| Book Reviews - Youth Ministry |
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Review
David Kinnaman, president of The Barna Group, has written a highly researched study of
how others are perceiving Christians in an increasingly negative light, especially young
Americans. His well organized analysis of this emerging issue is based not on just his
opinion, but on the highly respected research of The Barna Group. His work is particularly
useful to those ministering to Mosaic and Busters generations with special focus on the
sixteen- to twenty-nine-year old set. He is not afraid to discuss controversial topics and
gives us a clear and statistically accurate understanding of how these generations are
rejecting Christianity. His research concludes "that what Christians are best known for" is
"what they are against." He believes that in order for us to change this perspective, we
must first understand the truth. This book is a great resource for all church staff and
leaders, especially those concerned about the future of the Christian church and
passing on the faith to the next generations.
Selected Brief Quotes
“The main group we studied is 'outsiders,' those looking at the Christian faith from the
outside. ... If we want to influence new generations, we have to pay attention to the swelling
group of outsiders.” (pg. 18-19)
“If we were able to rewrite the script for the reputation of Christianity, I think we would put
the emphasis on developing relationships with nonbelievers, serving them, loving them, and
making them feel accepted. Only then would we earn the right to share the Gospel.” (pg. 88)
David Kinnaman, president of The Barna Group, has written a highly researched study of
how others are perceiving Christians in an increasingly negative light, especially young
Americans. His well organized analysis of this emerging issue is based not on just his
opinion, but on the highly respected research of The Barna Group. His work is particularly
useful to those ministering to Mosaic and Busters generations with special focus on the
sixteen- to twenty-nine-year old set. He is not afraid to discuss controversial topics and
gives us a clear and statistically accurate understanding of how these generations are
rejecting Christianity. His research concludes "that what Christians are best known for" is
"what they are against." He believes that in order for us to change this perspective, we
must first understand the truth. This book is a great resource for all church staff and
leaders, especially those concerned about the future of the Christian church and
passing on the faith to the next generations.
Selected Brief Quotes
“The main group we studied is 'outsiders,' those looking at the Christian faith from the
outside. ... If we want to influence new generations, we have to pay attention to the swelling
group of outsiders.” (pg. 18-19)
“If we were able to rewrite the script for the reputation of Christianity, I think we would put
the emphasis on developing relationships with nonbelievers, serving them, loving them, and
making them feel accepted. Only then would we earn the right to share the Gospel.” (pg. 88)
| "If we lose a generation in the church, that loss won't be because we failed to entertain them, but because we failed to dare them — to take the words of Jesus seriously and to do something about the things that are wrong in the world." Shane Claiborne |
The Center for Parish Leadership
Equipping Catholic Leaders ~
Believing in Strong Parishes
Believing in Strong Parishes
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