Being new to the youth pastor role the author Weston Blaha gives great practical ways to help you do a better job in the role of working with the youth or to be honest any role in your church or out of church. I might be new to the youth pastor role but I am not new to the “working world” . And in this book it breaks down ideas and ways to not only to help be better but change the negative stereotypes that you may be labeled with. And its all done with backing of scripture, past success and failures. And because of all that you can glean so much and see real examples . This book will be a tool that I use throughout my life , it will NOT be sitting on the shelf. -On Student Ministry Field Guide: Debunking the “Big Kid” Label

Generally speaking, a “Field Guide” is a compact resource that is meant to be carried into the field and contains valuable insight that can be applied immediately to the reader’s situation. This can be in the form of helping the reader identify their surroundings, detailing instructions to solve specific common problems, or giving overall sound direction. With that in mind, the title of this book is as accurate as the content and information found therein. This is a useful tool for youth pastors that provides a significant amount of practical and relevant advice without having to sacrifice also being rooted squarely in biblical truth.

As a disclaimer, I am not a pastor (youth or otherwise). But, it is still refreshing to see such a well-written book available for those that have been called to the ministry. In fact, I have personally purchased over a dozen copies to send out to youth pastors across the South, and would recommend you do the same. We have an obligation to equip those charged with leading our youth with the resources they need to succeed. -On Student Ministry Field Guide: Debunking the “Big Kid” Label

“It has been said that common sense is not all that common. Weston Blaha has written a useful tool for youth ministers and churches that is heavy on common sense. Much of the advice and instruction given in Student Ministry Field Guide should be common practice in student ministry, and yet so much of it is not so common in our churches. Weston has succeeded in providing big-picture ideals with hands-on instruction, all built on a solid theological, biblical foundation. So much good stuff in only 100 pages! The prompts in the Appendix are worth the cost of this book. I did student ministry for 17 years, and I have no doubt I would have benefited from this book at any point in those 17 years. Now, as a pastor, I was blessed and challenged, and I will make it required reading for our youth staff.” -On Student Ministry Field Guide: Debunking the “Big Kid” Label

“Weston does a fantastic job conveying real life experiences into important and current principles. His examples were helpful and will be something new youth pastors look to for help and old youth pastors look to for reminders for years to come.” -On Student Ministry Field Guide: Debunking the “Big Kid” Label

“The only word I have to describe this book is finally. Finally, someone wrote what leaders need to know about beginning the youth ministry journey and avoiding its many land mines. What makes this book stand out from others is that it is a youth ministry guide from a typical-sized youth ministry. Most other youth ministry books seem to be written from the perspective of youth leaders with large numbers of students and leaders, as well as seemingly unmatched budgets. This book is different. Weston has crafted this book through his very own path into youth ministry. I have been lucky enough to witness his amazing call to serve his church and student ministry. Through this book, you will find a road map to have a fruitful and healthy student ministry. In the following pages, I believe you will find God’s keys to impacting the next generation.” -On Student Ministry Field Guide: Debunking the “Big Kid” Label

“Over the course of 15 years as a youth leader, Weston has learned the dos and don’ts required for success in youth ministry and presents them here to spur young youth leaders toward maturity in ministry. Pastors, buy this book for your youth leaders and discuss it with them weekly. Veteran youth leaders, this book will help you train aspiring leaders. Youth workers of all stripes, discuss this book with a friend and sharpen each other as iron sharpens iron.” -On Student Ministry Field Guide: Debunking the “Big Kid” Label