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Mend the gapCan the church reconnect the generations?Old and youngMEND THE GAP Drawing on a wide range of sources and demonstrating his breadth of cultural insight, Jason Gardener explores the huge challenge facing the church as it seeks to create a multi-generational community which is healthy, mutually beneficial and thoroughly biblical. With an approach which is neither overly simplistic nor patronising, Jason unpacks some of the historic reasons for the creation of youth culture. He explores the way in which issues like consumerism, branding, peer pressure and technology influence our young people and how these have aided the generation gap. As he moves on to consider how Christians can respond to such issues, we are left in no doubt as to his vision for a church where those of all ages worship together. He highlights the basic flaw in pouring all resources into creating a dynamic youth work, without focusing on how this can integrate with the main church. He argues for a context in which we make truth accessible and relevant, where our young people can bring difficult questions to the whole congregation, where they are encouraged to face intellectual and emotional challenges and where they are spurred on to live with an equal emphasis on Christ’s death and glorious resurrection. With some very helpful strategic ideas for moving forward, including an emphasis on the need to produce culturally appropriate evangelism and discipleship, we are left with a most powerful wake up call. Perhaps what our young people are looking for above all in their churches is not so much the use of the latest trendy presentations, but people of integrity, role models, those who exhibit passionate and dynamic faith and who encourage that spirit of ‘family’ in the body of Christ. A great read for people of all ages and stages and a book which may well take us out of our comfort zone! Sian Baker, © Evangelicals Now - August 2008 |