I think as Christians we would all agree that we are at the center of an ever-changing world. A world that is rapidly becoming post-Christian. A generation of people are being raised up who have never been associated with the church nor have than they any understanding of Christianity. This generation is tagged as Young Adults. This segment of the population has become immensely absent from life of our churches. Therefore, there is a great challenge for the church in how to reach and minister to this segment of the population. Is this a daunting task? Yes. Can young adults be reached for Christ? Yes. Is there away to understand the thinking process of this segment? Yes. Ed Stetzer, along with Ritchie Stanley and Jason Hayes, have evaluated and analyzed this segment of the population and are highly optimistic that the church can reach and minister to this group of individuals. The information, evaluation, and analysis have been put into a book titled, Lost and Found.
Lost and Found is a timely read for any Pastor, minister, or church leader in need of understanding that missing segment of most churches: Young Adults. The purpose of the book is succinctly stated as being "who the younger unchurched are and how to reach them" (p.3). The book is simply divided into three parts: who they are, the ministry needs, and churches that are effectively reaching them. It is my purpose to shortly discussion each section, provide quotes, and offer an analysis of the book.
Part one provides the foundation of understanding who the young adults are that are absent from the lives of our churches. Through interviews and surveys the authors provide a solid bases of who these individuals are that are not being reached. The section offers four aspects: the types of unchurched, what they believe, what the future holds, and then a wrap-up. I think an assumption that many churches have regarding this group of individuals is that they are closed to any discussion regarding Jesus Christ. The data provided by the authors seems to point to a different direction. This then should be viewed as a great opportunity. However, the discouraging aspect is the segment has a disappointing view of those associated with the church. These are the two conclusions reached at the end of part one by the authors.
Part two provides information young adults are passion about. From research and surveys the authors identify four areas: community, depth, responsibility, and connection. Each of these areas are identified as valued areas that young adults are looking for society to provide. This portion of the book provides great insight into the thinking of young adults which is imperative in forming ministries that connect with these individuals.
Part three is the section that brings together the information and thoughts of the previous two sections by examining those churches across America that are successfully reaching the young adult segment. It is always beneficial to identify those entities that are involved in ministries that are reaching groups that are difficult to reach and in this case young adults. The authors provide good solid data that churches can study and modify to meet young adults in their context. The final section is simply the how to as provided by differing churches.
Let me briefly provide a few quotes:
"Emerging generations 'long to belong' and are hungry for a we-centered approach to growing spiritually, rather than a me-centered approach" (p.76).
"Rather than behave/believe/belong ministry, we must move toward belong/believe/become model. What this means is that an unchurched individual is immediately welcomed into the community with other Christians" (p.84).
"Young adults are looking for something more realistic - something that allows real challenges, real struggle, and real examination" (p.93).
"It's a mystery to many young adults, both inside and outside of church life, why more Christians don't take their 'responsibilities' more seriously. Young adults believe in global responsibility; they know their choices make a difference. And they are living their lives in a manner that reflects this belief" (p.111).
"Being transparent is allowing others to look into through your life, displaying a window to your soul...Those windows are also opened to move people to meaningful action. That is the kind of transparency that will connect with younger adults" (p.211).
Lost and Found is a timely read for any Pastor, minister, or church leader in need of understanding that missing segment of most churches: Young Adults. The purpose of the book is succinctly stated as being "who the younger unchurched are and how to reach them" (p.3). The book is simply divided into three parts: who they are, the ministry needs, and churches that are effectively reaching them. It is my purpose to shortly discussion each section, provide quotes, and offer an analysis of the book.
Part one provides the foundation of understanding who the young adults are that are absent from the lives of our churches. Through interviews and surveys the authors provide a solid bases of who these individuals are that are not being reached. The section offers four aspects: the types of unchurched, what they believe, what the future holds, and then a wrap-up. I think an assumption that many churches have regarding this group of individuals is that they are closed to any discussion regarding Jesus Christ. The data provided by the authors seems to point to a different direction. This then should be viewed as a great opportunity. However, the discouraging aspect is the segment has a disappointing view of those associated with the church. These are the two conclusions reached at the end of part one by the authors.
Part two provides information young adults are passion about. From research and surveys the authors identify four areas: community, depth, responsibility, and connection. Each of these areas are identified as valued areas that young adults are looking for society to provide. This portion of the book provides great insight into the thinking of young adults which is imperative in forming ministries that connect with these individuals.
Part three is the section that brings together the information and thoughts of the previous two sections by examining those churches across America that are successfully reaching the young adult segment. It is always beneficial to identify those entities that are involved in ministries that are reaching groups that are difficult to reach and in this case young adults. The authors provide good solid data that churches can study and modify to meet young adults in their context. The final section is simply the how to as provided by differing churches.
Let me briefly provide a few quotes:
"Emerging generations 'long to belong' and are hungry for a we-centered approach to growing spiritually, rather than a me-centered approach" (p.76).
"Rather than behave/believe/belong ministry, we must move toward belong/believe/become model. What this means is that an unchurched individual is immediately welcomed into the community with other Christians" (p.84).
"Young adults are looking for something more realistic - something that allows real challenges, real struggle, and real examination" (p.93).
"It's a mystery to many young adults, both inside and outside of church life, why more Christians don't take their 'responsibilities' more seriously. Young adults believe in global responsibility; they know their choices make a difference. And they are living their lives in a manner that reflects this belief" (p.111).
"Being transparent is allowing others to look into through your life, displaying a window to your soul...Those windows are also opened to move people to meaningful action. That is the kind of transparency that will connect with younger adults" (p.211).
Let me conclude by offering a few thoughts regarding the book. First, I have always enjoyed the writing of Ed Stetzer. Every book I have read written by him has always enlightened my perspective in how to effectively minister and reach people with the gospel. Lost and found is no different. If it your desire to glean an understanding of what this group of individuals think about faith, Jesus, church, and life; this book will be a great benefit. Secondly, I thought the format of the book enhanced the ability to understand young adults better. The progression from the polling, to the characteristics, to the practicality, enables the reader to develop a thorough understanding of the process it will take to reach these individuals. In closing, the book was a fantastic read and one which I will consider as one of the best reads so far this year. If you desire to reach this segment of the population then I believe this book is the one to read.
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