I was a little disappointed by this very engaging book by Dr. Burns. Not because of the plethora of information, research and insights into youth ministry. I simply had just finished two great books on building youth ministry by Doug Fields, Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry and Mark DeVries Sustainable Youth Ministry. Both the above books were published after the eminent work of Dr. Burns. Fields and Devries books I read before Dr. Burns Uncommon Youth Ministry. Don't get me wrong, all three books are very relevant and applicable in their own ways to growing and maintaining a vibrant and healthy youth ministry. What piqued my interest in Mr. Burns' book was how he highlighted three key elements in the growth of youth ministry. Acceptance, validation and empowerment of today's youth. I think Fields and DeVries borrow from the wise Dr. Burns, which is in a way the greatest compliment you can pay another writer, teacher, or mentor. So I had already read a lot of the information. Mr. Burn's book is filled with many ways a church can empower a young person to m...