Magazines

Youth worker magazines are a relatively new item in my toolbox, as I just subscribed to a few this year. These are very helpful resources, providing advice and tips for all types of youth-related ministries. Some are more academic and theoretical than others, but all have a role and fulfill it well.

Here are my subscriptions:

• Group Magazine. By the folks who run the National Youth Ministry Conference, YouthMinistry.com, and Simply Youth Ministry, this magazine is great! It includes helpful advice from an all-star list of ministry vets and leaders (including Duffy Robbins, Doug Fields, Greg Stier, and dozens more). This magazine is geared towards the majority of youth workers (paid and volunteer). I would recommend reading it, then passing it along to a volunteer to read.
• YouthWorker Journal. Edited by Chap Clark (Fuller Seminary), this magazine provides a mixture of theoretical and practical advice. This magazine also brings people from several denominations and theological backgrounds (including Catholic), meaning you will be exposed to youth ministry ideas from all walks of life. A great read for lead youth workers.
• The Journal of Student Ministries. Edited by Will Penner, this magazine focuses much more on theoretical issues facing youth ministries. Each edition focuses on a theme, with articles geared toward that theme. A great read for lead workers and those who provide direction and vision for youth ministries.

A great part of all three magazines is that they provide regularly updated websites and e-magazines with much of the same content and resources. These websites provide great content for staff or volunteer training sessions.