.jpg)
Today's youth face immense challenges, and their role within church communities is often undervalued. Don't Despise Our Youth by David A. Washington offers a powerful call to action to transform youth ministry into a platform where young people are empowered to lead, thrive, and serve alongside their church.
Washington writes from his own experience, having come to faith through the work of youth ministry in inner-city Chicago. He credits this ministry with rescuing him from a life of gang involvement, crime, prison, and imminent death, providing the guidance he once lacked.
Washington uses scripture, personal stories, and powerful testimonies to shine a light on the transformational influence youth can have within the church. This book challenges traditional views of youth ministry and inspires you to see the full potential and worth of youth, urging church leaders to build ministries that reflect discipleship, community, and the foundation of God's Word.
Whether you're a youth leader, pastor, parent, or educator, this book will equip you to foster meaningful discipleship in urban and African-American contexts and empower the next generation to rise into their God-given potential.
GET YOUR COPY TODAY! AVAILABLE ON PAPERBACK, eBOOK AND AUDIOBOOK.
Rooted's 2025 Book Awards, winner of Best New Book for Youth Ministers!
"Don't Despise Our Youth brings a refreshing balance of scholarly research, real-life experiences, and a panoramic look at urban youth ministry and its necessity. Being David A. Washington's youth pastor is one of the greatest gifts of my life and ministry. This book will help readers get a fresh perspective on the transformative power of relevant urban youth ministry. This is a must-read for parents, senior pastors, urban leaders, and those serious about ministry to youth! Great read and needed resource!"
Harvey Carey, founding and senior pastor of Faith Citadel Church
"David A. Washington is a man of God who lives in the book. I have had the pleasure of walking closely with Pastor David for many years. He is one of the few people who, when I call, you know the odds are he is studying God's Word. Drawing deeply from his own
conversion and growth as a teenage believer, David systematically teaches us how to overcome our age bias to make faithful and fruitful disciples of the next generation. Our youth are believers, not babies!"
John Teter, author and founding pastor of Holy Faith Fellowship
"It's never been harder to be a student, and it's even harder in our urban centers where they are confronted with poverty, violence, and drug use. The church is in a unique position to combat these challenges and show our young people a better way. In Don't Despise Our Youth, David A. Washington calls attention to this important mission and offers a strategy for how to get it done. This book, drawing on the courage of someone who experienced these challenges firsthand, provides a framework that will allow leaders to reach today's youth, proclaiming God's love in a fractured, hurting world."
Dave Ferguson, founding pastor of Community Christian Church and CEO of Exponential
"Don't Despise Our Youth by David A. Washington is a must read for those seeking to save the next generation of Christ followers and faith leaders. It is one of the most thoughtful and practical books on youth ministry. David Washington has brought years of study and experience to this transformational work of youth ministry. David Washington is the direct product of the power of youth ministry. It saved him and changed the trajectory of his life forever. As you dive into this biblically based work, prepare your heart and mind to be confronted and challenged to save our youth and our future."
