submitted by weber3@augsburg.edu
Two of our authors are Augsburg Alums! Amber Kalina and J.D. Mechelke
In this remarkable volume, young adults voice their concerns and laments about the church’s
past and present, as well as their hopes and dreams for the church’s future. Unlike many current books on youth ministry, this is not a book about how to attract young adults back to church. Instead, it is an invitation to listen to young adults as they offer important insights regarding the capacity of the church—and the world—to flourish going forward.
The book’s contributors candidly discuss the issues that matter most to their generation: climate catastrophe, mental health, abuses of power, meaningful relationships, inclusion and liberation, and more. As they grieve how the church has caused harm and avoided hard truths, they also yearn for the church to better embody a community centered on Jesus. Driven by a deep hunger for hope, they explore how churches can become trustworthy partners in mending people’s relationships with God, with each other, and with the earth. This poignant, powerful book is essential reading for ministry leaders, congregations, youth groups, and anyone who cares about young adults’ engagement with Christianity.