Masterpiece
The Art of Discipling Youth
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4.6 • 11 Ratings
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
Masterpiece. That's how Paul the Apostle describes us in his letter to the church in Ephesus. We are God's masterpiece. Most people never hear that phrase. Even fewer will believe it. Masterpiece: The Art of Discipling Youth uncovers the process of revealing teenagers as the masterpieces Christ created them to be. It doesn't approach discipleship with a blank slate, sketching with small groups or painting with programs. Instead it focuses on revealing the art that is already under the surface of every teenager, removing the grime of life and restoring the vibrancy of the true colors underneath.
This book is for youth workers who are tired of canned meetings geared towards the masses. Veteran youth worker Paul Martin shares his process for recognizing individual youth as what they are: God's masterpiece.
Customer Reviews
Correcting the vision of discipleship
Seven years ago, I had LASIK surgery in both my eyes. After the healing, I was able to see better than 20/20! I was able to see before, but the operation sharpened my focus and revealed details that I was missing.
Paul Martin's Masterpiece did the same thing in an open discussion of how student ministry looks at discipling. It was LASIK to my beliefs on how to mentor and train up students that deeply follow Jesus. The author used personal examples, stories, expert opinion and more to reset how the church guides youth to a passionate walk with their Creator.
I needed this book and I've bought a few extra copies for volunteers and staff on my team. It is not going to give you a one-size-fits-all formula for discipling. It will give you the tools to challenge yourself and your ministry to train up youth as Jesus would by understanding the process and living out the presence of our Savior in the lives of students. That is how disciples are formed!
Great book
I really love the heart of this book. Creating disciples of Jesus Christ is our job as youth workers. But as Paul writes only God can do that. And I love this, our job is to walk with them through the process. In walking with them we are guiding them and showing them what a disciple looks like. A program can't do that. Thank you Paul for writing this book. I recommend it to all youth workers and sr. Pastors!
Discipling - A work of art
Paul Martin encourages us to be more creative in working with youth. His strong use of art and music is a reminder that creating a song or painting doesn't just happen. A piece of art takes time, care, patience and trail and error. He speaks of developing relationships, which require time, energy and personal involvement. One item he doesn't speak of, but which seems implied is that this type of ministry requires long time commitment. One doesn't build that in a year or three.
The book is filled with dozens of quotes from a wide range of sources. At first I found this distracting, but about half way through, I was getting it. Especially when I found quotes by folks I admire.
I appreciated the case studies and believe many youth workers and parents will find them helpful.
Lastly, while this is about discipling youth, it offers much for working with adults as well. I hope youth pastors who read this will share this with their senior pastor.