10 Mistakes I Made in Youth Ministry

“This is not a book about abstract theories and trends. This is an in-the-trenches practical guide that will help you navigate some of the challenges you’re already facing in youth ministry. Buy a few copies and discuss it with your team!”
Mike Kelsey, Lead Pastor, McLean Bible Church

“This book will be a great learning resource for youth leaders, both new and old. Arranged into three helpful sections: mistakes in ministry philosophy, people, and processes, it uses both personal stories and ministry examples to offer important reflection and guidance for those serving teenagers in the trenches of youth ministry.”
Danny Kwon, Senior Director of Youth Ministry Content and Cross Cultural Initiatives, Rooted Ministry; former youth pastor

“I loved this! Honest and thoughtful, 10 Mistakes I Made in Youth Ministry is a treasure trove of practical advice. Steve’s humble admissions are relatable and entertaining, enough to encourage any youth pastor. But the best part is the way he draws true, wise, gospel-centered guidance from each one. I’d encourage anyone involved with youth ministry, from senior pastors to volunteers to parents, to pick this up. Highly recommend!”
Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra, Senior Writer and faith-and-work editor, The Gospel Coalition; coauthor of Gospelbound: Living with Resolute Hope in an Anxious Age

“Steve Eatmon is a faithful youth worker who, like the rest of us, has learned some valuable lessons the hard way. Thankfully, he’s also humble enough to admit it! I strongly recommend this book, especially to new youth leaders, with confidence it will help you avoid a few of these same mistakes yourself.”
Mike McGarry, Director, Youth Pastor Theologian; veteran youth pastor; author of Iconic, Discover, Lead Them to Jesus, and A Biblical Theology of Youth Ministry

“With characteristic honesty and humility, Steve Eatmon shares his ministry experience so that others may learn from his mistakes. This book is a treasure trove of hard-won wisdom that youth leaders will be able to apply practically and spiritually in their churches and relationships.”
AnnaMeade Harris, Senior Director of Content, Rooted Ministry; author of God’s Grace for Every Family

“What makes us most human is to admit that we possess shortcomings and experience failures. In this volume, Steve candidly expresses some of the harsher realities and realizations of serving in youth ministry. Yet what remains unwavering is his faithful, unbridled desire to share that wisdom.”
Dorothy Lau, Youth Director, Chinese Bible Church of Maryland

“Honest, humble, and full of wisdom, Steve Eatmon’s 10 Mistakes I Made in Youth Ministry is a refreshing reminder that some of the best lessons in ministry come through failure and God’s grace. Steve’s reflections are practical, timeless, and deeply helpful for anyone who wants to shepherd students faithfully.”
Keith Seymour, Youth Pastor, McLean Bible Church Prince William, Manassas, VA

“Reinventing the wheel is no longer a rite of passage when you glean from Steve Eatmon’s tested wisdom for cross-cultural youth ministry. The author lays a solid foundation of evaluation and equipping by sharing his mistakes with candor and humility. This book is a practical primer to anchor the next gen ministry in your local church.”
Terrence Shay, Family Pastor, First Chinese Baptist Church, Walnut, CA

Steve Eatmon, MDiv, serves as an English pastor at the Chinese Bible Church of Maryland in the DC area, having previously served in youth ministry for over a decade. He has written articles for Rooted Ministry and The Gospel Coalition. He and his wife, Heather, have two children.

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