources ©2005
The Pursuit has been designed to give you a map for the journey - a track to run on - a point of reference in developing the disciplines of growth and ministry. It is not an end in itself. It is intended to get you started in a number of very important aspects of your journey such as developing your personal walk with Christ, studying your Bible, relying on the Holy Spirit, keeping a journal, using your time effectively, developing your life purpose, getting in sync with God's purpose, making strategic decisions, developing a Christian worldview, learning to shar Christ with others, and investing in other lives with a disciple-making ministry. A CD-ROM is included providing a leadership mentoring guide and an extensive collection of resources to support the teachings in the book.
SEARCH FOR
SIGNIFICANCE
McGee, Robert
Nashville, LifeWay Christian Resources ©1992
Where are you in your personal search for significance
in life? What makes you feel good about yourself? Do
any of these symptoms describe you? Approval addiction-always
thinking you need others approval. Performance Trap-always
having to achieve more. Blame Game-your failures make
you unworthy of love and deserving of punishment. Shame
Thinking-you cannot change and are hopeless. The author
helps us see that the choice is ours: Base our self-worth
on our ability to please others or build it on the unconditional
love and forgiveness of Christ.
DISCIPLE'S
PRAYERLIFE
Hunt, T.W. &
Walker, Catherine
Nashville, LifeWay Christian Resources ©1997
Learn the secrets of intimacy with God. You were created
for fellowship with God. Through prayer you communicate
with the Father and deepen your relationship with Him.
This classic, in-depth study will lead you to develop
intimacy with God and effectiveness in your prayer life.
As you examine biblical examples and apply biblical
prayer principles, your relationship with God will grow
fresher every day.
EXPERIENCING
GOD: Knowing and Doing the Will of God
Blackaby, Henry
& King, Claude
Nashville, LifeWay Christian Resources 1990
Learn to hear when God is speaking to you. Find out
where God is working and join Him. Experience God doing
through you what only God can do.
Collegiate Edition by Richard Blackaby and Henry Blackaby, Lifeway Christian Resources, © 2005
MASTERLIFE:
A Biblical Process for Growing Disciples
Willis, Avery
Nashville, LifeWay Christian Resources 1997
MasterLife is a sequential, developmental, small-group
discipling process that enables believers to make Christ
Master and to master life by developing personal, lifelong,
obedient relationships with Him.
LIFE IN
THE SPIRIT
McQuilkin, Robertson
Nashville, LifeWay Christian Resources 1997
See the Holy Spirit in Scripture and in your life. Examine
how the Spirit designed you with a special purpose.
Watch as the Spirit reveals God to the world and to
you. You will learn what the Holy Spirit is doing in
the world today, discover how you can live a Spirit-filled
life and experience life in a love relationship with
the Spirit of God.
THE MIND
OF CHRIST
Hunt, T.W. &
King, Claude
Nashville, LifeWay Christian Resources 1994
The Mind of Christ will challenge you to think the thoughts
of Christ--to have the mind of Christ.
"AM
I THE ONE?" (TruthQuest)
Lucas, James
R.
Broadman & Holman
Instead of beginning with questions on courtship, compatibility
and relationship "tools," James Lucas starts
with "you." Who are "you" becoming?
Are "you" taking the steps to become a person
worth marrying? In order to find the right person, you
have to first be the right person. Then, and only then,
says Lucas, can you make clear decisions about the rest
of your life.
"THE
YOUNG MAN IN THE MIRROR"
Morley, Patrick
Broadman & Holman
"The Young Man in the Mirror" will teach young
men what it means to be a man form a Christian perspective,
equipping them for the major choices they will make
and teaching them what it means to be a man in God's
eyes, how to get along with their families, how to treat
women, how to handle sexual temptation and how to find
God's will for their lives.
Missions:
MY LIFE HIS MISSION: True Stories From Students Living On the Edge
This six-week challenge is filled with amazing real-life stories and relevant teaching to help students decide how they can serve in worldwide mission. My Life, His Mission is will inspire students to look beyond themselves and see a world that desperately needs Christ.
Each chapter introduction is followed by 5 days of in-depth Bible study. My Life, His Mission can easily be used by an individual student or by a group.
One: Impact the World on Your Knees
Students find effective ways to pray for the lost
Two: God’s Call: Random or Real?
Students consider their response to the Great Commission
Three: The Trust Factor
Students confront their level of trust in God
Four: Flex or Freak Out?
Students discover that God doesn’t always work on their timetable
Five: Tell the Story
Students learn to share the gospel and their story
Six: Risky Faith
Students decide if they are willing to risk everything for Jesus
Available from the "International Mission Board Resources", http://imbresources.org/
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