RECOMMENDATIONS
"In the decade that I've had the joy of spending time with youth, I have met very few people like Drew Hill. He is a gifted communicator who speaks out of his love for Jesus and love for his young friends and trust me, every youth he meets becomes his friend. He is approachable, trustworthy, and transparent with everyone he meets. Young people love him, his peers respect him, and he blesses everyone he comes across. Drew Hill is the kind of guy I hope my kids will be like."
David Carter, Youth Pastor, Colorado Springs, CO
"Drew Hill is a passionate pursuer of Jesus Christ . . . a man with a deep love for and knowledge of Scripture . . . a gifted communicator . . . one who loves people and has dedicated his life to see them come to Christ and grow in their faith . . . a husband and father who loves his family and models Kingdom priorities . . . a dear friend and treasured co-minister of the Gospel . . . To sum it up, Drew is top drawer; if you have the privilege of being around him or hearing him speak, you will be significantly impacted and your life will be changed.
Brad Widstrom, Chair of the Youth Ministry Department at Denver Seminary
"We were searching for a camp speaker and called Denver Seminary to ask for a recommendation. They immediately named Drew Hill. He agreed to speak for both our middle and high school camps, totaling 400 youth, 8 days, and 14 messages . It immediately became clear that God would use Drew to speak truth and grace in a relevant way. The impact was profound. Weeks after camp, I still see the impact in our youth! Drew and Natalie are testimony that Jesus Christ is alive and transforms lives."
Jodi Chung, Youth Minister, Houston, TX
"Without a doubt, Drew's "Understanding Your Teenager" seminar was the best equipping event we have hosted for parents in our thirteen year history as a church. The response from our congregation was overwhelming. One mother wrote me afterwards and said, “I hope that you have Drew come and speak again. Soon. Because I am sure that everyone who attended has already told several others about it. I have! Every minute was filled with great info…Please have him return soon.” Another parent wrote to tell me “Drew Hill was AWESOME! He was funny, completely engaging, and had great information and suggestions to share.” As a pastor to youth, Drew Hill made it possible for us to come alongside parents so that we are working in concert to minister to students."
Andrew Wild, Executive Pastor, River Oaks Community Church, Clemmons, NC
ENDORSEMENTS for "ALONGSIDE"
I highly recommend “Alongside” to all parents, teachers, youth ministers and anyone who has a concern for the well-being of adolescents. Drew Hill has invested his life in helping teenagers respond to the unconditional love of God and this excellent book offers practical help that will lead to their lives being forever changed.
Dr. Gary Chapman, Author of The Five Love Languages
“With raw real life examples from decades of working with teenagers, combined with Biblical and practical guidance, Alongside provides pathways to help all of us journey together with the rising generation toward genuine experiences of the gospel.”
David Robbins, President & CEO, FamilyLife
Alongside is a beautiful and practical companion for anyone who wants to learn how to better love the teenagers in their life. I found myself in tears as I read incredible real-life stories of the gospel breaking through the distractions, darkness, loneliness, and pain that often accompany adolescence. It tells the beautiful story of the gospel, and also offers tools that will help you communicate that story well as you walk alongside the teenagers in your life.
Ellie Holcomb, Dove-Award winning singer/songwriter
Drew Hill engagingly demonstrates that the incarnation is not just a central Christian doctrine. It’s a model for how we share Jesus with teenagers. Alongside takes us on an authentic journey into the exciting yet perilous world of adolescence, making the case that sharing the gospel is not merely by words. “It’s opening up our very lives,” entering into their lives, as Jesus did. This is must reading for parents and youth workers!
Dennis P. Hollinger, Ph.D., President of Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary
Drew Hill was my camp counselor 20 years ago. He has photos (read: blackmail) to prove it. Ever since I've known him, Drew's passion—and gift—has been bringing gospel grace to young adults. In Alongside: Loving Teenagers with the Gospel, Drew has distilled decades of youth-ministry experience into a resource that is funny, engaging, and profound. Whether you're a parent, pastor, youth leader, or teenager, I commend this book to you.
Matt Smethurst, Managing Editor, The Gospel Coalition
As a former youth pastor, Young Life leader, and someone who has parented two teenagers, “Alongside” brings me great encouragement. In a time when the youngest among us are receiving so many confusing signals from their leaders, Drew has helped us see that ministry to teenagers is both walking alongside and in front of them. Alongside is a fresh reminder of the tremendous opportunity parents and leaders have been given. It’s an invitation to simply walk across the room, the street, and even the school parking lot and make a positive difference in someone's life. I'm looking forward to seeing the far-reaching impact this timely resource will have in the lives of teenagers and those who minister to them. This book is a gift. I commend it to parents, pastors, lay leaders and most especially, our fearless heroes: those walking alongside teenagers in youth ministry.
The Most Rev. Dr. Foley Beach, Archbishop and Primate, The Anglican Church in North America
“Alongside: Loving Teenagers with the Gospel” is a modern day primer for parents and youth workers. A must read for those who are serious about meeting teenagers where they are. Drew Hill’s format of questions and a prayer is very compelling and helpful. Most of all, you can tell that Drew Hill is not just an author, he is someone who has given his life to this high calling of reaching teens for the Gospel.
Rev. Gail Ebersole, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Vice President- Eastern U.S.
Alongside is a great read for any parent or student leader who wants to effectively engage students with the gospel. With years of first hand experience working with middle school and high school students, Drew shares keen insights into the next generation while offering practical suggestions for leading students to find their identity in Christ. Really powerful.
J.D. Greear, Pastor of The Summit Church
I think for many of us, we can quickly forget what it felt like to be a teenager. I certainly had those moments as a Young Life leader while also trying to manage the intense world of professional sports. We forget the pressure to fit in, pressure to perform, and unrelenting messaging of how we just aren’t quite enough. In Alongside, my friend Drew lays out a beautiful display of what it means to pursue young people, right where they are at. This book will equip anyone to impact the next generation with the heart of God.
Clint Gresham, Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl XLVIII Champion and best-selling author of “Becoming”
“Alongside” takes you on an amazing journey through the struggles and trials of being a teenager…and the joy that comes with walking alongside them and sharing the gospel. Having experienced this first hand as a lost teenager, then as a Young Life leader, and now a parent of 3 teenage boys, I promise you will want to take plenty of notes as you walk through Drew’s compilation of stories, triumphs, struggles and truths. A great read!”
Dave Alpern, President, Joe Gibbs Racing
Drew’s book to help simplify communication with teenagers will change lives! He uses his years of experience and knowledge of God’s Word to encourage parents and mentors to stop stressing about the small things. Alongside helps transform the principles of the Gospel into very practical ways to inspire the tender hearts of young people.
Dr. Joe White, President of Kanakuk Kamps
Alongside is an essential read for anyone who loves teenagers, and seeks to reach their hearts with the gospel. While full of practical advice, I was struck by how Drew Hill consistently points to God's power as our only hope. This book is for ordinary people who serve an extraordinary Savior who walks alongside us.
Matthew Smith, singer-songwriter, Indelible Grace
Drew's insight has been validated by decades of working with and caring for young people. But this is not just a book about relating to youth culture. It is a road map for living life well, at any age and in any community. Read it. Do what it says. The rewards are generous.
Allen Levi, singer-songwriter and author of “The Last Sweet Mile”
In 20+ years of ministry, I have never met anyone more gifted at relating to and leading students to Jesus then Drew Hill. This book, “Alongside” was written in the trenches, years and years of relating to students and parents. I couldn’t think of anyone on the planet more equipped to write this book. It is authentic, relevant, and helpful. A MUST read for anyone leading teenagers!
Bryson Vogeltanz, Passion City Church, Location Pastor
There’s a special place in my heart for books that help parents and youth workers share with teenagers, not only God’s good news but their own lives too. A must-read book, ALONGSIDE is refreshingly honest and filled with life-changing, relationship-enriching insights and inspiration.
Fil Anderson, author of Running on Empty
As you read the pages of this book, you’ll see clearly that Drew Hill loves teenagers and loves Jesus. He also knows teenagers and knows Jesus. Drew starts with Scripture, shares stories about teenagers he’s known, and offers practical tools for living out 1 Thessalonians 2:8 with the teenagers in your life.
Julie Clapp, Mission Director of WyldLife
I can’t wait to share this gem of a book with family, friends and fellow youth workers. Alongside is chocked-full of practical nuggets and helpful resources from a wise veteran. This is a must-read for youth workers, parents, and anyone else who cares for teenagers- but sometimes struggles with knowing how. Drew Hill has given us a substantive, yet extremely practical handbook, for loving the teenagers in our lives and authentically sharing God’s love with them.
Rich Van Pelt, Compassion International, Senior Director for Ministry Relationships; and author of “The Youth Workers Guide to Helping Teenagers in Crisis” and “The Parent’s Guide to Helping Teenagers in Crisis.”
If ministry is to be anything, it is to be incarnational. In “Alongside,” Drew does a masterful job of using both Scripture and story to show the ministry of Jesus and how it can be lived out among those who love and pursue teenagers. A must-read for anyone involved in youth ministry.
Jim Branch, youth ministry veteran and author of “The Blue Book”
Drew Hill is one of the most qualified people to write this diamond of a book. Part artist, part doctor, part philosopher, and part-storyteller, he tells the old, old love story in a captivating way. Alongside is filled with much-needed practical advice for anyone who works with young people. It will be a tremendous resource for parents, teachers, coaches, youth workers, and more. Drew majors in the “Who” we are all looking for. His genuine heart for young people comes shining through. This raw, real, and relevant work will help all who read it find their way, and invest in the next generation.
Pete Hardesty, Young Life College Divisional Coordinator and author of Adulting 101
Drew winsomely communicates the realities of loving and pursuing kids in the hope that they see and experience Jesus. Whether you're a parent, a church youth minister or volunteer, a teacher, or in any way involved with teenagers, you'll be challenged, inspired and encouraged. Plus, there are great practical "tools of engagement" you'll find helpful.
Ty Saltzgiver, Author of “My First 30 Quiet Times”
When I was a teenager, Drew Hill entered my life and showed me the love and reality of Jesus. His friendship sparked a faith journey that has continued through college, marriage, and now as a leader in ministry. “ Alongside” captures the essence of what Drew’s life has taught me: God designed his message to live in people. The Word becoming flesh was not an isolated event, but a precedent for all of us.
Zak Ellison, Young Life Area Director, Merced, California
Lists of how-to’s and bullet points describing successful parenting/youth ministry are plentiful and gather dust quickly. Drew Hill does something else. Alongside helps us mouth words of prayer for young people and invites us into their world through vivid snapshots of unfiltered real-life stories. Reading Alongside is an experience, not a lecture.
Dr. Sean McGever, Professor of Theology at Grand Canyon University, author of "Mark in a Month"
As someone in family ministry, “Alongside” is the best of both worlds- a helpful tool that will both build up our volunteers and also serve as an encouragement for parents. I’m excited to take our youth leaders through Drew’s book because it captures both a prayerful and practical approach to pursuing middle and high schoolers. Also, it’s a fantastic resource to put in parents’ hands as they are navigating this complicated phase in their kids’ lives.
Paul Mannino, Family Pastor, Grace Church, Kutztown, PA
I truly believe this book should be in every household. As a person who works with high schoolers, and many who don’t have dads, I often find myself in a father figure role. In addition to teaching them how to become men, I also have the privilege to lead them to Christ. This book helps me do just that. It will be practically helpful for parents, teachers, coaches and all those in youth ministry.
Odysseus Wallace, Young Life Area Director, Chattanooga, TN
As an educator of 17 years, this book is a must read for those to want to impact the lives of teenagers at a much deeper level. It's allowed me to see my students in a more compassionate and loving way! Drew Hill’s understanding of how to walk alongside teenagers showing them the Gospel is what every person who interacts with teenagers needs to learn. "Alongside" not only gives practical applications to better understand teenagers, but tells it through the story of teenagers who were desperate for someone to meet them where they were at.
Joey Menendez, High School Principal, San Jose, Costa Rica
Drew Hill not only captures your heart with the power of the gospel, but this book is also full of captivating stories and illustrations. Alongside is an excellent resource for the church.
Dr. Matthew Z. Capps, Senior Pastor, Fairview Baptist Church, Apex NC
"In the decade that I've had the joy of spending time with youth, I have met very few people like Drew Hill. He is a gifted communicator who speaks out of his love for Jesus and love for his young friends and trust me, every youth he meets becomes his friend. He is approachable, trustworthy, and transparent with everyone he meets. Young people love him, his peers respect him, and he blesses everyone he comes across. Drew Hill is the kind of guy I hope my kids will be like."
David Carter, Youth Pastor, Colorado Springs, CO
"Drew Hill is a passionate pursuer of Jesus Christ . . . a man with a deep love for and knowledge of Scripture . . . a gifted communicator . . . one who loves people and has dedicated his life to see them come to Christ and grow in their faith . . . a husband and father who loves his family and models Kingdom priorities . . . a dear friend and treasured co-minister of the Gospel . . . To sum it up, Drew is top drawer; if you have the privilege of being around him or hearing him speak, you will be significantly impacted and your life will be changed.
Brad Widstrom, Chair of the Youth Ministry Department at Denver Seminary
"We were searching for a camp speaker and called Denver Seminary to ask for a recommendation. They immediately named Drew Hill. He agreed to speak for both our middle and high school camps, totaling 400 youth, 8 days, and 14 messages . It immediately became clear that God would use Drew to speak truth and grace in a relevant way. The impact was profound. Weeks after camp, I still see the impact in our youth! Drew and Natalie are testimony that Jesus Christ is alive and transforms lives."
Jodi Chung, Youth Minister, Houston, TX
"Without a doubt, Drew's "Understanding Your Teenager" seminar was the best equipping event we have hosted for parents in our thirteen year history as a church. The response from our congregation was overwhelming. One mother wrote me afterwards and said, “I hope that you have Drew come and speak again. Soon. Because I am sure that everyone who attended has already told several others about it. I have! Every minute was filled with great info…Please have him return soon.” Another parent wrote to tell me “Drew Hill was AWESOME! He was funny, completely engaging, and had great information and suggestions to share.” As a pastor to youth, Drew Hill made it possible for us to come alongside parents so that we are working in concert to minister to students."
Andrew Wild, Executive Pastor, River Oaks Community Church, Clemmons, NC
ENDORSEMENTS for "ALONGSIDE"
I highly recommend “Alongside” to all parents, teachers, youth ministers and anyone who has a concern for the well-being of adolescents. Drew Hill has invested his life in helping teenagers respond to the unconditional love of God and this excellent book offers practical help that will lead to their lives being forever changed.
Dr. Gary Chapman, Author of The Five Love Languages
“With raw real life examples from decades of working with teenagers, combined with Biblical and practical guidance, Alongside provides pathways to help all of us journey together with the rising generation toward genuine experiences of the gospel.”
David Robbins, President & CEO, FamilyLife
Alongside is a beautiful and practical companion for anyone who wants to learn how to better love the teenagers in their life. I found myself in tears as I read incredible real-life stories of the gospel breaking through the distractions, darkness, loneliness, and pain that often accompany adolescence. It tells the beautiful story of the gospel, and also offers tools that will help you communicate that story well as you walk alongside the teenagers in your life.
Ellie Holcomb, Dove-Award winning singer/songwriter
Drew Hill engagingly demonstrates that the incarnation is not just a central Christian doctrine. It’s a model for how we share Jesus with teenagers. Alongside takes us on an authentic journey into the exciting yet perilous world of adolescence, making the case that sharing the gospel is not merely by words. “It’s opening up our very lives,” entering into their lives, as Jesus did. This is must reading for parents and youth workers!
Dennis P. Hollinger, Ph.D., President of Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary
Drew Hill was my camp counselor 20 years ago. He has photos (read: blackmail) to prove it. Ever since I've known him, Drew's passion—and gift—has been bringing gospel grace to young adults. In Alongside: Loving Teenagers with the Gospel, Drew has distilled decades of youth-ministry experience into a resource that is funny, engaging, and profound. Whether you're a parent, pastor, youth leader, or teenager, I commend this book to you.
Matt Smethurst, Managing Editor, The Gospel Coalition
As a former youth pastor, Young Life leader, and someone who has parented two teenagers, “Alongside” brings me great encouragement. In a time when the youngest among us are receiving so many confusing signals from their leaders, Drew has helped us see that ministry to teenagers is both walking alongside and in front of them. Alongside is a fresh reminder of the tremendous opportunity parents and leaders have been given. It’s an invitation to simply walk across the room, the street, and even the school parking lot and make a positive difference in someone's life. I'm looking forward to seeing the far-reaching impact this timely resource will have in the lives of teenagers and those who minister to them. This book is a gift. I commend it to parents, pastors, lay leaders and most especially, our fearless heroes: those walking alongside teenagers in youth ministry.
The Most Rev. Dr. Foley Beach, Archbishop and Primate, The Anglican Church in North America
“Alongside: Loving Teenagers with the Gospel” is a modern day primer for parents and youth workers. A must read for those who are serious about meeting teenagers where they are. Drew Hill’s format of questions and a prayer is very compelling and helpful. Most of all, you can tell that Drew Hill is not just an author, he is someone who has given his life to this high calling of reaching teens for the Gospel.
Rev. Gail Ebersole, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Vice President- Eastern U.S.
Alongside is a great read for any parent or student leader who wants to effectively engage students with the gospel. With years of first hand experience working with middle school and high school students, Drew shares keen insights into the next generation while offering practical suggestions for leading students to find their identity in Christ. Really powerful.
J.D. Greear, Pastor of The Summit Church
I think for many of us, we can quickly forget what it felt like to be a teenager. I certainly had those moments as a Young Life leader while also trying to manage the intense world of professional sports. We forget the pressure to fit in, pressure to perform, and unrelenting messaging of how we just aren’t quite enough. In Alongside, my friend Drew lays out a beautiful display of what it means to pursue young people, right where they are at. This book will equip anyone to impact the next generation with the heart of God.
Clint Gresham, Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl XLVIII Champion and best-selling author of “Becoming”
“Alongside” takes you on an amazing journey through the struggles and trials of being a teenager…and the joy that comes with walking alongside them and sharing the gospel. Having experienced this first hand as a lost teenager, then as a Young Life leader, and now a parent of 3 teenage boys, I promise you will want to take plenty of notes as you walk through Drew’s compilation of stories, triumphs, struggles and truths. A great read!”
Dave Alpern, President, Joe Gibbs Racing
Drew’s book to help simplify communication with teenagers will change lives! He uses his years of experience and knowledge of God’s Word to encourage parents and mentors to stop stressing about the small things. Alongside helps transform the principles of the Gospel into very practical ways to inspire the tender hearts of young people.
Dr. Joe White, President of Kanakuk Kamps
Alongside is an essential read for anyone who loves teenagers, and seeks to reach their hearts with the gospel. While full of practical advice, I was struck by how Drew Hill consistently points to God's power as our only hope. This book is for ordinary people who serve an extraordinary Savior who walks alongside us.
Matthew Smith, singer-songwriter, Indelible Grace
Drew's insight has been validated by decades of working with and caring for young people. But this is not just a book about relating to youth culture. It is a road map for living life well, at any age and in any community. Read it. Do what it says. The rewards are generous.
Allen Levi, singer-songwriter and author of “The Last Sweet Mile”
In 20+ years of ministry, I have never met anyone more gifted at relating to and leading students to Jesus then Drew Hill. This book, “Alongside” was written in the trenches, years and years of relating to students and parents. I couldn’t think of anyone on the planet more equipped to write this book. It is authentic, relevant, and helpful. A MUST read for anyone leading teenagers!
Bryson Vogeltanz, Passion City Church, Location Pastor
There’s a special place in my heart for books that help parents and youth workers share with teenagers, not only God’s good news but their own lives too. A must-read book, ALONGSIDE is refreshingly honest and filled with life-changing, relationship-enriching insights and inspiration.
Fil Anderson, author of Running on Empty
As you read the pages of this book, you’ll see clearly that Drew Hill loves teenagers and loves Jesus. He also knows teenagers and knows Jesus. Drew starts with Scripture, shares stories about teenagers he’s known, and offers practical tools for living out 1 Thessalonians 2:8 with the teenagers in your life.
Julie Clapp, Mission Director of WyldLife
I can’t wait to share this gem of a book with family, friends and fellow youth workers. Alongside is chocked-full of practical nuggets and helpful resources from a wise veteran. This is a must-read for youth workers, parents, and anyone else who cares for teenagers- but sometimes struggles with knowing how. Drew Hill has given us a substantive, yet extremely practical handbook, for loving the teenagers in our lives and authentically sharing God’s love with them.
Rich Van Pelt, Compassion International, Senior Director for Ministry Relationships; and author of “The Youth Workers Guide to Helping Teenagers in Crisis” and “The Parent’s Guide to Helping Teenagers in Crisis.”
If ministry is to be anything, it is to be incarnational. In “Alongside,” Drew does a masterful job of using both Scripture and story to show the ministry of Jesus and how it can be lived out among those who love and pursue teenagers. A must-read for anyone involved in youth ministry.
Jim Branch, youth ministry veteran and author of “The Blue Book”
Drew Hill is one of the most qualified people to write this diamond of a book. Part artist, part doctor, part philosopher, and part-storyteller, he tells the old, old love story in a captivating way. Alongside is filled with much-needed practical advice for anyone who works with young people. It will be a tremendous resource for parents, teachers, coaches, youth workers, and more. Drew majors in the “Who” we are all looking for. His genuine heart for young people comes shining through. This raw, real, and relevant work will help all who read it find their way, and invest in the next generation.
Pete Hardesty, Young Life College Divisional Coordinator and author of Adulting 101
Drew winsomely communicates the realities of loving and pursuing kids in the hope that they see and experience Jesus. Whether you're a parent, a church youth minister or volunteer, a teacher, or in any way involved with teenagers, you'll be challenged, inspired and encouraged. Plus, there are great practical "tools of engagement" you'll find helpful.
Ty Saltzgiver, Author of “My First 30 Quiet Times”
When I was a teenager, Drew Hill entered my life and showed me the love and reality of Jesus. His friendship sparked a faith journey that has continued through college, marriage, and now as a leader in ministry. “ Alongside” captures the essence of what Drew’s life has taught me: God designed his message to live in people. The Word becoming flesh was not an isolated event, but a precedent for all of us.
Zak Ellison, Young Life Area Director, Merced, California
Lists of how-to’s and bullet points describing successful parenting/youth ministry are plentiful and gather dust quickly. Drew Hill does something else. Alongside helps us mouth words of prayer for young people and invites us into their world through vivid snapshots of unfiltered real-life stories. Reading Alongside is an experience, not a lecture.
Dr. Sean McGever, Professor of Theology at Grand Canyon University, author of "Mark in a Month"
As someone in family ministry, “Alongside” is the best of both worlds- a helpful tool that will both build up our volunteers and also serve as an encouragement for parents. I’m excited to take our youth leaders through Drew’s book because it captures both a prayerful and practical approach to pursuing middle and high schoolers. Also, it’s a fantastic resource to put in parents’ hands as they are navigating this complicated phase in their kids’ lives.
Paul Mannino, Family Pastor, Grace Church, Kutztown, PA
I truly believe this book should be in every household. As a person who works with high schoolers, and many who don’t have dads, I often find myself in a father figure role. In addition to teaching them how to become men, I also have the privilege to lead them to Christ. This book helps me do just that. It will be practically helpful for parents, teachers, coaches and all those in youth ministry.
Odysseus Wallace, Young Life Area Director, Chattanooga, TN
As an educator of 17 years, this book is a must read for those to want to impact the lives of teenagers at a much deeper level. It's allowed me to see my students in a more compassionate and loving way! Drew Hill’s understanding of how to walk alongside teenagers showing them the Gospel is what every person who interacts with teenagers needs to learn. "Alongside" not only gives practical applications to better understand teenagers, but tells it through the story of teenagers who were desperate for someone to meet them where they were at.
Joey Menendez, High School Principal, San Jose, Costa Rica
Drew Hill not only captures your heart with the power of the gospel, but this book is also full of captivating stories and illustrations. Alongside is an excellent resource for the church.
Dr. Matthew Z. Capps, Senior Pastor, Fairview Baptist Church, Apex NC
