I love books. I have written eight over the past ten years (and am now ready for a break). Most have to do with my main passions of spiritual awakening and evangelism. But a few years back I ventured out a bit to write the book Raising the Bar: Ministry to Youth in the New Millennium (Kregel, 2004). I have been pretty amazed at the response to the book, particularly by veteran youth pastors. I was just in Orlando with some very sharp youth pastors at large churches, and was humbled and grateful to hear several speak of how RTB had blessed their ministries.

I do not claim to be a youth expert. But I do have a little historical and biblical perspective (and a 20 and 15 year old) and particularly love my family. So, I wrote RTB actually to help me think through how better to be a parent. I followed that book up with Join the Movement: God Is Calling You to Change the World (Kregel: 2007), a book for students to challenge them to live radically for Christ. And since it is Christmas time (warning: shameless self-promotion alert) either would make a great gift, and any proceeds I receive help underprivileged children–MINE.

Seriously, I wrote these books as an outsider to youth ministry. I still sometimes feel like a voice crying in the wilderness. Then I bought a book you must read, you must buy for every teenager you know, a book every parent and youth pastor must read. I am referring to the book DO HARD THINGS by Alex and Brett Harris. Younger twin brothers of better known Joshua Harris, these 19 year olds offer a stirring challenge to how we see youth best summed up in the book’s subtitle: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations.

The authors coin the term REBELUTION, a revolution of students who want to rebel against the video game culture of youth. By the way, they note the term “teenager” is only decades old, but you can read the book to find out more.

I speak to many students and to increasing numbers of youth pastors and parents each year. What I hear from students more than anything else is “CHALLENGE ME: SHOW ME JESUS IS MORE THAN A LEADER OF AN INSTITUTIONAL RELIGION.” I am giving the rest of my life to them, or at least to those under 30, in particular those who will lead churches as pastors, church planters, missionaries, and artists.

I hope you, regardless of your age, will join the rebelution.

About Alvin Reid

Hi and welcome! I am Alvin Reid, a follower of Jesus Christ, husband to Michelle, father of Josh and Hannah, and minister of the gospel. I teach at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Southeastern College at Wake Forest in NC. I love people and have been blessed to meet a lot. I live to equip a generation of young men and women to change the world, to advance the great movement of God in our time.For the Christ follower, life is a mission trip-take it!