Youth Ministry in a Post-Christian World: A Hopeful Wake-Up Call

by Brock Morgan

Foreword by Chap Clark"Youth Ministry in a Post-Christian World is, above all, a story of honesty and hope. If you're looking for another program manual of youth ministry how-tos and free advice, keep looking. But if you need a friend in the trenches, whose journey will make you feel a little less alone, then this is your next read."-Kenda Creasy Dean"This book is an invitation to reaching teenagers and calling them into an amazing life with Jesus."-Tic LongThe world is changing and it s changing us in some ways for the better. It requires us to reconsider the ways we think about and interact with the people around us. The good news is that thoughtful, humble, and curious youth workers are making headway in today s world.Youth Ministry in a Post-Christian World is the collection of humble, story-driven, pragmatic and Jesus-focused reflections of a fellow youth worker forced to reconsider everything he knew about youth everything except the gospel, that is.

Genres: Christianity, Theology

153 pages, Paperback

First published September 24, 2013

Reviews

[JLynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book seems like "family talk," from one youth leader to another. If I read it through young, youth worker eyes, I can understand how, why and what Morgan is saying.

But, I'm not a youth worker, so through my parent eyes, this book feels snarky and theologically loose. The writing feels like a long talk that seeks to be real (dropping 3-4 "what the hells"), but comes off concerning.

I'd like to know what Morgan believes and teaches, but I can't decipher it through this book. My biggest concern is that Morgan may be a follower of Brian McLaren and red-letter Christians.

I believe that kids are in a different environment these days and need thoughtful engagement with their questions. But I also believe that the Word of God is a relevant anchor to our kids' souls, the best way to know Jesus and needs to be highly valued in any youth ministry. After reading this book, I don't know if Morgan shares that belief.

[Alex English · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring, hopeful, and well-written.

[Mark Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a bit late getting around to reading this book but in the several years since it was written it has become increasingly relevant. Brock speaks directly to the tension I feel between my own concern for orthodoxy and the need to simply love students as Jesus would. Why would I want to have a narrower view of who “qualifies” than Jesus does? Brock challenged me to open my heart to students even when their perspective on a social issue, or even a theological one, is different than mine. Love them first and then we can have conversations about the finer points.

[Alonzo Berry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but a little outdated.

[Rachel Blom · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant, informative and inspiring read about doing youth ministry in this time and age. What I love most is the optimism, the sense that we can do this, that we can still reach kids for jesus in this culture. So many books on postmodernism and post-Christianity are so depressing and negative. Brock Morgan not only speaks from experience - he's a youth pastor in New England, which is one of the most postmodern areas in the USA- but he speaks from love as well. Love for teens and love for youth pastors. He's vulnerable and shares his own struggles as well, which I loved. A must-read for anyone involved in youth ministry.

[Amy Lajiness · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a quick read (I devoured it in two settings). Brock is humble in his suggestions and in sharing his own personal experiences. He really reminds the reader that we are truly working to please an audience of One as youth ministers. This was particularly helpful to me as I am struggling with feeling like I am not "up to par" and that, no matter what I do, someone will be disappointed in my work. I was really encouraged by this book. Thanks Brock!