Inside the Soul of a New Generation (Paperback)

by Tim Celek (Author), Dieter Zander (Author), Patrick Kampert (Author) "Margaret watched scornfully as Jenny and Jeff laughed, hooted, and hollered as they careened like bearings in a tilted pinball machine across the grounds of..." (more)
Key Phrases: New Song, Willow Creek, Buster Primer (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Two pastors of churches with ministries to Generation Xers give insights and practical advice about reaching this mysterious generation.

From the Back Cover
Generation X. Busters. The Lost Generation. The Fatherless Generation. These are the catchphrases used to describe that elusive and mysterious generation of 46 million Americans born between 1965 and 1980. More than that, these are our children, our neighbors, our friends, and fellow employees. Tim Celek and Deiter Zander have learned through years of experience that to win this generation of young people, you have to fight harder for credibility, and you have to love harder to overcome their pasts. But they have also found that reaching them is well worth the effort. Inside the Soul of a New Generation offers a fascinating, inside look at the unique forces that shape this misunderstood generation and shows how pastors, parents, and Baby Boomers of every stripe can minister to their spiritual needs. From practical ways to reach out to Busters and build powerful, Buster-friendly churches, to creating a vital community and empowering Busters for leadership, Celek and Zander show that this generation is not only reachable, but has the potential to effect positive changes both in the church and in the world.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (June 3, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310205948
• ISBN-13: 978-0310205944
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,405,811 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent insights on Boomer/Buster leadership styles., October 25, 1999

By	"jonlee627" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This book is a great starting place for ministers who want to begin to understand the specific needs of Generation X. I found the insights on leadership incredibly helpful. The last chapter is devoted entirely to the study of GenX leadership styles: the need for empowerment, community, coaching (as opposed to dictating)...etc Indeed, the value of this chapter alone is worth the price of the whole book. Careful study and implementation of these informative and practical principles can assist church leadership to steer clear of, or to resolve unnecessary conflict. I highly recommend this book to the wide spectrum of ministers in leadership, from senior pastors to small group leaders.(boomers and busters alike)

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must to Read For Those Wanting to Reach Gen X, July 20, 1998

By A Customer

Fantastic, insightful, accurate and not filled with fluff. Celek et al. get to the heart of what makes this midnset tick. Their focus is always biblical and on target. It's great reading for those in the lay ministry or those in full time ministry.

This book will help you understand why reaching Gen X is different than reaching the Boomers. It's different approach to a different group. A must to read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great insight into the workings of the buster spirit., September 12, 1997

By A Customer

I picked up this book as an afterthought - not really interested in the content - but compelled to by the Holy Sprit. What I found was a book full of insight and encouragement. I felt like someone had finally captured - on paper - the essence of my personal relationship to God and the church. I read this book in several hours - and have passed it on to many friends and members of the clergy. I highly recommend it to young adults who are unsure of their relationship with the church - and to pastors who may be starting a ministry to the next generation of young adults.