Thomas Nelson, 2006, 224 pp., $18.99
www.thomasnelson.com

Mike Calhoun and Mel Walker collected con­tributions from 16 authors to create this anthology of youth ministry issues. The combined years of expe­rience among these authors provides a deep experiential base. Pushing the Limits is an overview of important issues in youth min­istry: leadership, teaching, worship, evange­lism, event preparation and the role of women in ministry. I appreciate the chal­lenge to conduct “spiritual diagnosis” in chap­ter 3, and a strategic curriculum in chapter 7. There are wonderful lists and steps included throughout the book for those who seek them. However, from my perspective, Pushing the Limits didn’t … push the limits.

Many of the citations and illustrations convinced me this book would be a wonderful tool for youth pastors working in more conservative settings. Others may find little here.

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