Doug Franklin
Group/Simply Youth Ministry, 2012, 136 pp., $5.99
Just as those looking for the best leadership books can’t go wrong with any of John Maxwell’s titles, youth leaders seeking to strengthen their student leaders can’t go wrong with Doug Franklin’s 99 Thoughts for Student Leaders. There is enough texture and grit to this book to help it stick in the minds of teenagers; and because it is an easy and straightforward read, it won’t be off-putting to fussy attention spans.
There is plenty here to chew on, and many of the thoughts can apply to leadership in general. For example, Franklin makes it a point (several ways) to emphasize that leadership is not for privilege, but involves sacrifice. Leaders are the go-to people, and because the book is written with biblical examples and sports analogies, teens will be able to grasp the realities of leadership while also learning how Jesus led or why we are called to lead.
Additionally, there are some simple—yet profound—tips here, including the importance of clear communication, stewardship, integrity, honesty and commitment of energy and time. Adult youth leaders themselves should read this book first. They won’t want to ask students to lead unless they are willing to adhere to these leadership aspirations themselves. More importantly, the book will help any youth group find a clear vision and purpose for being and belonging. Leading is difficult, but somebody has to do it; and he or she can do it better with this little guide in his or her hip pocket.
