“Douglas Powe and Jasmine Smothers are voices of ‘NOW,’ and Not Safe for Church is an urgent book for NOW. They are two people I respect immensely and their collective experience offers new insight to old traditions. It’s been said 80 percent of funds supporting church ministry today comes from people over fifty-five years of age. It's safe to say this signals the fact the church has entered a perilous era of irrelevance to a broad spectrum of young people in America and beyond. This book is not only challenging but also compelling and timely. You will no doubt be moved to see the church like you have never seen the church before."
—Rudy Rasmus, Senior Pastor, St. John’s United Methodist Church, Houston, TX

“Not Safe for Church is a dynamic and straightforward resource for any congregation seeking to facilitate constructive changes toward the millennial generation in the African American church. Powe and Smothers offer ten distinct and actionable strategies that congregations can wrestle with in order for churches to engage younger adults. While tailored to the African American church, any church would be wise to give careful attention to each of the commandments in its approach for relevance in the twenty-first century. The book’s list of commandments is carefully crafted and accessible for church leaders and educators who are seeking ways to dialogue about change and engagement of young adults. I look forward to engaging these commandments in both the classroom and the parish.”
—Asa J. Lee, Assistant Director for Programs, Lewis Center for Church Leadership, Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, DC

“Reaching out to new generations is fundamental if the church is really seeking to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We can be grateful to Doug Powe and Jasmine Smothers for calling Christians to follow Christ's great commandment by boldly engaging in ten challenging covenant practices that are worth taking a risk to engage. Read, risk, and reach out in Jesus's name!"

—Bishop B. Michael Watson, North Georgia Episcopal Area, United Methodist Church