Les Christie, David Nystrom
Zondervan, 2011, 320 pp., $12.99

I loved A Youth Worker’s Commentary on John and really couldn’t put it down. The introduction says it best when it alludes to the fact that too many “youth ministry teaching materials” are watered-down or “not deep enough.” I have been in youth ministry for 17 years, and I know this for a fact: If we don’t give the students we lead the text and context within which it was written, we’ll short-change their understanding of what the Word of God intends to say. Is this a resource youth workers can use in their groups? Yes; 100 percent yes. I believe any youth pastor and any youth ministry will gain much by handling the Bible expositionally, line by line and verse by verse. Of course, John is one of the sweetest books in the Bible as it shares so many truths about Jesus! It is the one book of the Bible that many youth pastors encourage their students to read first. Honestly, I will purchase the remaining books in the set to use in youth ministry and for when I’m called upon to speak in big church.
—Bruce Collier

Les Christie, long-time youth ministry veteran, joins forces with New Testament expert David Nystrom to write A Youth Worker’s Commentary on John: Vol. 1. The combined youth ministry experience and theological knowledge of these two create an accessible, readable resource. Forget the boring, stuffy stereotypes of the usual commentary; this is more than a study resource, but is a ministry resource. Its verse-by-verse breakdown of each passage is packed full of information without overloading the reader. Unlike other commentaries, each section ends with two sets of questions. The first is a challenge to think through the passage, and the second is a challenge to apply and live the passage. These two sets of questions easily translate into use in lesson preparation or small group discussion. Another helpful addition is the inclusion of personal thoughts, quotes and relevant selections from other books and commentaries. This is a much-needed resource in the youth ministry publishing marketplace. I am almost surprised it was not written sooner. With a very affordable price tag this is another one of those must-haves for every youth worker. Know, however, that only Vol. 1 is available, covering John 1—8; so be looking for Vol. 2 coming in the early fall.
—Dan Istvanik

In a commentary for youth workers, I would expect two things: 1) It’s a little more in-depth than most of the resources we’re used to; 2) It’s still practical and accessible, with lots of application. I think this book succeeds admirably on both counts and definitely is of great value for message prep, as well as for small group stuff with teens. It’s a great, understandable resource to help get them deeper into the Word; and I can’t wait for the next volume! Let’s hope this is the first of many in a series of commentaries for youth workers.
—Jeff Crosby

A Youth Worker’s Commentary on John is more than a devotional and has much more depth than most youth ministry curricula. This tool provides background information on the Book of John as it walks through the first eight chapters. It includes great questions that can be used for personal study or with your youth. This would be a very helpful tool for any youth worker teaching from the Book of John. While it is more than a devotional or a curriculum, I would not call it a commentary exactly. While this tool provides great, in-depth information on the Book of John and uses some good sources of information, it is not at the level of an academic commentary. That said, I would highly recommend this for all youth workers, as it is a great resource.
—Rev. Marcus J. Carlson has worked with children and youth for more than 13 years and is a spiritual director. He current serves as Associate Pastor at Bethel Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

This volume is an amazing resource that every youth leader needs to get in his or her hands. It is rich in history and gives an understanding not of just the author’s intent but educates readers about the cultural norms of the period when John was writing. It helps give students a biblical perspective based on one’s culture. Les and David did an amazing job, and I will recommend this text to my fellow youth workers!
–Christopher Pope, Student Pastor, Cornerstone Community Church

In their book, A Youth Worker’s Commentary on John, authors Les Christie and David Nystrom offer a commentary focused to benefit those who engage and work with youth. Both authors are highly qualified and respected not only in biblical scholarship, but also from their experience in youth ministry. Christie and Nystrom offer sound interpretation and biblical background in their commentary of John. The style of writing of this commentary is to appeal to youth workers while making it easy to understand the Gospel of John. I would highly recommend youth workers to add this volume of this commentary, along with the other volumes to complete the collection. This commentary not only can benefit youth workers’ study, but youth can gain much from this commentary.
–Chris Ensley, Youth Pastor, Marion Christian Church, Marion, Kansas

In A Youth Workers Commentary on John, Vol. 1 Les Christie and David Nystrom present a very accessible commentary for the youth worker desiring to bridge together the world of the Bible with the world of teens. The commentary begins where many commentaries begin by discussing authorship, audience and other pertinent facts of composition. Then the authors launch into a wonderful commentary that weaves together cultural background, personal stories and applications relevant to the adolescent world. Each chapter also ends with a series of discussion questions. These questions provide the impetus for discussing the biblical text and the faith of those either reading the commentary or participating in a study group. Youth workers should get this commentary as soon as they are able. Then they should add to their collection as each subsequent volume is released. A youth worker can use this commentary in three different ways: 1) for research in designing relevant Bible studies on the Gospel of John; 2) for personal devotional purposes in order to enrich their own knowledge of Christ and His works among us; and 3) in a small group setting with students who really wish to pursue biblical knowledge. While this commentary is not heavily academic, it does serve its purpose by providing youth workers with a tool to explore this amazing gospel account and its testimony to the saving acts of our Lord.
—Brenda Seefeldt

Call me weird, but I love theology books and commentaries. I’m also a big believer that more theological discussions need to happen in youth ministry. Needless to say, I’m excited to have this new resource from Zondervan, A Youth Worker’s Commentary on John. Christie and Nystrom offer deep, yet practical, insight into the life of Christ found in the Book of John. The questions offered at the end of each section also add another dynamic to the series. It forces the reader to deal with the information they just read—brilliant. This commentary series is a must-have for youth workers.
—Shawn Harrison, Student and Family Pastor at Wayne Street United Methodist Church, Saint Marys, Ohio.

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