In Search Of Authentic Faith

There is no one right way to “do church” for Generations X and Y and for the generations that will follow. But one thing is certain: The traditional baby-boomer church model isn’t cutting it for many young people seeking an authentic expression of Christian faith. Now noted author and journalist Steve Rabey takes a close look at the church in the midst of wrenching social, cultural, and philosophical changes. Drawing from thorough research and extensive interviews with emerging church leaders, he has written a comprehensive guide to what post-boomer leaders are thinking, doing, and trying in order to reach new audiences of largely unchurched but spiritually hungry people.

Rabey examines such vital questions as:

>How can we overcome the inherent distrust young people have toward institutions such as the church?
>How can worship services provide both an intimate spiritual connection for believers and a winsome spiritual reality for unbelievers?
>How can the church build relationships with postmodernists who have little use for absolute truth?
>How can we understand and reach out to the vast array of distinct subcultures among the emerging generations?

The emerging generations are yearning for something authentic and compelling. Something satisfying and hopeful. In Search of Authentic Faith provides Christians with fresh insight into these intriguing minds and the hearts behind them and how these new leaders will transform ministry in the twenty-first century.

Vital lessons from the Postmodern Reformation:
How emerging generations are transforming the church.

There is no one right way to “do church” for Generations X and Y and for the generations that will follow. But one thing is certain: The traditional baby-boomer church model isn’t cutting it for many young people seeking an authentic expression of Christian faith. Now noted author and journalist Steve Rabey takes a close look at the church in the midst of wrenching social, cultural, and philosophical changes. Drawing from thorough research and extensive interviews with emerging church leaders, he has written a comprehensive guide to what post-boomer leaders are thinking, doing, and trying in order to reach new audiences of largely unchurched but spiritually hungry people.

Rabey examines such vital questions as:

How can we overcome the inherent distrust young people have toward institutions such as the church?
How can worship services provide both an intimate spiritual connection for believers and a winsome spiritual reality for unbelievers?
How can the church build relationships with postmodernists who have little use for absolute truth?
How can we understand and reach out to the vast array of distinct subcultures among the emerging generations?

The emerging generations are yearning for something authentic and compelling. Something satisfying and hopeful. In Search of Authentic Faith provides Christians with fresh insight into these intriguing minds and the hearts behind them and how these new leaders will transform ministry in the twenty-first century.

Publishers Weekly

While a number of recent books have explained and identified the postmodern Generations X and Y, Rabey (a freelance religion writer) discusses what is being done to attract them to Christian faith. Using the values that have become important to the Xers authenticity, community, religious experience, technology and a pop-culture literacy--different Christian leaders and churches have sprung up to meet their needs. Some have started ministries outside the traditional church, while others work from within, offering alternative services or starting a "second" congregation. Most of the churches profiled here are causal and nondenominational, featuring contemporary worship music and promoting philanthropic giving. The innovations that Rabey recounts are interesting and often unexpected. For example, Rev. Evan Lauer, who ministers to the surf culture of southern California, surfs and plays in a surf-rock band, prefers being present and involved in the community, communicates with computer and cell phone to avoid being holed up in an office and rides a skateboard to church. Evangelist Andrew Jones traverses the country in a Winnebago with his wife and four children, meeting daily with Generation X ministries. "Basically," Jones says, "our ministry is making friends, telling stories, and throwing parties. We are... trying to find a new way of doing church." Rabey's accessible and perceptive account is a good resource for anyone interested in evangelizing the rising generations--or in learning from them. (Nov.) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

Steve Rabey, a Colorado-based writer specializing in religion, spirituality, and popular culture, has written a dozen books and hundreds of articles for newspapers and magazines. His articles have appeared in numerous publications, including Christianity Today, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and the Washington Post.