Just finished interviewing one of my doctoral candidates during the defense of his dissertation. His paper was on Youth Pastors and Aging and it was absolutely fascinating. He's blown up the way I look at Youth Pastors growing old in the ministry of Student Ministry. Rick [the candidate] is 58 and totally gets student ministry and how to use his age in his role as student pastor.
Dan Burrell / Professor
"The information and research that Rick Harris has compiled concerning the aging process and how it influences youth ministry was very informative and enlightening to me as a pastor. I now have a much clearer understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of various age groups of youth pastors that will prove to be very helpful to me in the future when faced with the selection process. I would highly recommend this resource to other pastors and search committees."
Wes Belcher / Pastor
“I’ve had the privilege of being a student ministries pastor in the same church for the last 20 years. Rick has beautifully captured the stages that a youth minister goes through (at least in the first 3 age brackets that I’ve experienced). It is almost scary as to how accurate his research was! I mean, he nailed it! His work reminded me that my struggles are normal, my strengths are needed, and that I can make it as a “lifer” in youth ministry! Rick’s work will be an excellent help to all youth pastors, no matter their age and stage of ministry, and to youth pastor search committees! Thanks, Dr. Rick! This is incredible stuff!”