“Kids desperately need healthy, committed adults who can help them thrive in their faith and become active participants in the life of the church. This requires the efforts of the whole faith community. Chap Clark, one of the leading voices in youth ministry today, brings together twenty-four experts from a variety of denominations and traditions to offer a comprehensive introduction to adoptive youth ministry, a theologically driven, academically grounded, and practical youth ministry model. The book shows readers how to integrate emerging generations into the family of faith, helping young adults become active participants in God’s redemptive community.”

— Amazon book description

I was honored to contribute to this next "text book" on youth ministry. In fact, I wrote the last chapter, A Call to Adoption: Integration of Youth Ministry to the Church! :) My chapter is part theology, part practical steps forward, and a whole lot of personal conviction and experience from my family. It's also a whole lot of vision for a way forward in youth ministry. Adopting our two oldest children has taught me so very much about God's intention for raising a family, my own limitations, and the very heart of the Gospel.

If you or someone you know is in youth ministry, this is THE book to get for this next year of ministry. I'm honored to be among the 23 other voices in youth ministry who contributed to this book. The other authors offer such great perspectives, questions, and vision for the future of youth ministry.

Check it out. I'm quite sure this book will get your wheels turning, heart pumping, and expand your vision for how you engage teenagers and the whole community of God.