Brock Morgan
The Youth Cartel, 2013, 160 pp., $11.85
Culture is rapidly changing, and we must be able to engage culture for the sake of the gospel. Brock Morgan, in his new book Youth Ministry in a Post-Christian World, calls all youth ministers to observe culture and adapt their ministries without compromising the gospel. Morgan gives us an incredible cultural observation on the challenges students face in today’s society. He shows us how we can contextualize the gospel more effectively to this generation.
The title of the book may cause a few people to cringe, but Morgan used the term Post-Christian with a specific purpose. The world is declining away from Christian morals and values rapidly, and our students are growing up in this world. By no means is Morgan suggesting we move away from Christ, but instead is calling us to draw closer to Him. After he makes some cultural observations in the first few chapters, Morgan issues an appropriate response to youth ministers. He challenges youth ministers to “become more like, and unlike our culture,” for we can’t allow the sacred cow of our ministry model to inhibit us from having revolutionary ideas.
This book is for all youth ministers, whether rookies or a seasoned veterans. Morgan gives readers a fresh perspective on ministry and culture through practical examples and solutions. For those who consider themselves to have healthy ministries, they still would greatly benefit from this book.
