The Gospel-Centered Community for Teens by bestselling authors Robert H. Thune and Will Walker gives teenagers biblical and practical guidance for building deep friendships and being part of a community where they can grow and flourish.
Have you ever noticed that it’s hard to live with people and it’s hard to live without them? Real relationships are hard to come by—it’s easy to feel isolated and alone even when surrounded by people at school and home. But deep friendships and being a part of a caring community make our lives more meaningful. In this small group study, teenagers will learn with others about God’s good plan for us to connect and grow together and how following Christ makes that possible.
The Spirit takes people from all different backgrounds and shapes them into a Christ-centered community that reflects Jesus. Teenagers will find a place to belong where people love, care for, enjoy, serve, and even challenge one another in good ways and find a place to belong.
"Every teenager is longing for meaningful relationships—the kind where they experience authenticity, grace, truth, and a sense of collective purpose with their peers. Unfortunately, many students struggle to find the kind of community they so desperately crave. The Gospel-Centered Community for Teens does a wonderful job of speaking into the turbulence of the adolescent experience and helping teenagers step into the life they were created for where the transforming power of the gospel shapes their community. If you're looking for a guide to help your group move towards a clearer sense of life together the way Jesus intends, you've found it."
Billy Suess, Former Young Life Regional Director
"A gospel-centered life should naturally manifest itself in a gospel-centered life together. In The Gospel Centered Community for Teens, Bob Thune and Will Walker make this crucial connection. Teenagers today exist in a world that is more connected than ever, yet more isolated than ever. Thune and Walker equip youth leaders and students to see how the gospel introduces them to a community of intimacy and authenticity, and how through such a community they can compellingly reflect Jesus to the world."
Skyler R. Flowers, Family Pastor at Grace Bible Church of Oxford, MS; Associate Program Director at the Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics
"So many studies reveal that young people long for community but often struggle with the reality of it. With vital insights, biblical depth, and thought-provoking application, The Gospel-Centered Community for Teens is an outstanding resource to address this gap. Parents, young people, and pastors should read, apply, and share this excellent book."
Pete Nicholas, Senior Pastor, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Downtown
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The teen years are often defined by social anxieties, cliques, loneliness and even bullying. In “Gospel-Centered Community for Teens” we are led to ask: Does a community of Christian teens that is characterized by these issues truly "get" the gospel? This 8-week study guide sets a wonderfully high bar, challenging teens to build a community far beyond begrudging civility, rooted deeply in gospel application. Designed for believing teens, serious about growing in their faith, this resource delves into how the gospel shapes not only individual faith but also peer relationships. It’s an "Honors" or "AP" level study for youth groups, not in an exclusive sense, but for those genuinely eager to grow. Imagine offering it as an advanced option: "If you're ready to explore how the gospel can transform our community, join this 8-week study." What makes this book exceptional is its comprehensive, standalone nature. Despite being called a "Study Guide,” there’s no other companion book you need to read in advance. It contains everything: Bible passages, a 10-minute article to read together, discussion questions, and reflective activities. Youth leaders will appreciate its flexibility—whether you prefer a script or just an outline (more my style!), the material is easily adaptable, making it a powerful tool for fostering genuine, gospel-driven community among teen believers. It wasn’t until I personally worked through a similar gospel-centered study as a young adult that I came to understand the material laid out in “Gospel-Centered Community for Teens.” I wish a resource like this had been available in my own youth group, and I'm genuinely excited for how today's teens can benefit from it! Thanks to New Growth Press for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.