The Anguish of Adolescence

Practicing the Gospel of Peace Among Teens Suffering from Anxiety and Depression.

Book cover with a photo of youth in a youth center.

About the Book

The Anguish of Adolescence is a timely read for anyone looking to understand and support today’s teenagers, especially those grappling with anxiety, depression, and spiritual disconnect. As mental health issues surge, this highlights the importance of offering the gospel of peace to emerging generations yearning for hope.

Teens face overwhelming pressures from social media and rapid cultural changes, often resulting in a growing disconnect from traditional family structures and religious institutions. This gap can be bridged by offering teens a pathway to reconnect with faith and family while addressing their struggles.

Current research shows that social media contagion amplifies external voices, drawing youth into others’ narratives and stripping them of their unique stories. Half of all teenagers struggle with anxiety and depression, and suicide attempts continue to rise.

Through a compassionate, incarnational approach, adults, youth ministers, and mentors are encouraged to connect with young people in their spaces—building trust, listening, and learning their unique language. Practical steps are provided to begin meaningful relationships, contextualize the gospel for young people, and offer real-world solutions to their struggles.

For those passionate about making a lasting impact in the lives of youth, The Anguish of Adolescence will equip you with the tools to break down barriers and foster deep, transformative relationships. Ultimately, it’s about offering healing, wholeness, and the love of Jesus to a generation that desperately needs and yearns for peace but rejects the church. This resource is for anyone committed to walking with teens through their spiritual and emotional journeys.

The Authors

David Flood (D.Min, Northern Seminary; MACL, Dallas Theological Seminary; BA, Moody Bible Institute) and Antoinette Flood (BA, Biblical Studies, University of Northwestern St. Paul; High School Advisor) have committed 30 years to evangelizing, educating, and mentoring teenagers through their 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Non-Toxic Youth Alternatives, Inc.

Foreword
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1: Adolescent Activities: Serving in a Neighborhood Teen Center
Chapter 2: Adolescent Attunement: Reflecting, Listening, and Learning Through Shared Experiences
Chapter 3: Adolescent Anguish: Social Media Contagion and the Devastating Rise of Anxiety and Depression
Chapter 4: Adolescents Adrift: Translating Theology To Emerging Generations
Chapter 5: The Gospel of Peace: The Revolutionary Nature of Reconciliation
Chapter 6: Embracing Engagement: Communicating the Gospel of Peace to Digital-Age Teens
Conclusion
Appendix A: Summary Outline of the Effects of Social Media Contagion
Appendix B: Theological Reflections
Bibliography

Endorsements for The Anguish of Adolescence

David and Antoinette Flood’s Anguish of Adolescence is a book that disrupts the world of Christian ministry, not just youth ministry, but the whole world of ministry, ministry of all kinds, in many places, of various titles. Flood’s stories, his sociological analysis, and his theological reflections manage to redescribe the world we all must enter who would become ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ. With this book, David and Antoinette give us a new playbook for ministry

David Fitch, PhD

B. R. Lindner chair of evangelical theology at Northern Seminary and the cofounder of Missio Alliance

It becomes evident that David and Antoinette have thoughtfully woven their research with years of rich experiences in youth ministry. It is this integration of biblical study, theological reflection, scientific research, and lived experience that commends The Anguish of Adolescence as a worthy resource for those in youth ministry.

Young-Sam Won, PhD

Directory of ministry formation and adjunct professor of Old Testament at Dallas Theological Seminary

Does theology really have something to say to adolescents who are trying to navigate faith in a troubling, rapidly changing world? According to David and Antoinette Flood’s The Anguish of Adolescence, the answer is a resounding Yes. Drawing upon a compelling theological understanding of the gospel of peace as revolutionary reconciliation, Flood demonstrates the power of the gospel to respond to adolescent angst over world events, church irrelevance, and the elusiveness of truth—in a word, anguish. Parents, youth pastors, and all who care about the welfare of Gen Z and younger generations need to read this book.

Al Tizon, PhD

Executive minister of Serve Globally, and affiliate associate professor of missional and global leadership at North Park Theological Seminary

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Lynn H. Cohick, PhD

Distinguished professor of New Testament and director of Houston Theological Seminary at Houston Christian University