Brock Morgan’s The Anxious Teen: Ministry with Stressed and Fearful Students has actually been on my list for a while now. I bought it while I was still in the middle of my doctoral studies so I finally got to it the other week. Originally published through the Youth Cartel, it’s now part of the YM360 publication line. Here’s the official description:
Teenagers today are different from teenagers even 10 or 20 years ago. The issues they are facing are complex and wide-ranging. How can youth workers understand them better? What are the best ways to meet anxious teens where they are and help them feel seen, loved, and known—both by our youth ministries and by the God who cares for them so deeply?
As Morgan points out, “32% of teenagers today have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder,” so it’s a big issue for youth workers to be thinking about. I know in my 24 years of youth pastor experience I have seen a real shift in young people and anxiety. Two decades ago it wasn’t on my radar, today I’ve lost track of how many anxiety attacks and mental health issues I’ve witnessed.
His book is great for youth pastors and volunteers; he walks readers through the basics, when to refer to professionals, and solid pastoral advice for supporting young people and creating environments that help kids.
I like that he emphasizes that getting rid of anxiety is not the key; God created us with this warning system, the key is in helping kids have healthy tools for dealing with and processing anxiety. I love one of his closing comments:
You have a vision for who kids are and who they are becoming, and you make church the safest place on Earth for students. Safe to screw up, safe to make mistakes, safe to doubt the faith, safe to confront their sexuality, safe to be at their worst, safe to be anxious and depressed. And why? Because that’s what Jesus did for you and me! He extended his extravagant grace to us. We know he listens to us and welcomes us just as we are. We are compelled to extend the same grace and love to all of the hurting young people around us.
Definitely recommend for youth workers and their teams; it’s a helpful, practical book full of solid insights and advice.
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