Word: For Everybody Who Thought Christianity Was for Suckas [Paperback]

Mykel Mitchell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2005

Growing up, Mykel Mitchell found more truth in the words of Run DMC than any preacher's sermon. He saw more prosperity in the lives of local drug dealers than in the lives of neighboring saints. It was only natural that he would gravitate toward hustling. Years later, when "the life" left him empty and he had nothing to lose, he gave Jesus Christ a chance-and he's never looked back.

In Word, Mitchell takes us on the personal, moving, and at times, humorous journey that helped him reconcile his faith in Christ, not only with his intellect and instincts-but with his passion for all things hip-hop. In this refreshingly candid take on church doctrine, he addresses questions like "Why does God need my money?" and "What's the big deal with sex anyway?" and explains how he came to rock baggy jeans and sports jerseys right along with his platinum cross and tattered Bible, without shame or apologies.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Mitchell, hip-hop veteran and radio producer, turned to Christianity when "the expensive toys, the fly gear and the expensive girlfriends" that filled his life left him hopeless. This is his Christian apologetic to the hip-hop world and his attempt to help readers discover the same hope and love he's found in Christianity. Just after proclaiming in chapter one that "This book is not an attempt to convince anybody to convert to Christianity," Mitchell instructs readers that they will have to make a choice about Jesus and "live with the consequences of that choice for eternity." He tells of growing up in the projects, falling in love with rap music at age 11, hustling, abusing women and drugs, going back to church and being transformed into a loving husband and father. Various chapters focus on his own story, his defense of Christianity, some of the most difficult "rules" in the Christian life (e.g., chastity and tithing) and topics of particular importance to his African-American audience, such as absent fathers and racial reconciliation. Mitchell believes that hip-hop and Christian faith can coexist, and embodies this in writing that's true to Christian principles while remaining full of "flava." Although the book's in-depth teaching may be too much for an audience yet to embrace Christianity, Mitchell's story is powerful and his voice genuine. (Feb.)
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About the Author

A former hustler, Mykel Mitchell is a co-founder of a local Christian fraternity and has been a deacon at the 16,000-member Faithful Central Bible Church in Los Angeles. A record-industry veteran, he was the executive producer of the Greg Mack Show on radio station KDAY, and is co-literary agent for artists 50 Cent and Omarion. Mitchell is a marketing consultant and liaison between the hip-hop world and a number of major corporations. He and his wife, Sheeri, are the co-authors of Greed.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: NAL Trade (February 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451214064
• ISBN-13: 978-0451214065
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,758,677 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Keepin' It Real, August 4, 2005

By 

The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (RAWSISTAZ.com and BlackBookReviews.net) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Word: For Everybody Who Thought Christianity Was for Suckas (Paperback)

What keeps young people away from the church? What can be done to draw them in? Why would young people want to go to church anyway? These are but a few of the questions Mykel Mitchell addresses in his book WORD: For Everybody Who Thought Christianity Was for Suckas. Using his own life as an example, he shares his experiences in a vivid and honest manner.

He begins by explaining why he was turned off by churches and religion and then candidly explains the sense of despair and lack of fulfillment that led him to give it another try. He reflects on how his professional success, material goods and hip-hop lifestyle were not enough to provide a true sense of fulfillment. He reminisces about his journey back to Christianity and the struggles he encountered while trying to be not only a better Christian, but a better man. From there he goes on to discuss various issues such as sex, money, marriage, and forgiveness, all from the Christian perspective. Most importantly he notes, that while he has changed in many respects, he hasn't rejected his hip-hop style.


I can't express what a gem this book is. It is great for churches trying to build or enhance youth ministries because it highlights some of the reasons why some young people are difficult to engage. The book uses everyday language and hip-hop slang to explain some of the basic tenants of Christianity. As a result, it is a book young people can enjoy and relate to. This can be used to expose non-Christian teens and young adults to the faith and would also be a wonderful discussion tool for Sunday School classes and youth groups. Mitchell points out that commitment to God doesn't mean giving up having fun and being hip, but it offers the added security of knowing that God is working in your life and has your back. I highly recommend this book.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!!, January 19, 2006

By 

LaurieinCA,USA (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Word: For Everybody Who Thought Christianity Was for Suckas (Paperback)

I can't top what has already been said about this awesome book! It inspired me, challenged me...I could not put it down. I will be buying more copies for friends. I thank the Lord for Mykel (and Sheeri.) They have the amazing ability to be so passionate for Christ yet real and humble in their walk. Hey, I would love for them to write a book on parenting! They have great insight....Blessings Mykel and Sheeri!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GOD"S hip hop warrior, May 3, 2005

By 

bobby a. "bobby" (california) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Word: For Everybody Who Thought Christianity Was for Suckas (Paperback)

This book is a blessig for anyone who wants to know how GOD sees the hearts of this generation. The message of this work,could not have the impact it does ,without the ispiration of GOD. Thank you Mykel Mitchell for being obdient in completing this testament .