By Kurt Johnston
Group/Simply Youth Ministries, 2012, 96 pp., $5.99
Back in the day, Jay Z had 99 problems. Now the Jay Z of junior high ministry, Kurt Johnson in his new book 99 Thoughts about Junior High Ministry gives us 99 solutions for some of the problems we face in the junior high ministryhood.
Quick, compact and easy to read, this book drops some outstanding advice, direction and just down right good common sense. Divided into five sections with highlighted, numbered thoughts for easy reference, the book is a well-written resource. Whether you are from the old school and been rolling in junior high/middle school ministry for awhile or brand new to the block, this book is worth the 20 to 30 minutes it takes to read.
Use it just as a personal encouragement and sharpening tool, or use it with your volunteer team. Consider giving it out at the beginning of your next youth group year or pick your favorite thoughts and have a “Junior High Thought of the Week” for your team. However you want to use it, it is a must-have for anyone working in pre-teen, middle school or junior high ministry.
—Dan Istvanik, Junior High Youth Pastor, Mansfield, Ohio
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