MILLENNIALS ARE THE NEXT CHURCH LEADERS. WILL THEY BE READY? The millennial generation is quickly arising as the most pressing mission field. They remain the most unchurched, de-churched generation among us, and many are at a loss about how to reach them. The need for effective discipleship is greater than ever.
However, many millennials have not rejected their Christian faith but simply have become disenchanted with traditional congregations. Alternatively, many are finding a sense of belonging in the burgeoning missional movement. Until now, this topic has remained under researched and unexplored.
In an effort to answer the question "What does it mean for millennials to follow Christ today in missional communities?" Sara Blakeney spent a year of ethnographic research observing and interviewing millennials and their leaders. Her conclusion is that discipleship is taking place in the most innovative ways and unexpected places.
Calling Out the Gold will help the church leader or ministry practitioner implement practical methods of discipleship for millennials that
Are missional and incarnational
Reverse millennials' perception of the church as judgmental
Make room for the activity of the Holy Spirit
Reframe Christianity in "religionless" terms
Take into account millennials' postmodern worldview
In addition to Sara Blakeney's conclusions and theological reflection, this book features the voices of millennials themselves. They express first hand what scholars and pastors have been contending for some time: millennials are longing for mentors who will invest in discipleship to facilitate their personal relationship with Jesus.
As one millennial put it, "Discipleship is them calling out the gold in me." There are things of value living within this generation. This book investigates how the church can bring them to light so that millennials will be equipped to be the next church leaders.
SARA BLAKENEY holds a master's degree in counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a PhD in divinity from the University of Aberdeen. She has over twenty years of experience working with millennials and is currently using her expertise as a marriage and family therapist, professor of millennial faith and culture at Missional University, and consultant with the Economou Institute for congregational health. She lives in Fort Worth, Texas.
