Youth Ministry on a Shoestring
Lars Rood
Zondervan, 2011, 160 pp., $12.99

This book was sent to me just when I needed it most. I got it just as our new fiscal year began and budgets were released; and as the world’s economy is crashing, many ministry budgets are feeling more than a pinch. Youth Ministry on a Shoestring gives youth leaders hope that ministry can continue. It’s just a matter of rediscovering resources and learning how to use what is already available. Author Lars Rood covers everything from meeting spaces, technology, transportation and how to get the youth ministry mainstay: pizza.  He challenges youth leaders to dream big, get creative, network, ask for help and see what God does. The possibilities are endless. What could have been a discouraging season for me has turned into a creative one thanks to this book.
–Barb Vogelgesang

In his book Youth Ministry on a String, Lars Rood explores the reality many youth ministers face — lack of resources. Rood discusses the fact that resources are not simply financial. Rather, resources are what is available to be utilized for effective ministry. From here, Rood moves through four parts, exploring avenues of discovering resources that not only are readily available, but can work within the parameters of a tight budget (or lack of a budget). Rood does a good job of clarifying what a resource is and discussing specific resources many youth ministers struggle to obtain. This book would be a valuable reference for those desiring to serve in youth ministry, new youth ministers and youth ministers who need an outside opinion on the subject.
–Chris Ensley, Youth and Worship Pastor, Marion Christian Church, Marion, Kan.; Adjunct Professor, Tabor College-Wichita Campus, Christian Ministry Program.

Usually when I see book titles promising to save me money or do more for less, I leave them on the shelf in an effort to save money. I am glad to have that practice proven wrong with Youth Ministry on a Shoestring by Lars Rood. In this small but applicable volume, Rood explores many ways in which the savvy youth minister might take advantage of available resources rather than spending large amounts of money in order to create an amazing ministry or event. I really appreciated the passage on space. I have long sought out ways to make the ministry space at the church I serve more relevant. We use a number of shared spaces, and there is not just one space the youth ministry can call its own. After reading Rood’s book, I believe this is the way it should be. Churches should come to view all space as the community’s space. Another help this book provided for me is in regard to technology. I always have been a minor techno geek, and I really enjoyed the resource suggestions in the chapter about technology. Another area I found supremely inspiring was that devoted to using the relational resources within our sphere of living. I am now able to envision ways in which the women’s guild, Boy Scouts, men’s Bible study and other groups within our church can add to the youth ministry. Overall, this book offers very helpful ideas for churches finding themselves in economic tough spots. Regardless of our financial situation, all of us should consider the ideas presented in this text as we are all called to be good stewards with the resources with which God has blessed us.
–Joel Jackson

I felt Lars Rood did an excellent job of showing one of the more difficult aspects of ministry…the budget. His thoughts and tips were insightful and practical. Having worked mostly in small churches, I think many of his ideas are very useful. I certainly will be putting several of his tips into use in order to stretch my budget further and to incorporate new people and experiences into our group.
–Jonathan Tripp

Youth Ministry on a Shoestring is like a clearance sale for youth ministers: It will help you save money without making you lose quality. Whether you are facing budget cuts or just want to be a better steward of your resources, this book has many practical tips and ideas that will help you accomplish your goal. As an added bonus, the more you adjust your viewpoint to seeing resources in a new way, you will see benefits for years to come.
–Mike Kupferer, 10-year youth ministry veteran, currently servingi at Bethel Church of Christ, Ada, Ohio.

Youth Ministry on a Shoestring by Lars Rood was a great resource! Youth ministers fall into the trap of thinking that just having a bigger budget will help us grow our groups, but Rood shows us how we can lead great youth ministries by being good stewards and using the resources around us. Thanks, Lars!
–Grant Byrd

Youth workers in today’s economy need this book whether it will help them maximize their church budget or develop a more empathetic partnership with families. Not only does it give you outstanding ideas, but it poses a question at the end of each chapter that develops forward thinking.
–Tony Myles, author, ministry coach, volunteer youth worker and lead pastor of Connection Church, Medina, Ohio.

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