Most of the books I’ve authored have been published by Zondervan. The good folks there have a practice of sending authors a copy of a book when there are additional printings. So, if they print off 5000 copies for the first run, for each 1000 they would print after that of a book, the author would get a large envelope with a copy from that printing in it. Nice. Today, I just got another one of these mailings for High School Talksheets: Life of Christ.
A few years ago, the publishers at Youth Specialties asked me to take the well-proven Talksheets format and infuse it with a solid biblical focus on the life of Christ. Since I had spent 15 years in youth ministry – and many of that writing curriculum for both parachurch and local church ministry – I jumped at the chance. I wrote one for middle school and another for high school. And both have done well.
In writing these, I worked from a harmony of the Gospels and scoured various commentaries to make sure I had a range of input on the text and a proper order. I also used the Logos software program for an additional view on the original languages (just to be sure!). Then, I let the creativity fly for the helps, the ‘extras’ and the practical methods to involve students in the story and yet maintain a thoroughness and level of excellence in teaching the topic.
I’m thrilled that the response has been so strong for this book and even stronger for the middle school version (which really is different – and even has a few different lessons). The books have been recommended for use in Christian camping, have found a home in a wide range of denominations (which is good), and they are a great resource for youth workers’ shelves in that ‘pinch’ when prep time is limited.
Anyway, sorry for the commercial. I’m just happy that these are working well for youth leaders. If you haven’t got one for your local youth worker, you can pick these up through some outlets quite cheaply (as low as $0.85 new!)- and they make a nice ‘surprise’ gift.
Popularity: 5%
Recent Comments