Description:
Pinocchio vs. the Real Boy is a call to all of us youth workers to be real and let go of the masks we wear. We struggle on our own too often, neglecting to get rid of the junk in our hearts and lives, which leads to unhealthy ministry and teens who are disillusioned. Pinocchio vs. the Real Boy is a guide to authentic living and teaching that will enable us to start healthy, stay healthy, and teach healthy. As a result, we will be better equipped to encourage teens to know God loves them as they are, but He loves them too much to leave them that way! "Let's be real! In this book, Marv shares stories and insights from his personal journey that will help youth, parents, and leaders meet the burning desire in the hearts of many for transparency in the Church." -John Stanko, author of Changing the Way We Do Church "I believe you'll find Marv's words helpful and his spirit contagious. I pray that is the case, for we must stem the rising tide of young men and women walking away from faith because of disintegration within and deception without." -Dr. Rockwell Dillaman, Lead Pastor, Allegheny Center Alliance Church, Pittsburgh "Marv walks his talk...as a youth pastor, husband, father, and Christ-follower. I love his passionate heart and call to help us all remember to put first things first. Marv does this...by walking alongside of us, in the messiness that is daily life in ministry." -Len Kageler, Ph.D. Chair, Nyack College Youth Ministry Department "Marvin Nelson writes with a raw honesty that is rarely seen in the church. This book succeeds in lifting up Jesus in the midst of the brokenness that is common to us all. I love the joy that shines through pain in this book. You will too." -Dr. Ron Walborn, Academic Dean of Alliance Theological Seminary "We cannot build an authentic community until we first learn to become authentic ourselves- real, open, and honest. Reading this book will help you develop the foundation necessary to form Jesus-centered disciples." -Warren Bird, Ph.D., research director, Leadership Network, co-author of 23 books Marv Nelson is the husband of Hilary Nelson, father of Marv Junior (MJ), and a youth pastor in an inner-city church of Pittsburgh, PA. He's been a youth worker in some capacity for more than eight years. Marv wrote an article for YouthSpecialties.com, has a game published with Group Magazine, and has been blogging for more than three years at www.youthmaster.blogspot.com. He loves Jesus, the Bible, and getting youth to be serious, contagious followers of Christ!
