Beyond Leaf Raking: Learning to Serve/Serving to Learn (Essentials for Christian Youth! Series)

The research evidence is clear: Not only is serving others theologically appropriate, but youth who serve others are more likely to have a positive outlook on life and are less likely than other youth to be involved in at-risk behaviors. Beyond Leaf Raking presents a foundation for youth service, shows how to integrate service-learning into youth ministry, and features stories and illustrations from congregations. In addition, this resource includes practical checklists, worksheets, surveys, guidelines for congregations, and a formal evaluation tool for measuring the impact of service of youth.

Peter L. Benson is president of Search Institute in Minneapolis and the author of The Quicksilver Years and Determining the Needs in Youth Ministry.

Eugene C. Roehlkepartain is Director, Family and Congr egation Initiatives for Search Institute. He has been editor of Youth Ministry Resources for Group Books, and is also a columnist whose articles have appeared in The Christian Century and Christian Ministry.