Now in its 20th year, the 2023 Outreach Resources of the Year honors the past year’s best books that emphasize outreach-oriented ministries.
Last fall we invited publishers and authors to submit resources with release dates between Nov. 1, 2021, and Oct. 31, 2022. The Outreach magazine editorial team then sorted qualifying titles into 10 key categories for review by expert panelists in each field.
The panelists thoughtfully evaluated each submission and chose one or more as an Outreach Resource of the Year, then highlighted other titles as “Also Recommended.” Here are the winners for the Youth and Kids category.
YOUTH AND KIDS
Evaluated by Russell St. Bernard, an Outreach magazine contributing editor; director of strategic ministry operations at Kingdom Fellowship AME Church in Calverton, Maryland; and founder of After the Music Stops, Ministry Pivot and The Pivot University.
RESOURCES OF THE YEAR
The Apostles’ Creed: For All God’s Children by Ben Myers; illustrated by Natasha Kennedy (Lexham Press)
The authors have done an amazing job, from the illustrations to the explanation of the Apostles’ Creed, which is such an important part of our Christian faith. Each part of the Apostles’ Creed is explained and illustrated with images that are culturally inclusive. This book would be a great daily resource for parents and youth ministry leaders to use. It will help to develop young believers.
Gentegration: Connecting Leaders Across Generations by Bobby Manning (StreetLight Ministries)
One key to an effective youth ministry is how the different generations work together. Bobby Manning does a great job in this book from his research to his practical situations in outlining ways to connect the generations in the church and community. Gentegration gives a historical outline of each generation, how they can and should work together, and ways leadership can be more effective in engaging each generation, including children. This is a great tool and resource for your ministry team.
ALSO RECOMMENDED
How to Fight Racism (Young Reader’s Edition): A Guide to Standing Up for Racial Justice by Jemar Tisby (Zonderkidz)
Jemar Tisby expands his book of the same title for younger readers, and it is great. He walks through racism historically, biblically and socially in order to help readers not just see the issue but its many causes and some solutions.
The Case for Heaven (Young Reader’s Edition): Investigating What Happens After Our Life on Earth by Lee Strobel (Zonderkidz)
Based on his book of the same title, Lee Strobel encourages young readers to ask the hard questions about heaven and their lives.
Read about the other 2023 Outreach Resources of the Year honorees »