Youth Ministry Resources
Review: “Single, Dating, Friendship & Romance” (Flies & Myles)
Dec
STOCKING STUFFER ALERT!! “SINGLE, DATING, FRIENDSHIP & ROMANCE” BY HEATHER FLIES & TONY MYLES
A great book from my two amazing friends and youth ministry veterans, Heather Flies and Tony Myles. Single, Dating, Friendship & Romance is a refreshing and insightful read for your students that is both practical and spiritually enriching. This book stands out for its blend of wisdom, humor, and thoughtful reflection, offering a balanced perspective on relationships—whether students are single, dating, or just trying to navigate friendships. The book provides not only Biblical wisdom but also actionable advice that helps teen readers grow in their understanding of healthy relationships.
One of the best aspects of this book is it’s actually a collection of 40-day short daily devotionals. Each day offers students a short challenge focusing on a specific theme related to relationships, such as self-worth, boundaries, or understanding love. The book’s real beauty lies in its interactive writing elements, which encourage readers to engage with the material actively each day. After introducing a key concept, each devotional includes journaling prompts or reflective questions that guide readers to think about their own experiences and relational patterns. These exercises prompt introspection, helping students connect the truths to their own lives and reflect on their personal growth.
What I particularly appreciated about the book is how it strikes a perfect balance between spiritual guidance and practical advice. Heather and Tony don’t just tell you what to do in relationships—they walk you through the why and how, all while rooting their advice in faith. Their candidness, humor, and honesty make the book feel approachable and relatable, and the interactive elements help transform it from a simple read into an engaging, self-reflective experience.
Whether you, as a youth pastor, are looking to help students strengthen their friendships, navigate dating with purpose, or simply understand themselves better in the context of relationships, this book is an invaluable resource. It offers a solid foundation for building God-centered relationships, and the interactive devotional format ensures that you’re reading passively and engaging with the material in a way that leads to real growth.
I would highly recommend Single, Dating, Friendship & Romance to parents as a meaningful stocking stuffer as they help their children in seeking to develop more intentional, meaningful, and spiritually aligned connections in their lives.
