Almost Christian: What the Faith of Our Teenagers is Telling the American Church Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Almost Christian: What the Faith of Our Teenagers is Telling the American Church? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Almost Christian: What the Faith of Our Teenagers is Telling the American Church. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Almost Christian: What the Faith of Our Teenagers is Telling the American Church Review*****
This wonderful book is based on the National Study of Youth and Religion conducted from 2002 to 2005. It is a fascinating analysis of teen religious practice, which is a bellwether of the faith of us all. Teenagers are practicing the faith that we are teaching them, not what we say we believe, but what we actually believe as evidenced by our actions. All of this could be dry and boring, but in "Almost Christian" it is not! This is a truly fascinating exploration of what makes faith vibrant, what makes faith "consequential". As such it is important for everyone to read, not just those interested in teens and youth ministry. Much of the book describes real faith--a faith rich in holy desire and missional clarity--and explores ways that we as a church can experience and model this in our lives.
Most teenagers today practice an "imposter faith" what the author calls "Moralistic Therapeutic Deism"--"the new mainstream American religious faith" in which God is seen as a butler or a therapist rather than (as the approximately 8% of youth that are "highly devoted" do) as a "divine swimming instructor" who is down in the water with them, leading and instructing them. The book also explores the faith of these "highly devoted" youth and what makes them different from their peers.
The scope of this book is limited to Christian ministry and formation and does not include Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, or other faiths. There are helpful appendices and an index, and the book is written in a somewhat intellectual style and at the same time a very moving style---very readable and pragmatic--not academic.
I read this book not because I had any interest in youth ministry or teenagers in particular, but because of the title--"Almost Christian"--something in it resonated with me, and I'm so glad I gave it a chance. This book made my life richer, and gave me an appreciation both for young people and for my faith that I did not have before. It's really important to me to not be an Americanized Christian with a watered-down faith, but rather, someone who reflects the love of Jesus Christ and real faith in all I do. I found myself enlightened, inspired, and encouraged.
Highly recommended.
*****Almost Christian: What the Faith of Our Teenagers is Telling the American Church Overview

Want to learn more information about Almost Christian: What the Faith of Our Teenagers is Telling the American Church?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Reverse Mentoring: How Young Leaders Can Transform the Church and Why We Should Let Them (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Reverse Mentoring: How Young Leaders Can Transform the Church and Why We Should Let Them (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series)? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Reverse Mentoring: How Young Leaders Can Transform the Church and Why We Should Let Them (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series). Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Reverse Mentoring: How Young Leaders Can Transform the Church and Why We Should Let Them (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series) ReviewI have been thinking about mentoring for some time. I was excited to see this book, which really expanded upon a chapter of his very excellent book, Off-Road Disciplines. Reverse Mentoring by Earl Creps is a handbook that I will keep on my current reading bookshelf for reference.
When I was in business a few years ago and trying to understand the internet and how it would eventually impact our business model, I would often engage young men and women in conversation about various aspects of the net and quickly it was apparent that my thoughts were geared to the economic business model and their perspective was a community or social model. That is a big difference. Depending on where you start in the conversation you can find yourself in the center of the action or way out in left field. Earl provides "road signs" along the way of this whole R-Mentoring process.
In Reverse Mentoring, Earl points out that many, either do not want to push themselves out of their comfort zone or are fearful of looking like they are stupid about things that are intuitive to the rising generations. Any hope of maintaining relevance depends upon allowing ourselves to be mentored by young men who are wise about things that with every passing day we run the risk of becoming obsolescent. Earl has done a good job of putting in one volume principles and ideas that will serve those of us who have a desire to speak into the hearts of the next generation by allowing to them to speak into our hearts. This guide book is like a manual for someone who is about to engage in foreign missions.
Earl was gracious to use some quotes of mine from a blog entry I wrote on this topic. As I said in that entry, "Every day I get a little more disconnected unless I intentionally work at staying connected." (p21) Further as I said when we allow ourselves to be transparent to the next generation it is "easy to think that things change so rapidly just to keep me [us] off balance or on the edge of the conversation." (p78) This is rarely the case, though we must exercise some common sense, there probably some things that we should allow to be exclusively their domain - no need to look stupid trying to be something we are not. I really do believe that the story of Elisha and Joash in 2 Kings 13 provides a glimpse of inter-generational strength and wisdom working together. I summarized that interaction as follows, "Young and old, old and young working together taking advantage of the strengths that both have to offer...I am willing to submit to the next generation to learn from them the things I should and trust that I will be able to impart the few things I have gleaned in living life. Life on life investing in the lives of a few. What could one give himself to that would compare to this?" (p183)
Throughout the book, Earl provides real world illustrations of how R-mentoring might work itself out for those who have the desire to join in this exciting endeavor. For me the principles in this book are working themselves out in my life as I allow Carson Peterson, Jason Rodriguez, Lane Moon, Brad Wolfrom, Scott Hamilton, Martin Elvington and Eugen Cozonac to speak into my heart and have the permission to challenge me when necessary. In the short time that I have been with these men, they are shaping me and equipping me to maintain connectedness in this very dynamic world in which we live. When I press them, they return the favor and they are fast becoming my friends.
One of my big takeaways from this very important book, is that we must take this challenge, and if we are to be successful we must allow humility to temper our interactions with the next generation. Earl has done us a great service. I trust this book will find its way into the hands of men and women who will rise to the call issued by Earl to engage in the conversation, to run with the herd and experience the excitement of embracing those things that excite the next generation. When we find ourselves at that point we may then have the privilege of speaking into their hearts when their souls are in the grip of fear. Life on life, there is no bigger nor better call.Reverse Mentoring: How Young Leaders Can Transform the Church and Why We Should Let Them (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series) Overview

Want to learn more information about Reverse Mentoring: How Young Leaders Can Transform the Church and Why We Should Let Them (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series)?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Baby Boomers and Beyond: Tapping the Ministry Talents and Passions of Adults over 50 (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Baby Boomers and Beyond: Tapping the Ministry Talents and Passions of Adults over 50 (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series)? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Baby Boomers and Beyond: Tapping the Ministry Talents and Passions of Adults over 50 (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series). Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Baby Boomers and Beyond: Tapping the Ministry Talents and Passions of Adults over 50 (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series) ReviewThe purpose of this book is to serve as a wake-up call to the church. We are at an unprecedented time in history where greater numbers of people are living longer. Today's midlife and older adults represent a privileged generation having greater opportunities for education, wealth acquisition and influence than any before. Yet, church leaders often marginalize, even ignore, this vast army of disciples and servants.
This book addresses many of the challenges faced by today's Boomers. Readers will certainly have a better idea of what this generation faces as it encounters health issues, caregiving challenges, retirement, and family relationships. Amy's background in sociology and gerontology uniquely positions her to share quantitative research and observations.
However, the true value of the book to church leaders is the myriad of real-life examples of successful ministry and programs that Amy shares. She has interviewed successful program leaders from across the country and highlights best practices and innovations and ways to implement them in local settings.
Amy's passion is for Boomers to understand their unique calling within the body of Christ. She admonishes them to continue to grow spiritually and to live a life of faith and service that will inspire generations to come.
This is a "must-read" for pastors, church leaders, ministry directors and Boomers.
Leona Bergstrom
Director
LIFETIME, A ministry of ChurchHealthBaby Boomers and Beyond: Tapping the Ministry Talents and Passions of Adults over 50 (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series) Overview

Want to learn more information about Baby Boomers and Beyond: Tapping the Ministry Talents and Passions of Adults over 50 (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series)?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...