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Move over Boomers, Xers, and Millennials; there's a new generation making up more than twenty-five percent of the U.S. population-that represents a seismic cultural shift. Born approximately between 1993 and 2012, Generation Z is the first truly post-Christian generation, and they are poised to challenge every church to rethink its role in light of a rapidly changing culture. From the award-winning author of The Rise of the Nones comes this enlightening introduction to the youngest generation. James Emery White explains who this generation is, how it came to be, and the impact it is likely to have on the nation and the faith. Then he reintroduces us to the ancient countercultural model of the early church, arguing that this is the model Christian leaders must adopt and adapt if we are to reach members of Generation Z with the gospel. He helps listeners rethink evangelistic and apologetic methods, cultivate a culture of invitation, and communicate with this connected generation where they are. Pastors, ministry leaders, youth workers, and parents will find this an essential and hopeful resource.… (more)
User reviews
This is another book in which the subheading is more productive than the title: the book is very light on "Generation Z" (which makes sense, since its oldest members are just entering the teenage
The author does well at explaining the new reality: many Millennials and those who follow have little to no experience with Christianity, know very little about it, and maintain an idea of Christianity more based on cultural assumptions than any personal experience. The author takes a bit more of a sensationalistic route to explain where we're at, but we'll see as things play out over time whether the sensationalism is warranted.
Nevertheless, the trends he describes are real, and it is important to recognize the gap which exists between church and those in culture, and seek to bridge it whenever possible. The second half of the book provides strategies based on the author's experiences as to how to more effectively reach Millennials and those who follow after them: serving effectively as truly countercultural and serving Jesus, thinking of evangelism in terms that work with post-Christian generations and where they are now, and how to more effectively communicate the Gospel message. He concludes with some of the messages he preached at his church regarding difficult cultural issues: gay marriage, the paranormal, and reasons for belief in God.
The author often references other works he has written; the book is representative of the genre but could prove useful to those who seek to communicate about Christianity with others.
**--galley received as part of early review program