Don't Despise Our Youth

Renewing Hope for Urban Youth Ministry

David A. Washington

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English

Inter-Varsity Press,US
11 November 2025

Christianity; Christian life & practice; Christian ministry & pastoral activity; Christian social thought & activity; Age groups: adolescents

Revitalizing Urban Youth Ministry with Faithful Evangelism and Robust Discipleship

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 powerful 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.

Having experienced firsthand the impact of youth ministry, 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 and congregations 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 inspire and equip you to foster meaningful discipleship in urban and African-American contexts and empower the next generation to rise into their God-given potential.

This book features:

Scripture-Driven Insights – Explore biblical principles that inspire renewed hope for youth ministry.

Authentic Life Stories – Gain perspectives through real-life anecdotes and testimonies.

A Contextual Focus – Access a resource designed specifically for urban and African American church contexts, addressing unique challenges and opportunities.

Practical Inspiration – Equip yourself with tools to cultivate a thriving youth ministry that empowers and uplifts.

Don’t Despise Our Youth is your invitation to see today’s youth not as a challenge, but as a valuable blessing to the church’s present and future. Get your copy today and transform your approach to youth ministry in your context.

By: David A. Washington
Imprint: Inter-Varsity Press,US
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 140mm, Spine: 12mm
Weight: 227g
ISBN: 9781514013021
ISBN 10: 1514013029
Pages: 176
Publication Date: 11 November 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

David A. Washington (DMin, North Park) is the founder and senior pastor of Kingdom Covenant Church, an urban inner-city ministry on the South Side of Chicago. He is the author of Kingdom Church: A People Committed to the King's Agenda and a youth ministry and gang intervention specialist with over three decades of experience working with youth, gangs, and prison ministry. Washington resides in Chicago with his wife and two adult children.

Reviews for Don't Despise Our Youth: Renewing Hope for Urban Youth Ministry

""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 ""Don't Despise Our Youth by David 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."" -- D. Darrell Griffin, senior pastor of Oakdale Covenant Church of Chicago and author of Building a Better You