Quotes from Doug Fields

busyness is usually a sign of brokenness.

Not saying everything you think isn't about choosing to allow your body language to do the talking instead of speaking your thoughts aloud. It's about refraining from both! Keeping quiet and still.

Proverbs 21:23: "Watch your words and hold your tongue; you'll save yourself a lot of grief" (MSG).

I am not suggesting you shouldn't work hard, but I am suggesting that if you are defining your value by the chase—by your ambition, your work, and your achievement—then you are simply chasing after the wind, and ultimately, it is meaningless.

The students in your youth ministry don't need your clever ideas and great programming skills. They need a living model—a man or woman of God who is passionate about his or her faith.

No matter how impressive the structure, or how lengthy the preparation, or how unique the design, Christian communication—whether it's a sermon, a talk, a Bible study, or a devotional—that doesn't help people connect to God is a waste of time, effort, and opportunity. It's a bridge to nowhere, and a bridge to nowhere is no bridge at all.

Love is a choice, and you need a plan, and you need to use skills to keep your marriage filled with love choices.

The chase causes you to be overcommitted and under-connected. Something has to change, or your marriage will suffer the consequences.

I am so sorry that I hurt you. I know I'll make many more mistakes as time goes on, but I'll try not to make that one again.

Your biggest, most important job as the hero husband of her life is to identify the baggage, help her unload it, and then fill it up with what God would want her to know—how precious and wonderful she truly is.

The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain" (10:11 NLT).

Running a marathon is a fitting picture of youth ministry. It's not an easy task within the church. If it were, we'd have more youth workers than ushers. Youth ministry is filled with long, tiring, often unrewarding, complex, unique, intense, humorous, joy-filled, and painful experiences. Many within the body of Christ have entered the youth ministry marathon, but many quit before long, having lost joy and satisfaction. They're wounded and weary.

The good news is God isn't waiting for your perfect youth talk to do a mighty work through you.

You can't minister to everyone on your own. You must help others become ministers. Encourage your leaders to develop relationships with students.

Bigger isn't better; healthier is better. Steer clear of churches and youth workers who are driven by numbers, and surround yourself with those who are motivated by serving God faithfully and pursuing health.

The students in your youth ministry don't need your clever ideas and great programming skills. They need a living model—a man or woman of God who is passionate about his or her faith.