Is the Church Losing the Next Generation?More than half of all Christian teens and twentysomethings leave active involvement in church. Based on research conducted by the Barna Group; You Lost Me exposes ways the Christian community has failed to equip young adults to live "in but not of" the world--to follow Christ in the midst of profound cultural change. This wide-ranging study debunks persistent myths about young dropouts and examines the likely consequences for young adults and for the church if we maintain the status quo. The faith journeys of the next generation are a challenge to the established church; but they can also be a source of hope for the community of faith. Kinnaman; with the help of contributors from across the Christian spectrum; offers ideas for pastors; youth leaders; parents; and educators to pass on a vibrant; lasting faith; and ideas for young adults to find themselves in wholehearted pursuit of Christ.
#706110 in Books Barbara A Holmes 2004-07-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .48 x 5.51l; .60 #File Name: 0800636430226 pagesJoy Unspeakable
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Barbara Holmes has written with simplicity; but with deep ...By MEOBarbara Holmes has written with simplicity; but with deep analytical mind and she leads her audience into the depths of African American spirituality. Reading this work has given me a lot of insight into the 'joy' that beams with African American spirituality and its connection to their history beyond the barriers of congregational setting. It points to that seamless theme that identifies the black church as a unique experience. It is very insightful and educative!7 of 8 people found the following review helpful. A Rich and Rare Contribution to the SubjectBy Robert W. Kellemen"Joy Unspeakable: Contemplative Practices of the Black Church" by Barbara A. Holmes is a rich and rare contribution to the subject. You will search far and wide to find anyone discussing spiritual formation in the history; culture; and present situation of the Black Church. Thus Holmes' contribution; by focus alone; is an important one.Holmes does an excellent job "re-imaging" contemplation. That is; in "Euro-Cultures" contemplation is often seen only as individual and silent. However; as Holmes carefully details; African American Christianity has practiced communal; active; verbal contemplation.Holmes is especially insightful when she derives contemplative practices from the historical black church in slavery. From lament; to dancing; to the hush arbor; to the ring shout; to the slave spirituals; and much more; Holmes explains how each of these rituals were contemplative in that they led the community to see with spiritual eyes God's goodness in the midst of humanity's badness and madness.Holmes also does an excellent job explaining how holistic and integrative African American faith was and is. Heavenly hope; for African American believers; is certainly about a future filled with relationship and joy. However; it is also about seeing and experiencing God NOW; even in the midst of the horrors of slavery and racism.For African American Christians wanting to "tap into" their spiritual legacy; "Joy Unspeakable" will become a standard. For European American Christians wanting to understand and learn from their brothers and sisters in the faith; "Joy Unspeakable" is a must read.Reviewer: Dr. Robert W. Kellemen is the author of "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction;" "Soul Physicians;" and "Spiritual Friends."3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. JOY UNSPEAKABLEBy Paul RichardsonJoy unspeakable is an unspeakable joy to read! This is a thorough analysis of contemplative actions in the Black church from its beginnings.
