The Perfect Program and Other Fairy Tales: Confessions of a Well-Intentioned Youth Worker

by David Chow

Just for youth pastors Once Upon a Time, there was the perfect program. . . and then you woke up. Okay, so the perfect program doesn't exist. Fortunately, we serve the perfect Savior and He makes the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1576838226
• ISBN13: 9781576838228
• Release Date: October 2005
• Publisher: Th1nk Books
• Length: 133 Pages
• Weight: 0.36 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.6" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

David verbalizes what many of us experience in ministry

What I loved about this book was Dave's honest and transparent reflection about what he's experienced through his journey as youth leader. His career reminds me that, in ministry, bigger doesn't mean better and that both rookie and veteran leaders struggle to express their calling to love teenagers. Dave's book is refreshing because, instead of trying to convince us that he's got the "silver bullet" for youth ministry success, he invites us into his world and asks us to walk with him. It's honest. It's real. This book will be great for those in a mentor/mentee relationship seeking a resource to help them springboard into great weekly discussions.

We could learn a lot from this guy...

Anyone could benefit from Chow's book, but I especially recommend it to new youth workers, discouraged youth workers, and task-oriented leaders (you know who you are). He writes upfront that this isn't a "how to" or an "answer" book. But his insights are invaluable for those who have had a hard time in youth work or who have an "ideal" of what youth ministry is supposed to look like all the time. Chow lets us in on his character flaws and ministry mistakes and tells us two important things: 1) how we can learn from his tough experiences, and 2) how God worked through and in spite of those mistakes. A rare book from someone willing to show their "uglies", without blame shifting or claiming victim status, for the benefit of others. The other key element I appreciated about this book is that it proves that effectiveness in youth ministry isn't based on personality or uber-right-brained-ness. He shares - quite vulnerably - regrets from being task-oriented over people-oriented, but proves that a humble, broken person is far more valuable in Kingdom work than a personality drenched perfectionist. My only two pauses: I would've liked to read more of Chow's successes in this book and more elaboration on his take on that topic from the pit - numbers.

Honest and encouraging

David Chow, having served as a youth pastor in both small churches and megachurches, shares honest lessons from his failures and mess-ups; and then gives insightful glimpses into what true success in ministry involves. If you're thinking about serving in youth ministry, check this book out. It'll help you stay on track amid the potholes of reality. A quick-read that's worth the time.

Behind the Scenes

FINALLY!!!....a book that doesn't "sugar coat" the real world of youth ministry!!! David Chow digs deeply to reveal God's grace through the scars and struggles of a well intentioned youth worker with ridiculous expectations. This book gives permission for youth workers to enjoy the journey of serving God and experience His grace through failing forward! Any veteran in youth ministry will give witness to the realities of the pain, struggles and victories Chow addresses in this book.