Youth Ministry: Now and Not Yet is an important next step in reshaping youth ministry for years to come. Based on solid research, this book reminds us that the best youth ministry, one that the church has practiced since the very beginning, is no more (and no less) than the adult community of faith including, welcoming and walking alongside children as partners in God's family. Instead of giving in to the culture's fragmentation of the generations, and relegating children and youth to functioning as a separate congregation, Now and Not Yet reminds us that the Gospel, the developmental needs of kids, and even the most effective youth ministry programs require us all to work toward a new way of going about our business.

“Matt is a catalyst for change, especially positive change that reaches the next generation. This book speaks to his generation of youth workers. He is clear, frank, hopeful and provides a catalyst for thinking through future strategies. Read this book and be energized for change”

“It’s a crucial time to re-evaluate what we’re doing and how we’re doing it in the world of youth ministry. Matt Wilkinson stands back to look at our youth ministry practices, then offers suggestions on how to strategically increase our effectiveness at reaching students with the Good News and equipping them to live fully integrated lives. This is a book that will spark thoughtful reflection and significant conversations.”

"Based on the latest research from the Canadian Baptist family of churches, Matt Wilkinson defines the current state of youth ministry and then imagines an emerging  new, intentional and more effective means for passing faith to the next generation. The conversational style of the book makes it feel like you’re talking to Matt as he outlines the challenges and opportunities of new technologies, mentoring strategies and a plan for nurturing young leaders.  Each chapter wraps up with an action plan that forces the reader to ask the “so what, now what” question. It’s a thoughtful perspective that will start some good conversations on the future of youth ministry."

"Matt Wilkinson provides a well researched youth ministry "state of the nation" (that nation being Canada) and offers hopeful, practical solutions to churches of every size.  Youth Ministry: Now and Not Yet provides both the 10,000 foot few and a hard-earned perspective from the trenches where real youth ministry happens, sounding a clarion call for God's people to invest more deliberately in ministry to the next generation."  

"Matt's ministry has been a great blessing to the Canadian church, and the same can be said of this book. He carefully balances the spiritual, theological, cultural and practical issues of effective youth ministry. And he's willing to ask hard questions and dig deep to find answers. I recommend this book and appreciate his friendship to pastors, leaders, students and parents."

"To really understand what's going on in the playing field of youth work today, you sometimes need an aerial view. Youth Ministry: Now and Not Yet gives each of us who care about the importance of youth ministry the benefit of a sage, insightful mentor in the press box with a very specialized set of binoculars. I heartily recommend this book to youth workers, senior pastors and denominational leaders and personally plan to give away at least a dozen copies!"

"Youth Ministry: Now and Not Yet, provides a glimpse into the realities of youth ministry in our churches.  Wilkinson then uncovers for us the values of empowering youth to “breathe”, intentional intergenerational relationships and the magnitude of mentoring.  This is a must read for churches who are serious about youth ministry and reaching the next generation."

“As someone whose life was reached for Christ through a variety of youth ministries, this is not a neutral topic for me.  Matt Wilkinson gives us a wake up call to guard and grow the work of educating youth about Christ. He gives practical instruction on how to be a vessel for God’s loving intention that young men and women meet their salvation in Christ.   A seasoned, gifted and passionate professional in youth work, we need to be listening to Matt’s discovery. “

“With a deep love for what the church is capable of, Matt Wilkinson, himself a very effective youth pastor, weaves a tapestry of helpful facts and experiences for those who truly care about the next generation. The value of a trustworthy adult in the life of a teenager has never been more critical.  God designed parents for that purpose, but if those relationships are broken, the role of church youth workers are priceless. Matt’s work illuminates what is really happening and gives us practical ways to help navigate the unique challenges faced by today’s youth….it’s his way of helping us help them with excellence!”

Are you concerned about the future generation of the church? “Youth Ministry: Now and Not Yet” examines the rapidly changing youth culture and its impact on youth and their spirituality. Matt Wilkinson, a veteran of youth ministry in Canada, combines current research, helpful insights and practical tools for those investing in youth through local church ministry, mentorship and mission. He also provides guidance for the role of social media in the future of ministry. This is an excellent resource for any youth worker, parent or church leader!"

"To really understand what's going on in the playing field of youth work today, you sometimes need an aerial view. Youth Ministry: Now and Not Yet gives each of us who care about the importance of youth ministry the benefit of a sage, insightful mentor in the press box with a very specialized set of binoculars. I heartily recommend this book to youth workers, senior pastors and denominational leaders and personally plan to give away at least a dozen copies!"

"Rooted in demographic and ministry data gleaned from over half of the churches in his own denominational family, Matt Wilkinson provides practical and thoughtful ministry principles that will benefit youth workers from any denominational trandition.  An excellent resource for your church and youth leaders!"

Director, Truth Matters Ministries

"Matt Wilkinson has a deep passion for healthy youth ministries, ministries with a plan for growing disciples who will live missionally in their local context. Youth Ministry Now and Not Yet is a book that will help others pursue that passion as well."

"A must read for anyone serious about impacting the next generation. Matt brings an up to date snapshot of youth ministry in Canada while delivering insightful and practical next steps that will set a solid foundation for any youth ministry context."

Associate Director of Lifeteams, Greater Vancouver Youth Unlimited/YFC

"In these pages you will find a call to celebrate our church youth workers in all their forms, and to value our youth no matter how many or how few God has entrusted to us.  This resource is packed full of practical guidance for parents, senior leadership, and the church body who recognize the necessity of investing in their youth workers.  Yet it also includes action steps for youth workers themselves to engage youth in pursuing Jesus and then join them on the journey." 

Author, Goodbye Generation Series

President, LEAD222