Together: Adults and Teenagers Transforming the Church

Does youth ministry in your church exist on an island, disconnected from the larger church? Does your youth ministry accomplish the church's overall goals for making disciples of teenagers? Together helps answer those questions and more. Almost since the concept of "youth ministry" came into being, churches have struggled with how to keep their twelve-to-twenty-year-olds engaged. A contemporary focus, lots of fun activities, and cool leaders seemed to be the answer. Yet large numbers of young people are still leaving, many feeling disconnected from mainstream churches. In Together, author Jeff Baxter offers a thoughtful perspective on why real change requires not just a new model for youth ministry, but a whole new congregational mindset. Using practical examples from his own experiences ministering to youth and their families, Baxter provides a detailed guide for creating an intentional, whole-church, intergenerational ministry. Effective and life-changing, this ministry focuses on connecting the generations for the express purpose of fostering discipleship and spiritual growth, and investing youth in the long-term goals of the church. Together is for anyone committed to helping young people mature into Jesus-following adults who remain invested in God's kingdom.