"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 readand needed resource!"
-- Harvey Carey, founding and senior pastor of Faith Citadel Church
"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 hasbrought 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."
-- D. Darrell Griffin, senior pastor of Oakdale Covenant Church of Chicago and author of Building a Better You
"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, founding pastor of Holy Faith Fellowship and author of the 1-1-1 Finishing Well newsletter and The Power of the 72
