Church for Everyone

Diversity is a high value for younger generations—but too often, they're not finding it in the church.

Emerging generations in the West are more diverse than ever—ethnically, socioeconomically, educationally, and politically. And as church attendance among younger generations declines rapidly, research shows that one of their primary sticking points is the lack of diversity in most churches.

In Church for Everyone, pastors Dan Kreiss and Efrem Smith address this phenomenon head-on. In this research-based, theologically informed, and practical book, they explore the younger generations' expectations and disappointments with church and hold out a vision for true diversity taken from the pages of Scripture. As experienced church leaders themselves, Kreiss and Smith share a wealth of practical experience and stories from the trenches of multiethnic ministry.

The good news is that God has already called the church to diversity. As we seek to live out this calling in our own local contexts, we can become the demonstration of God's love for all humanity that he has designed the church to be—and that the younger generation is so desperately looking for.



Dan Kreiss (DMin, George Fox University) is the associate minister for mission and community outreach at Roswell Presbyterian Church in the greater Atlanta area. He was previously professor of youth ministry and dean of the School of Missions at King University in Bristol, Tennessee.



Efrem Smith (DMin, Fuller Theological Seminary) is the colead pastor of Midtown Church, a thriving multiethnic community in Sacramento, California. His books include Raising Up Young Heroes and The Post-Black and Post-White Church.

Introduction


1. Emerging Generations and the Church


2. Addressing Emerging Generations Through the Multi-Inclusive Church


3. Becoming the Beloved Community for Emerging Generations


4. The Challenges in Seeking to Become Multi-Inclusive


5. How the Multi-Inclusive Church Wins This Generation


6. Whose Idea Was This Anyway?


7. It's Bigger Than Race or Ethnicity


8. Toward Becoming a Multi-Inclusive Congregation


Acknowledgments


Notes

"Times-a-changing!—'Ole time religion' or old ways of doing church are no longer sufficient. Dan Kreiss and Efrem Smith are keen to note the need for faith that brings people together. This book is a must-read for anyone concerned about building unifying communities of faith more than divisive institutions of faith."



"Here is just the book for our present moment: an enlivening vision of a church that nourishes life in its fullness, fosters true relationships between diverse people, and brings us closer to the God who loves us all. May we hear and heed this call to hope."



"I wholeheartedly endorse Church for Everyone by Dan Kreiss and Efrem Smith. As regional president of Converge PacWest, I have witnessed the challenge of attracting and retaining emerging young adults in faith communities that lack inclusiveness, social justice, racial reconciliation, and multiracial representation. Church for Everyone is an essential read for pastors, leaders, and individuals who are passionate about creating vibrant, diverse, and justice-oriented faith communities. Through their profound insights, Kreiss and Smith inspire hope and provide a road map for those seeking to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities of our increasingly diverse world." weniger anzeigen expand_less