The Anxious Teen: Ministry with Stressed and Fearful Students

by Brock Morgan, Hallie Scott MFT (Contributor)

Now more than ever, teens are struggling with stress, anxiety, and fear. Between social media, the 24/7 flood of news from around the world, global pandemics, mental health crises, the pressure of getting good grades or attending a specific college, financial stress at home, and existential threats like climate change, it’s no wonder.

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?

Brock Morgan uses his conversational style and trademark humor to approach this topic from the starting point of his own experiences with anxiety and his decades in youth ministry. In these pages he provides context to help us understand today’s anxiety-ridden reality, and teaches skills and practices we can develop in ourselves and our youth to move forward in a lasting, healthy faith.

192 pages, Paperback

Published August 2, 2022

Reviews

[David McQueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 stars! This book masterfully pairs the wise advice of a veteran youth worker with the thoughtful and informative notes of a licensed therapist, both of which are extremely helpful for youth workers helping teens in this day and age. It also was a much needed reminder for me of why I got into youth ministry in the first place, not to mention it helped me to see the students I work with each week in a different light. This is a must-read for youth workers today!

[Andrea Jean Plueddeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was exactly what I needed to read. Brock wrote on a topic that is so important to anyone who is involved with teenagers on a daily basis. As a mom to 8 kids and a person who works in full time ministry with youth and young adults this book covers the things I was lacking in my training. I have referred multiple people to read it. If you are someone who works with teenagers in any capacity or you simply care about them you need to make this a priority to read. What are you waiting for go buy it now.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this conversation is needed. This book felt like the Brock Morgan show though, and I imagined him to be a 20 year old Christian surfer dude based on how he wrote. I think you could skim the chapters and the last chapter and appendix and get some good resources for leading kids in realness, community, prayer, and becoming a safe place for them to be, fail, succeed, and love.

[Tim Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

A high-quality resource for youth leaders and ministers.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brock’s book reminded me what matters most in youth ministry. Very helpful.

[Susan Beaty · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF- great speaker at youth events