Books by Stephanie Caro

“99 THOUGHTS FOR THE SMALLER CHURCH YOUTH WORKER”

Here is my next book installment in Simply Youth Ministry’s pledge to give smaller church youth workers the ideas, skills and encouragement needed to do this thing called Youth Ministry!

Similar to the other 99 Thoughts books, this edition gives short, concise insights into the key topic buckets faced by youth workers working with smaller numbers. “Doing More With Less” is the book’s subtitle and its mantra into making the most of what’s available – which is often not alot. Chapters include thoughts about volunteers, parents, small church mentality, finances, programming, student leadership, big vs small, personal soul care and a hodge-podge of leftovers from inside my head.

THE MOST EXCITING PART?  I should have listed this sooner: A bunch of smaller church youth workers from around the country have written into this book. Lots of the stories, problems and solutions are a part of each chapter. I am so excited about this! 

Should be out for download and in print soon; you’ll be able to get copies at the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in March. Since it will be a really reasonable price, its the kind of book you can get for each member of your team.

“THRIVING YOUTH MINISTRY IN SMALLER CHURCHES”

 ”Thriving Youth Ministry in Smaller Churches”, will officially be available Jan 4, 2010. ( I hope so – ’cause my mom still thinks I’m making it up like my imaginary childhood church where I was the pastor and I beat people if they didn’t take communion. )

Written in collaboration with my friend, Rick Chromey, it’s geared for the majority of youth workers in America – people working in smaller church with smaller size groups. FACT: Did you know that Rick’s original version of this book is like Group’s top #12th selling book? See? There are a lot of us out there!

Rick takes us through his brilliant insight into who and what smaller church youth ministries are. I’m not that smart…since I’m serving in the smaller church youth (and children’s) ministry trenches, my piece is the practical, hands-on, ideas, creative stuff.

My real hope? As you read it, you and I and a bunch of others will chat back and forth about our ministries. We’ll create this HUGE online community who will band together, rise up and take over the 10 largest youth rooms in America for one night of the ultimate lock-in for our little groups. (OK, that last part was silly but I’ve had a lot of caffeine today).

Got it? Then get it. Good!

Got it? Then get it. Good!

Anyway, order it at www.simplyyouthministry.com; there is a paperback version and a downloadable.

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Rick Chromey at 6:40pm January 8

Stephanie is the BEST and I’m very excited about this book and its potential in the Kingdom. She nailed it on the applications and ideas. So YES, mom, Steph did contribute quite nicely to our book. You can be proud!

I hope to also hang out here occasionally and offer continued insights. If you have a specific question feel free to write me personally (rickchromey@gmail.com) or visit my website: http://www.rickchromey.com

I’m also available to speak for youth worker training events, conferences and conventions, as I’m sure Stephanie is to. Let’s start a revolution. Think different. Dare to dream BIG. Don’t count the kids, make the kids count. And always remember, smaller is TALLER.

Matt Blair at 2:11pm January 3

So… I’ve had your book for about… holy cow!… I just looked up the invoice and I ordered this thing a flippin year ago this week! I’ve been on a hiatus from reading any books outside of scripture for a while now (still not sure if that was a good idea or not). However, GOD has been urging me to read this book over the last couple months. I picked it up before Thanksgiving and then put it down until my least favorite time of year was over (I think next year we should all do one of two things: 1. skip from the day after Thanksgiving until January 1 OR 2. be free from any work/church responsibilities during those same dates. What do you think?)

I just finished chapter four and I’m taking the advice to tell you my story.

My name is Matt… Matthew Lee Blair to be exact. I’m 6’5″, weigh more than I should according to insurance companies and InStyle, turning 30 in 2 months and my blessing of a wife, B, and I are expecting our firstborn child, Annabel, to be born on February 26th. My wife is the now, part-time, soon to be quarter-time administrative assistant/graphic designer/children’s ministry volunteer coordinator. She is also my most helpful youth ministry volunteer (not sure what I’m going to do in a couple months) and leads worship with me on Sundays playing keys and singing lead.

I am the full-time Staff Minister (talk about generalist… even the title is general HA!) at Church Of The Cross in Anniston, AL. I am responsible for leading & developing the worship arts and youth ministry of COTC. I’ve also started a quarter-time business (yard care) to supplement our income with the arrival of our new bambino.

I went to school for music & biblical education. Finished my undergrad, but indefinitely paused my masters at NOBTS when Katrina hit. (this is in some weird way starting to feel like a resume | reh-zoo-may | & in case anyone is wondering… I’m not looking for another job… though no one is porblem wondering anyway).

Two things I told GOD I had no interest in doing (when I was attempting to surrender to vocational ministry… again): 1. youth ministry AND 2. worship leadership for adult congregations

I’ve learned not to tell GOD what I have no interest in doing (I think… actually… probably not).

I’m currently in this love-hate relationship called youth ministry, & I thank GOD for this book and the stirring of creativity, passion & empathy in my heart & soul. Thank you & GOD bless you for your obedience and vulnerability.

Matt