Ahmad Washington Publishes New Book on Mentorship

The Waco youth ministry director offers a framework for adults to build stronger, healthier connections with young people.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Youth

Bold vector editorial illustration of two vertical support struts, evoking the steady guidance of adult mentorship. — Ahmad Washington, director of youth ministry at First Methodist Waco, explores mentorship strategies in his new bestseller, The Cycle of Connection. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

In September 2026, Ahmad Washington published "The Cycle Of Connection: Every Student Needs A Cheerleader, A Counselor, And A Coach." The book reached Amazon bestseller status, offering strategies for adults to engage with children through roles of support.

Why it matters

Washington authored the guide to help readers develop healthier relationships with youth, drawing on professional knowledge accumulated over two decades.

Ahmad Washington compiled this framework based on 20 years of experience working with children. The book is currently listed as an Amazon bestseller.

The players

Ahmad Washington

He is the founder of MovementUP LLC and the current director of youth ministry at First Methodist Waco.

Baylor University

This is a private Christian university in Waco, Texas, where Washington earned his bachelor and master degrees in social work.

George W. Truett Theological Seminary

Located in Waco, this institution is where Washington earned his Master of Divinity degree.

First Methodist Waco

This religious organization in Waco employs Washington as the director of its youth ministry department.

The details

Washington serves as the director of youth ministry at First Methodist Waco and founded the organization MovementUP LLC. He stated that the specific title for his book came to him during a meditative, prayerful walk.

Ahmad Washington began attending Baylor University in 1994.
Washington received his Master of Divinity in 2006.
The Cycle Of Connection was published in September 2026.

Culture Shift

This publication fits into a broader societal shift toward structured, role-based mentorship to bridge communication gaps between adults and children. It reflects a growing demand for formalized, evidence-based frameworks in youth ministry and youth development circles.

Parents and educators in the Waco area can implement the framework in their own lives to improve personal interactions with young people. The book provides specific guidance on acting as a cheerleader, counselor, and coach for students.

The takeaway

Effective youth mentorship requires adopting distinct, supportive roles to foster healthy emotional development. Readers can apply the counselor-coach-cheerleader model to their daily interactions with children to build more resilient connections.