Learning the who, what, where, and why of resources is a challenge. If you are not sure what to look for, it is hard to know which of the many resources available in catalogs, advertisements, and local bookstores is the one or ones you should buy. This section is designed to help you make some decisions about how to select resources and ask questions of speakers or musicians or other people you might hire, and provides a form to help make looking at videos and films more fruitful, as well as some lists of printed resources to help you begin your youth ministries library.

There are a great many resources available for youth ministries. Many are very good, some can be adapted for use, and others are just not appropriate for Episcopal Youth Ministries. The Episcopal Church produces many resources in various areas each year. Not all of them are aimed at young people, but many can be used by youth groups. Use the criteria that follow as a transfer guide for using these materials.

You will find a variety of people around who can help you in youth ministries. Certainly there are people in your community who would be good speakers or role models for young people, or who have particular skills for youth ministries. It is important that you know each person and have heard him or her speak or have previewed his or her demonstration before issuing an invitation to come to your group. If you are unfamiliar with a speaker, be sure to get a recommendation from someone you trust who has worked with the person or seen his or her work. The criteria for written resources apply to speakers as well.

Music can be approached the same way. Listen to music before discussing it. Use the questions for films and video as a guide for discussing music. Use the intentions as criteria to evaluate music. Choose musicians for conferences whom you know and respect or who have worked with people you trust. Know their philosophy and theology before hiring them. Not all music that is billed as "Christian" is necessarily any more desirable than some "secular" music.

Remember that resources do not make a program, people do. It is possible to have a good youth ministries program without a lot of printed resources, videos, or dynamic speakers. The relationship with God and other human beings that you are building are the most important parts of youth ministries. Being a vital part of the community of Christ is more important than razzle-dazzle programming. Some of the best resources for youth ministries are the people of your congregation and community. Find them! Look for museums, art galleries, service centers, jails, hospitals, libraries, colleges, and centers providing day care for children and older people.