Learn Before You Leap

Book excerpt: Designed to introduce and promote the use of case studies and strategic intentional interviews into the growing and developing of present and future youth workers, Learn Before You Leap provides an argument for the use of “problem centered learning” strategies that are common practices in the areas of the social sciences, leadership and business but not yet publicly developed or resourced in the growing field of youth ministry education. Learn Before You Leap also: Helps new youth workers process situations they’ll encounter through role play. Enables veteran youth workers to keep sharp and mentor younger youth workers and volunteers. Uses Problem Based Learning to help promote critical thinking and problem solving in the youth ministry context. Discusses the value and strategies for using interviews as a ministry development tool. Includes ten case studies each addressing issues common to youth ministry organized by topical focus and a fully developed interview worksheet on the given topic—appropriate to a formal class room setting, an online threaded discussion, an informal youth ministry network lunch, a one-on-one internship discussion over coffee, or an individual reading.