Customer Reviews

Jesus for a New Generation: Putting the Gospel in the Language of Xers

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This was the first book I read about postmodern ministry. As such, it was very useful. It is simple and pretty accurate in its descriptions. I would recommend it to someone with little knowledge about postmodernism and postmodern ministry. If you already have experience in the field and knowledge of the generation, then don't waste your time. You already know the stuff here. I would move on to Leonard Sweet's books. This book is good, just not too meaty. Accept what it is and use it accordingly.

Unlike most writers on the subject of "GenXers" and their (our) relationship to God and the church, Kevin Ford refrains from the condescending tone that characterizes so many books on the subject. He even suggests (gasp!) that some of the perspectives and strengths of this generation may have something to offer the church. Although the extensive narrative in each chapter was probably intended to illustrate one of Ford's points -- that personal narrative is the medium which will be most effective in communicating with Xer's -- I found the stories, particularly the dialogue, rather artificial at points. While it is important to remember that this is a generation that has had its share of neglect and abuse, resulting in subsequent dysfunctions of our own, we don't want ministry "to" us that doesn't also call us to ministry for others. We know the world is a messed-up place, and that we share in those faults. Give us hope. Give us a place and a purpose, and all the statistics will fade in contrast to remarkable narratives of our own