My review of intergenerational Christian Formation

[James]

Here is my blog post review on Inergenerational Christian Formation and my cross post of it here on GoodReads:

http://thoughtsprayersandsongs.com/20...
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

For those in pastoral ministry, this is a helpful book. The premise is spiritual formation through cross generational experiences. Different than the approach I grew up with, but it is moving things in a healthy direction.

[Brett]

I read your review on your blog. Personally, while I'm sure the book is helpful, it comes as no surprise that intergenerational activity in church is a concern. Since the 70s, separating children and youth from traditional church, and then since the 80s, treating church itself as a youth group experience, has resulted in a sociological disaster within American churches. Resolving this problem will have to go far beyond merely having meaningful information. We are looking at two generations of de-traditioned, de-churched Christians.

[James]

Brett, certainly agree. The approach that the authors commend is by getting the generations to de-segregate themselves and invest in one another. This is an academic book, which discusses research conducted by the authors and others. In that sense, it is informational, but I think the authors would also say that we have to go far beyond merely having 'meaningful information.' The approach they commend is intentional, relational, and difficult.

[InterVarsity]

Thanks for giving this book some time, James! It's an important one!

[Brett]

James, thank you for your response to my comments. I am an early Gen X (b. 1963; oldest of four children). I've seen much over the years (baptized at 10). I, too, was instructed by older people (a number have passed away). Does the book bring up the natural family unit? I note that your review speaks of "spiritual parents and grand parents," but not directly of the natural family. Certainly, nothing is more generational by definition than the natural family, and that the shortest route to intergenerational Christianity would appear to be the natural family unit (2 Timothy 1:5). However, the reality around here is that grandparents go to one church, parents to another, and the children/youth go from church to church (and parachurch) depending on programs. Also, I know of popular large churches that will not allow children under 12 admitted to the regular worship service.

[James]

Brett, I'm sorry if my review makes them sound disinterested in natural families. They are not. If anything they are concerned by how churches have broken up families into age groups without cultivating a sense of belonging to one another. many of the suggestions in this book involve parents incorporating their children into the life of the church. On the other hand they also talk about how the church is family and commend intergenerational relationships beyond the family unit.

[Brett]

Thank you, James. It sounds like a very good book addressing a major, real need from a number of vantage points. I'm glad you posted such a substantial review of the book. I look forward to reading what these scholars have to offer in both description and prescription (especially the latter).

[James]

If you are interested, IVP has a couple of other books which speak more directly to 'family' and are cognizant of intergenerational issues. Diana Garland's Family Ministry: a comprehensive guide is, to my mind, the best single volume dealing with a whole range of issues of 'family.' Robbie Castleman's Parenting in the Pew also deals with how parents can help incorporate their children (toddlers to teens) in the life of the church and worship. I just received a copy of this book and will likely review it soonish(there are a couple of books in my queue ahead of it).

[Brett]

Thank you, James, for the recommendations.