Make It Your Ambition: 7 Godly Pursuits for the Next Generation

by Jeremy Writebol

What will you do for the kingdom?

At some point in the last fifty years, our society began to see the young adult years as a season of life when you can just “figure things out” and have as much fun as possible while you do. Of course, your teens and twenties can be fun. And no college student or young adult in a first job can know what the next ten to fifteen years will hold. But these decades are also the launching pad for the rest of your life. As a young adult, you’ll have opportunities to make an eternal difference. After all, you’re on mission now. Jesus’s commissioning is all you need to love God, love people, and witness to the truth of the gospel.

In Make It Your Ambition, Jeremy Writebol presents young adults with seven worthy pursuits. Pick up this book and be inspired with holy ambition. Consider whether your career aspirations reach beyond the successes and goals of this life to everything God has for you. Ignite your imagination and discover what a life marked by robust, gospel-fueled, and Spirit-filled obedience can look like.


Career or Calling? Helps young believers consider the goal and outcome of their lives in light of seven biblical priorities.

Great Gift for High School Graduates or College Students: Inspires young Christians to make a lasting difference for Christ’s kingdom.

Includes Helpful Discussion Questions: Easy to use in one-on-one discipleship or with small groups.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian Living

156 pages, Paperback

Published April 28, 2025

About the author

Jeremy is the Lead Campus Pastor at Woodside Bible Church in Plymouth, MI. He is the author of several books including the award-winning Pastor Jesus is Enough (Lexham Press). He is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute (BA) and The Resurgence Training Center (Missional Leadership). He and his wife Stephanie have two children.

Reviews

[Bobby Chisholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very worthwhile read that helped me contemplate my future. It helped me think about whether I am using my gifts for my own pride and success or for the glory of God. At a time in my life when I am nearing many life altering decisions, this book is a great reminder of what truly matters: trusting in God, serving God, and loving others.

[Kamryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 stars rounded up because I want it to reach a wider audience :))
The only reason it’s not five stars for me is not actually the book’s fault (“it’s not you, it’s me” lol).
The book itself is full of great advice and practical applications no matter what career you’re looking at for your life.
I would definitely recommend this to all of my Christian friends out there, especially if you’re in high-school/college!

[Makenna Dickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.8! I really liked this book. Woke up this morning thinking about much I wanted to read it, so I sat down and read the whole thing in one day.
Great insight and filled with scripture. I was somewhat concerned that the whole book was going to be trying to force young people to be pastors and microwave their holiness, but really was quite the opposite. Obviously the author wants to raise up the next generation of Christian leaders to lead the church, but I think that it was the perfect amount of push in the book.
One thing I didn’t love was the chapter on enduring hardship. I interpreted the title to mean that it would be more a doctrine of suffering, but it was not that. 100% all about enduring hardship that comes when you are in a world that doesn’t recognize Jesus as King. But was in no way about how to endure suffering in your life as a result of the broken world we live in. Which is totally okay!! I just thought there could have been some clarification.
Overall, REALLY liked the book. Look out freshmen bible study and Dgroup!! -this one might be in your future.

[Kaitlyn Beuving · Rating 4 out of 5]

HS summer camp 2025- very good for those in their Jr/Sr high school or even those in their first few college years, but a bit heady for younger high schoolers. Still valuable discussion for everyone, and a good reminder for the adults.

[Ami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the tremendous privilege of previewing Make it Your Ambition by Jeremy Writebol. To everyone launching your teenagers into adulthood, I highly recommend getting this book into their hands. Writebol is a voice urging the next generation not to squander their 20s, and he does so in a relatable, easy to read manner-- Make it your ambition to follow Jesus, and you'll live a life that truly matters. The author does a fantastic job encouraging the next generation to pursue seven godly ambitions within their particular vocational callings. He also includes a specific call encouraging folks to consider vocational ministry. But whatever your career Make it Your Ambition will stir your heart to live for what matters ultimately. This book would also make an excellent book study for a youth group or college group. While decidedly not an emerging adult, this book encouraged my heart greatly to continue pursuing these ambitions in my own life. And it will definitely be on book lists for my own children as they prepare to leave home one day.

[Ann Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, giving it to our young adults leaders to review.

[Tim Warke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb book for Christian young adults, and those of us 'not so young'. A real encouragement to pursue what matters in life and to pursue godly ambitions so far removed from what this world seeks.

[Tim Franks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great work to use with your 20 somethings group! Great challenges and encouragements for those in this age range.

[Marlayna Ruddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, especially paired with The Sacredness of Secular Work. I love how the author encourages us to look at our career as a vocation, a calling—rather than just a means to make a living. God gave us talents, passions, and a desire to work/create—your career is a vessel of WORSHIP!!

[Tim Wester · Rating 4 out of 5]

good thoughts

[Jacob Hearne · Rating 3 out of 5]

As one who is NOT involved in vocational ministry as a career, it leans heavily to try to persuade you to. The book would never claim that it is, tho.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Make It Your Ambition, Jeremy Writebol presents seven godly pursuits for the next generation.


Gospel-Informed Work

This short book is addressed to young adults who want to make an impact for Christ. Writebol challenges his audience to make it their ambition to know and love God, and then to model Christ’s character. He offers practical advice for serving the church with your spiritual gifts.

I was most interested in chapters 4 and 5, where Writebol urges his readers to serve others through their careers. He presents a gospel-informed view of work, where our vocation is a calling to serve God and humanity. God puts us on assignment, and Writebol encourages us to use our careers for kingdom influence. I was reminded that my vocation as a nurse—and the nature of my work—has many applications.



Labor for the Lord

I was especially challenged in chapter 6 to make it my ambition to endure hardship. I had never considered that perseverance is something I could actively pursue. Doing hard and great work comes with the willingness to suffer hardships.


The seventh pursuit is to make it your ambition to serve vocationally in Christian ministry. Writebol lists helpful confirmations that would encourage young men to labor for the Lord. I was reminded of the gift God has given me as a lay preacher, teacher, and worship leader at my church. I am excited to steward it well and encourage the next generation to do the same.



A Spiritual Spark

This is a book not about what you will do, but who you will be. Inspirational and practical, Make It Your Ambition is a spiritual spark that will ignite a flame for God.


I received a media copy of Make It Your Ambition and this is my honest review.

[Jeremy A · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! Jeremy lays down practical steps to really help young adults see how they can come alongside God and do his work for the Kingdom. The discussion questions at the end of each chapter aren’t too surface level and will make a young adult truly think through their answers. He’s not simply writing this to get people to become vocational Christians (pastors, etc.). He gives it as an option while at the same time gracefully acknowledging that is not everyone’s path in life and giving, again, concrete actions that can be taken to support those in such a difficult vocation. This is a book every senior or junior in high school should read. Don’t waste your twenties!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeremy Writebol speaks to youth and young adults in very accessible terms about key considerations when pursuing a career in vocational Christian ministry. The 7 pursuits are ambitions that fuel gospel-centered living and listening for God's call when it comes to offering time, talent, and financial success in exchange for a life of service, humility, and obedience to advance God's kingdom instead of chasing a worldly work path or legacy of self-promotion. 'Make it Your Ambition' offers a fresh lens on pursuing God through jobs and work. This is a must read for young people and for ministry leaders who work with youth.

[Jamie Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great first 6 chapters. I understand chapter 7 being a call to consider vocational ministry BUT I think it may be seen as vocational ministry is a “higher” calling if it should be our ambition. Writebol does clarify in the following chapters, but I would change that.

[Jared · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't be more excited about Jeremy's book. Don't waste your twenties!

[Ian Wilhoit · Rating 3 out of 5]

The tone is conversational, the book feels like a transcript of a speech. I gave three stars since I do not like that style, but some do.