Reimagining Youth Ministry: Pete Sutton

In 'Lord of the Flies', William Golding tells the story of a group of British schoolboys who are stranded on a deserted island after their plane crashes. The novel follows their attempts to govern themselves and the gradual descent into chaos and savagery. The story is an allegory that explores themes of human nature, morality, leadership, and the fragility of civilization. Key characters include Ralph, who represents order and democracy; Jack, who symbolizes power and violence; and Piggy, the voice of reason. The novel highlights the tension between the desire for civilization and the primal savagery that lies beneath the surface of human society.

Sticky Faith, by Kara Powell and Brad Griffin, explores the challenges and opportunities of helping young people develop a lasting faith. The book draws on extensive research to understand the factors that contribute to lasting faith and those that lead to disengagement. It offers practical strategies for parents, youth leaders, and church communities to nurture faith in the lives of young people. The authors emphasize the importance of creating intentional faith-forming experiences and fostering strong relationships. Sticky Faith provides a valuable resource for anyone seeking to help young people develop a strong and enduring faith.

Chap Clark's "Hurt 2. 0" delves into the challenges faced by young people in today's world, exploring issues such as identity, relationships, and faith. The book offers practical advice and insights for youth leaders and parents seeking to guide and support adolescents. Clark emphasizes the importance of creating safe and inclusive environments where young people feel heard and understood. He challenges traditional approaches to youth ministry, advocating for a more relational and holistic approach. The book's focus on empathy and understanding resonates with those seeking to connect with the next generation.

In 'You Lost Me', David Kinnaman presents research conducted by the Barna Group on why young Christians aged 18-29 are leaving the church. The book categorizes these young people into three groups: Nomads (those who leave church but not faith), Prodigals (those who turn away from faith), and Exiles (those who believe but feel disconnected from the church). Kinnaman identifies several reasons for this exodus, including the church being overprotective, shallow, anti-science, repressive, and exclusive. He also provides ideas for pastors, youth leaders, parents, and educators to help young adults maintain a vibrant and lasting faith in the face of cultural changes.

In 'The Anxious Generation', Jonathan Haidt examines the sudden decline in the mental health of adolescents starting in the early 2010s. He attributes this decline to the shift from a 'play-based childhood' to a 'phone-based childhood', highlighting mechanisms such as sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, addiction, loneliness, social contagion, and perfectionism that interfere with children’s social and neurological development. Haidt proposes four simple rules to address this issue: no smartphones before high school, no social media before age 16, phone-free schools, and more opportunities for independence, free play, and responsibility. The book offers a clear call to action for parents, teachers, schools, tech companies, and governments to restore a more humane childhood and end the epidemic of mental illness among youth.