Youth Leader, Learn How to Read

I was called to ministry at the end of high school. I had no idea where to begin but my pastor gave me one piece of advice that has changed how I approach my personal devotion time with God, as well as my vocation as a minister. He told me, “Leaders are readers.”

It seems so simple, right? But for someone who never read anything outside of required books at school and an inconsistent quiet time, becoming “a reader” seemed like a call to ascend Mt. Everest. Not only did I have no concept of what kinds of things to read, I also doubted my ability to rise to the occasion. Also – I hated reading.

As I went through my undergrad, I tried (and failed) to love reading. I sought out books on leadership, theology, Christian living, and pastoral ministry. Some were easy to get through and seemed to connect instantly (like Dangerous Calling by Paul David Tripp), while others made no sense to me and were difficult to get through (forgive me, but my first pass at Mere Christianity nearly killed me). Even once I made it to seminary, and began my first church ministry position, reading did not come easy to me.

As I labored through school, I began to embrace the importance of reading. After all, it is one of the best ways we learn.  It is also a discipline; it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Even though I struggled with migraines, low comprehension, and a sheer lack of interest, I had to find a way to learn the discipline of reading well. I had to read material that was heavy, confusing, boring, and sometimes controversial – including books I disagreed with.

When I became a better reader, my spiritual life deepend more than I expected. I learned to pay better attention during my Bible reading, to follow the author’s arguments and to notice nuances I previously overlooked. I learned to research when I was confused or when an opposing view was presented. I learned how to offer reasons why I held certain positions so that I could teach them to my students and answer their questions. My faith and ministry were strengthened by this pursuit of knowledge.

None of that would have been possible if I had not learned how to read well. I suspect that many of us simply consider ourselves “bad at reading” since we learned to read as children but continue to have poor comprehension or get easily bored. But, like any other life skill, your reading comprehension will strengthen with time and effort.

Three Principles to Build a Reading Habit

1. Don’t Read Too Quickly

One of the easiest ways to get discouraged and frustrated is by trying to read too quickly, especially when you are covering lots of information. Not only do you need time to process what the author is saying, but you need to learn how to assess arguments. That doesn’t happen when you skim. Over time, as you get more comfortable reading, you can begin to go faster, but don’t start out trying to get through more than you need to. Don’t focus on how much you are reading as much as the quality of your reading experience. It’s not a race.

2. Don’t “Cram” Read

The second big mistake you can make is by trying to just “power through” well beyond your capacity, determining to read large sections in one sitting. Even if you take your time and read carefully, your brain can only take so much before it becomes distracted or disengaged. Sitting down and trying to read for hours at a time is a recipe for disaster (and again, discouragement), especially as you begin to build the habit. Try breaking up your reading through various parts of the day (morning and evening, for instance), read for set times per day, or read small portions of several different books. Give yourself breaks so you don’t get overloaded and spend a lot of time learning nothing. The more often you read, the longer you’ll be able to read without compromising comprehension.

3. Don’t Read Too Far 

 This last mistake is one for those who love learning and want to start right away. Don’t try to read beyond what you can understand. If you are new to reading heavier works, pace yourself. Start with introductory/summary works, not highly technical manuscripts. Start with subjects you are at least somewhat familiar with. Don’t jump into the deep end of theological inquiry on your first attempt. As you cultivate the ability to read well, you will then notice your ability to wade into those waters, but jumping in too early will be both irritating and disheartening.

What Should We Be Reading?

Now, many youth leaders may never attend seminary, and that’s ok. But everyone serving in ministry has a responsibility to “study to show yourself approved to God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed, who can rightly divide the Word of truth,” (2 Tim. 2:15). The Bible itself is a book, one that is not easy to understand at first glance. It is deeper, wider, more complex, and yes, even more confusing at times than any other book. Not only do we need discipline in reading it, but in reading other resources that help us to understand, apply, and teach it faithfully.

 So what should we be reading as youth leaders? Here are three guidelines when selecting your next book: 

1. Read Broadly

Don’t only read one length of book, one author’s books, or one genre of books. Why? Because there are a lot of good books out there, and being well-rounded is more important than trying to be an expert on one subject. Also, you don’t want to fall into an echo chamber. Read books on spiritual disciplines, theology, apologetics, pastoral ministry, cultural issues, historical biographies, fiction, etc. Read books you agree with, might agree with, and books you know you don’t agree with. These are all tools in your youth leader tool belt.

2. Read Contextually

 As youth leaders, we have students living in a particular moment. Their world is ever-changing, and the issues our students face and are concerned with are far different than what we might have been concerned about ten years ago. If we don’t read things that are contextually relevant, we are doing a disservice to our students. Gender and sexuality issues are likely more pressing to our students than the Calvinism/Arminianism debate. Apologetics might be more important to them than brushing up on Textual Criticism. It doesn’t mean those things are unimportant, but it does mean our limited reading time needs to be intentional.

3. Read Hungrily

Especially if you are trying to cultivate a reading habit, this is important: read what you are passionate about. If you spend all of your time trying to read things that other people say you should, you will get burnt out quickly. Balance is healthy in any activity, reading included. Find something you love and start there. Then, as you develop a love for other subjects, diversify what you read.

Because I am passionate about philosophy and apologetics, I try to make sure I have books in other areas (theology/ministry/spiritual disciplines) that I am reading simultaneously, only reading a chapter of each at a time. You are seeking to steward the mind God has given you, but it doesn’t happen overnight. Start small, stay disciplined, and challenge yourself. Then enjoy the reading life and watch how your walk with God will grow.

What am I reading now?

You’re Only Human - Kelly Kapic

On the Meaning of Sex – J. Budziszewski

Superheroes Can’t Save You - Todd Miles (YPT review here)

Anatomy of a Revived Church - Thom Rainer

Person of Interest – J. Warner Wallace