Generating Hope: A Strategy for Reaching the Postmodern Generation

This is a very useful book for those of us who are boomers trying to reach the Gen X crowd. It is a short little book but is loaded with insights as to the differences between boomers and Gen X. It will get you thinking how one may minister to Gen X differently.

This book is an outstanding summary of the effects of postmodernism on generation x and the critical need for the church to adapt and change ministry strategies in order to reach this hurting generation.

I'm 20 years old, and I picked this book up with a great deal of interest in the Intervarsity Publishing Corporation. Let me start off, with the negative: I felt that the book was too structured and confined to the strict logistics of a published book. I believe this took away the quality of the book's message as it extensified concrete ideas. For example: The book describes five methods of misconceptions (by the church), and I felt it was not captivating and the ideas were drawn out. Besides what I have critizied, I really found enjoyment from this sincere attempt to lead me to the next generation. I'm probably not mature enough to grasp all the concepts, but this book does provide them. However, what makes this book a must read? The clear sequence of development tools it lays out chapter by chapter. Thanks to Bob Fryling, Shoebook would have never read this without your inspiration.

You can tell that the author is writing "from the field." Jimmy Long is out there ministering to postmodern people, and it shows. His book is a tremendous balance, addressing postmodern sociological changes, emphasizing theology suited for the generation X, and offering a practical strategy for current ministry. While such a huge topic naturally suffers from some simplification (either to fit it into one book or to put it in layman's terms), Long gives a tremendous overview and creates a practical launching pad for cutting edge ministry. It is this last category, developing a framework for ministry, that offers a unique advantage and is worth the price of this book. Long is to be applauded for his emphasis on relational ministry through small groups. He also offers a strategic outline for evangelism and discipleship, which is rarely seen, as of yet. Such strategies, explained in the form of spiritual journeys, are excellent frameworks one can use for formulating a ministry strategy in your local church. Other accomplishments include the integration of postmodernism with Generation X, and the repackaging of salvation and the spiritual life in relational terms more conducive to postmoderns. If there was one book that you could get for your pastor, staff, or ministry leaders who work with postmoderns, this would be it. Those who are looking for a more scholastic treatment (especially of postmodernism) should probably look elsewhere, but those who are wrestling with how to impact the postmodern person you're talking to tomorrow, should read this tonight.

After working for many years on a university campus, Jimmy Long began to realise that today's students are very different from students a few years ago. This book is the result of his analysis of the reasons for these radical shifts in attitude and thinking. Long's contention is that although Howe and Strauss may be correct in their generational theory, and that there is a shift between Boomers and Generation X, that the current attitudinal shift is also (and more importantly) a shift from Enlightenment thinking to Postmodern thinking. Generation X is the first truly postmodern generation. Long explores what this means, emphasising postmodern characteristics, including community, tribalism (a term he uses to refer to sub cultures within today's youth), hopelessness and pessimism. This may all sound very theoretical, but Long strikes an excellent balance between good theoretical backing for his work, and a very practical application of these theories. Each chapter end with a section entitled, "Implications for Ministry", all of which are extremely practical and down-to-earth. The book never feels like it is turning into a postmodern textbook, yet never becomes simply another book of thumb-suck advice for Gen X ministers pandering to popular culture and cliché. Long's work is truly a masterpiece in the midst of too much populist literature on reaching Generation X for Jesus. Long's assessment of modern culture and postmodernism is far from negative or pessimistic. He consistently affirms that the changes being experienced in youth culture today actually open the world up to evangelism. He believes that the postmodern age will herald a fresh revival of the church, for which we should be planning and praying. He is excited about the possibilities for ministry in the postmodern world, but realise that this will require changes in focus and strategy. We can never compromise the core of the Gospel, but we can inculturate it better than we are currently doing. Much of how the Gospel is expressed at present reflects an Enlightenment, rationlistic and individualistic culture, which is no longer relevant to young people. Long's call is to get back to basics and the Word, and to reach out to the postmodern young people. The basis of our reaching out is the Gospel message of shame, hope and adoption. For too long we have concentrated on objective salvation themes, like guilt, redemption and justification. These are obviously part of the Gospel message, but Scripture also includes concepts that will appeal more to the subjective nature of postmodern young people, especially hope. Thus his book's theme is about generation hope in a generation that has given up all hope of a future. Jesus Christ IS the hope of salvation, both in this world and the next. This book will blow your socks off, and is a must read for everyone serious about reaching today's and tomorrow's young people with the Gospel. It is extremely practical, and solidly researc