Nick Arnold

Through two chapters the book hasn't said much except to stir my interest. I agree with a lot of the main points that Geiger argues, that student ministry today is too complex. It's very similar to the description of Youth Ministry 2.0 that Mark Oestreicher talks about in his book, 'Youth Ministry 3.0.'

I'm glad to know that I'm already looking to shape my student ministry in much the same way that the book suggests thus far. Maybe this book will help me sharpen the rougher edges of this plan.

"Student ministry leaders must be both incarnational and intentional."

"Student ministry leaders often wish these events could last forever because of what happens when the event is over. But the 'camp high' is short lived. In spite of the morning devotional on the beach about how 'not to let the fire die,' it does. And the return to normal life is painful to watch."

"Discipleship is not merely information transfer; it is life transfer."

"The key concept in 'Simple Church' is not the word 'simple.' The key concept is the word 'process.'"

"When kids would ask, 'When are we having a lock-in?' Eric's standard response become, 'When are you going to have a quiet time?'"

"The budget for that camp alone could have floated a third-world country for a weekend, but at least we have the t-shirts."

"Is this really what God has called me to do? Plan the social lives of these kids?"

There is a difference between "herding" and "shepherding." The former suggests merely getting warm bodies to show up to the event and behave themselves. The latter suggests genuine care for those who are in the flock.

"And now, Harry, let us step out into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure."

The book should be titled "A Dance with Martin's Ever-Extending Deadlines."

I'm rereading this book before the movie release this summer. Less than a month to go!