Not Forsaken
Growing Up Black, Male, and Christian in the Hood
Published March 2021
Learn how to engage with inner city African American young men for Christ.
Not Forsaken: Growing up Black, Male and Christian in the Hood encapsulates principles author Chris McNair gleaned from successfully working with at-risk African American boys in the inner city in over thirty years of ministry. This book teaches how youth workers can address social, emotional, physical and spiritual issues facing young black men in the city. It is about building a relational ministry among black youth, centered on instilling a sense of identity in Christ and provides a study curriculum to use with the young men themselves.In addition to in-depth content from the Leader Guide, the study sessions contains everything needed to begin to equip leaders and guide a group through the study including session plans, activities, and discussion questions.
"In the thirty years I have known Rev. Chris McNair, he has always been hanging out with urban black males that no other youth serving organization or ministry seems able to connect with. By building long-term relationships with the most at-risk city youth, McNair engenders trust and creates possibilities for redemption. Part narrative and part training guide, Not Forsaken introduces you to his inspiring and instructive methodology for transformational ministry among urban black males and their families. This is a must read for anyone who cares about the future of our cities."
Curtiss Paul DeYoung, CEO, Minnesota Council of Churches
“Chris McNair is a veteran youth worker, urban pastor, and advocate for the empowerment of the marginalized. I consider myself part of the fruit of his labor. Allow this book to equip you to serve as a vehicle of transformation among God's urban children and families.”
Dr. Efrem Smith, Co-Senior Pastor of Bayside Church Midtown and Co-Owner of Influential LLC
“I have never read a book that so clearly explains the plight of the African American male but yet navigates a clear path to fulfillment….. in Christ. The study guide really does hold your hand and takes you through thoughtful yet challenging issues the young African American males face today with a Scriptural foundation.”
Bruce Morgan, CEO Kids Across America
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About the Author
Chris McNair
Chris McNair is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, Minnesota Annual Conference. He graduated from McMurry College (BS) in Abilene, TX, Asbury Seminary (MDiv) in Wilmore, KY and Luther Seminary (DMin) in St. Paul, MN. He is best known for his expertise in urban ministry, specializing in working with Black boys and young men. He is the author of Young Lions: A Christian Rites of Passage for African American Young Men, a rites of passage curriculum for church leaders and youth workers who work with African American boys in urban settings, and his soon to be published book, Not Forsaken: Growing Up Black, Male and Christian in the 'Hood", about his experiences ministering to Black boys, expounding on over three decades of work in the inner city. He is the executive director of Christ's Children Ministries, a grassroots urban ministry formed by he and his wife Lisa, serving unchurched children and families in urban Minneapolis.