Youth Ministry

Youth ministry is a vital part of a TCK’s life. It cannot be presumed that a TCK is following the Lord just because his or her parents are. Here are some resources to help those who speak into our youth.

Books

Dealing with TCK Issues

Finding Home: Third Culture Kids in the World, by Rachel Jones (compilation of essays)
A compilation of essays that explores the realities of children raised internationally.

Fitted Pieces: A Guide for Parent’s Educating Children Overseas, edited by Janet Blomberg and David Brooks
A comprehensive collection of articles from authors considered to be experts in the field of educating children in a cultural context outside their passport country

Hiding in the Hallway: Anchoring Yourself as an MK, by Jeanne Harrison
Written specifically to missionary teens, Hiding in the Hallway offers MKs a biblical context for faith in light of their unique circumstances, challenges, and opportunities

Misunderstood: The Impact of Growing up Overseas in the 21st Century, by Tanya Crossman
“Misunderstood explores the impact international life can have on the children of such families – while they live overseas, when they return, and as they mature into adults.”

Re•Entry: Making the Transition from Missions to Life at Home, by Jordan
Talks about issues to be dealt with when returning to one’s passport country

Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss, by DeKlyen and Schweibert
All TCKs experience grief, and Tear Soup explains in a simple way and helps people go through the grieving process.

Third Culture Kids: A Gift to Care For, by Ulrika Ernvik
Contains interactive and reflective activities to help TCKs integrate and embrace all their experiences.

Understanding & Nurturing the Missionary Family, edited by Pam Echerd and Alice Arathoon
The result of one of the first conferences on MKs in 1987. Still has relevant information on TCKs.

Dealing with Teen Issues

Cleared for Takeoff: 50 Ways Parents Can Help Their Teenagers Grow Up, Out and into Lives of Their Own, by Wayne Rice and Dan Pagoda
A handbook to help kids develop into independent adults

Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper
“John Piper makes a passionate plea to the next generation to avoid the dangers of a wasted life, calling us to take risks and make sacrifices that matter for eternity―with a single, soul-satisfying passion for the glory of God that seeks to make much of him in every sphere of our lives.”

Quick Silver: Adventure Games, Initiative Problems, Trust Activities and a Guide to Effective Leadership, by Rohnke/Butler
Full of ideas for games of various kinds.

Other Books

The Knowledge of the Holy, by A.W. Tozier
A classic on the nature of God.

Pursuit of God, by A.W. Tozier
“Using examples from Scripture and from the lives of saints who lived with this thirst for God, Tozer sheds light on the path to a closer walk with God.”

Any book by C.S. Lewis

Respectable Sins, by Jerry Bridges
“Helps readers understand and commit to a life of holiness by examining patterns of behavior we often accept as normal, rather than as violations of God’s law.”

Websites

Axis is a ministry aimed at teens, fostering conversations about tough topics, and keeping up with the culture that teens live in in the US.

Youthministry.com has blogs, podcasts and other helps.

Youth Specialties has blogs and resources you can purchase.

Josh McDowell Ministry has a blog on many different topics, along with articles on apologetics, spiritual growth, sex and relationships, and youth and family.

YM360 has blogs, curriculum, and some free things. Most of their curriculum comes with a cost.

Sticky Faith has a blog, a list of resources you can buy, and a monthly e-journal you can sign up for.

Radical: (David Platt) Contains a lot of podcasts on various topics (http://www.radical.net/resources).

Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations (Bret and Alex Harris) A book encouraging young people to boldly live their faith and lead a life beyond that of others’ low expectations of teens. 

“Tech Talk Tuesdays” is a blog written by a pediatrician who has done a lot of research into technology and its effects on teens. While she promotes her movie at the end of every blog, her blogs touch on subjects that are relevant. You can subscribe to the blog.

True U: (High School version based off Truth Project). Outstanding, apologetics-based material to prepare your students to face the secular world and ground their personal theology. 3 different 10 part video series with discussion.
TrueU Set # 1 – Does God Exist? Building the Scientific Case (hosted by Dr. Stephen Meyer)
TrueU Set # 2 – Is the Bible Reliable? Building the Historical Case (Dr. Stephen Meyer)
TrueU Set # 3 – Who is Jesus? Building a Comprehensive Case (hosted by Dr. Del Tackett)

TCK Specific Resources:

TCK World – Ruth Van Reken, co-author with David Pollock, of The Third Culture Kid Experience, resources and writings.

I Have to Be Perfect (And Other Parsonage Heresies) by Timothy Sanford.
Touches on some deep heart issues many MKs struggle with that are sometimes underneath the surface. Includes the “good kids” that you may not suspect are struggling.