Parenting a New Generation: A Tool for Parents and Student Pastors to Understand and Lead Today’s Students
Orange, 2011, $129
Contents:
2 DVDs 13 sessions total
1 CD containing PDF files of small group discussion material

When one of the most respected voices in youth ministry features in a video series about youth culture, youth workers should take notice. When the content is engaging, research-based, founded on solid biblical theology with anecdotes and humor throughout, it is far broader in its scope and designed for a wider audience. In 13 15- to 20-minute sessions, Chap Clark eruditely explains some of the most complex and often confusing social issues in regard to young people and development. His wisdom, gleaned not only from research, but a lifetime of youth ministry and raising his own family, exudes throughout the conversations.

Though the title implies these sessions are all about parenting, the initial focus—true to Chap’s research and writing (Hurt)—addresses the world of young people and all they are experiencing. Once that foundation is established, it paves the way for Chap to offer some insight and thought-provoking questions to aid parents and youth workers who are guiding and mentoring adolescents through this life stage.

As the content shifts from understanding the current adolescent experience toward raising and mentoring teens Chap develops what he calls the 5 Family Values: Widen the Circle, Imagine the End, Fight for the Heart, Create a Rhythm, and Make it Personal. The bulk of the series breaks each of these down into several digestible segments. The discussion material builds on these themes adding biblical content and multilayered questions that will foster worthwhile conversation and promote application.

Often with DVD curriculum the content dates quickly and sits on a shelf after only one or two uses. Though culture will continue to change the material found here will remain useful because of the universal principles it contains. This would be great material for leader training over the course of a semester or an extended leadership retreat. It would also be ideal for a small group study or Sunday School class for parents of teens or preteens. Don’t miss the opportunity to encourage parents and promote greater understanding in the family environment.