Postmodern Resource by Frambach

Books

Millenials Rising: The Next Great Generation by Neil Howe and William Strauss, September 2000, ISBN:0375707190, List price $11.20

By the authors of the best-selling 13th Gen, the first in-depth examination of the Millennials--the generation born after 1982. "Over the next decade, the Millennial Generation will entirely recast the image of youth from downbeat and alienated to upbeat and engaged--with potentially seismic consequences for America." --from Millennials Rising. Although this has received some controversial reviews, it is still a must read.

13^th Gen: Abort, Retry, Ignore, Fail? by Neil Howe, Bill Strauss, R.J. Matson and Ian

Williams, March 1993, ISBN: 0679743650, List Price $14.00

Book Description (Amazon.com): In commentary and quotations, computer dumps and cartoons, 13^th Gen is a multimedia anthem to the American post-boomer generation, our country's thirteenth generation since our founding fathers. Their treatment of the “Gen X” phenomenon, now something of a relic.

Generations: The History of America’s Future, 1584 to 2069 by Howe and Strauss. September 1992, ISBN: 0688119123, List price $14.00.

Synopsis (Amazon.com): Now available in paperback is one of the most talked about books of the past year. Hailed by Senator Albert Gore as "the most stimulating and politically relevant book on American history that I have ever read," Generations has been heralded by public figures and reviewers as a brilliant, if somewhat unsettling, reassessment of where America is heading.

The Fourth Turning: An American Prophecy by How and Strauss. January 1998, ISBN: 0767900464,List price $15.00.

Synopsis (Amazon.com): The Fourth Turning continues the project of mapping out the place of generations in history, a project begun in the authors' earlier books Generations and 13th Gen. If millennial fever takes hold, The Fourth Turning may be only the first of an impending wave of pseudo-scholarly tracts prognosticating future (but imminent!) doom as we collectively close the books on this millennium. Those expecting a serious or dry tome might be put off by the authors' taste for bulleted text and catchy phrasings, but can you blame these guys for wanting to make impending peril as exciting as possible? After all, they think we are headed toward "events on par with the Revolution, the Civil War, or World War II" in the next 20 years. Mixing solid understanding of present generational divisions, with some fairly broad generalizations, Strauss and Howe promise to move from history to prophecy. Fans of Future Shock, Megatrends, or Powershift will be familiar with the authors' style of writing and not at all put off by the book's reach or style. Their take on history provides an intriguing (if not always reliable) lens through which to view the past, present, and maybe even the future.

Third Millenium Teens by George Barna, (Ventura, CA: Barna Research Group, 1999).

Statistical profile of American youth ages 13-19 in 1999. Contains some nice comparative work between the two postmodern generations. Visit their website for ordering information.

Genxers after God: Helping a Generation Pursue Jesus by Todd Hahn, David Verhaagen, Julie

Culbreath, Ellen Verhaagen, Daniel Kruidenier, June 1998, ISBN: 0801090547, List Price $13.99

Review: Baker Book House (the publisher), October 2, 1998 (Amazon.com): Todd Hahn and David Verhaagen have provided a framework within which those involved in the lives of Gen Xers, a group the authors feel is "chasing after God" in various ways, can help them to grow in their faith and turn their lives to Christ. In this sequel to their previous book, "Reckless Hope: Understanding and Reaching Baby Busters", Hahn and Verhaagen stress that a narrative discipling approach rather than traditional methods holds the key to reaching Gen Xers. It is a recommendation that both authors are more than qualified to make, as they are part of this much discussed and debated generation of seekers. Running entries from "Daniel's Diaries" plus a "Discipler's Toolkit" of resources add to the value of this book.

The Spiritual Life of Young Americans 2000 by George Gallup (Princeton, NJ: Gallup Institute, 1999)

Statistical profile of American young people based on a decade of survey data, compiled in 1999.

The Gospel in a Pluralist Society by Leslie Newbigin, October 1990, ISBN: 0802804268, List Price $17.00

Synopsis (Amazon.com): What is the Christian message in a society marked by religious pluralism, ethnic diversity, and cultural relativism? How does the prevailing climate of opinion affect, perhaps infect, Christians' faith? Newbigin addresses such questions in this incisive analysis of contemporary culture, and he suggests how Christians can more confidently affirm their faith in such a context.

Inside the Soul of a New Generation: Insight and Strategies for Reaching Busters by Tim Celek, Dieter Zander, Patrick Kampart, May 1996, ISBN: 0310205948, List Price $9.99

Synopsis (Amazon.com): Combining their experience and knowledge, two pastors of the earliest and most successful churches appealing to the Generation X, help readers, especially Baby Boomers, understand the spiritual longings that Generation Xers or "Busters," have and give practical advice about how to reach out to them with the gospel and build Generation X- friendly churches.

Postmoderns: The Beliefs, Hopes and Fears of Young Americans (1965-1981) by Craig Kennet Miller, March 1997, ISBN: 0881771570, List price $15.95

One of the best of the many “Gen X” descriptive works. Focus is on cultural rather than generational shifts. Accessible yet substantive.

Postmodern Culture and Youth Discipleship by Graham Cray.

Although you have to write directly to get a copy (Grove Books Ltd., Ridley Hall Rd., Cambridge, England CB3 9HU), this is perhaps the best and most concise (24 pages!) treatment of postmodernity and its relationship to youth and church available.

Out on the Edge: A Wake Up Call for Church Leaders on the Edge of the Media Reformation, by Michael Slaughter, May 1998, ISBN: 0687054532, List Price $19.95

As one reviewer writes, “a succinct and practical guide to postmodern ministry” by someone who as actually doing it and learning with a congregation in process. Includes a very nice CD-ROM resource that demonstrates what they are doing.

A Primer on Postmodernism by Stanley J. Grenz, February 1996, ISBN: 0802808646, List Price $14.00

Synopsis (Amazon.com): Grenz examines the topography of postmodernism, a phenomenon everyone acknowledges but has difficulty describing with precision. Of particular significance is his discussion of the challenges this cultural shift presents to the church.

Reckless Hope: Understanding and Reaching Baby Busters by Todd Hahn and David Verhaagen, August 1996, ISBN: 0801090180, List Price $11.99

Reviews and commentary from the publisher (BarnesandNoble.com): Today's Baby Busters, or Generation X as some call them, often feel distrustful of science, disillusioned with religion, let down by parents, and manipulated by the media. No wonder they have been described as hopeless. Yet many are searching for spiritual reality. Todd Hahn and David Verhaagen, both members of Generation X, provide an insightful description of their generation, a prescription for reaching them for Christ, and the implications this has for Christians and their churches.

The Spectacle of Worship in a Wired World: Electronic Culture and the Gathered People of God by Tex Sample, September 1998, ISBN: 068708373, List Price $18.00

Reviews and Comments from the publisher (BarnesandNoble.com): Examining the three central elements of electronic culture - images, sound as beat, and visualization - Sample demonstrates that for those steeped in this culture, meaning arises from the convergence of these elements rather than from any one of them individually. He goes on to discuss how these are already present in Christian worship and how they might be made more evident. In addition, he explains that worship can serve as a corrective to electronic culture and concludes the book with suggestions on how to build worship around an awareness of this new kind of human perception.

Virtual Faith: The Irreverent Spiritual Quest of Generation X by Tom Beaudoin, June 1998, ISBN: 0787938823, List Price $22.00

Description (Borders.com): Beaudoin explores notions of spirituality among the so-called Generation X, a group that parents and church officials tend to view as disinterested in such matters. While Generation X may be skeptical of organized religion and the hypocrisy they associate with it, the young people interviewed in the book express a unique theology built from the elements of popular culture.

Seen and Heard: Teenagers Talk About Their Lives by Mary Motley Kelergis. September 1998, ISBN: 1556708343, List price $24.95.

Synopsis (Amaxon.com)"Seen and Heard", an uncensored and penetrating look into the very private world of the American teenager, shatters the prevailing stereotype of uncommunicative kids with a face-to-face look at 50 teens. These young people give voice to what their lives are really like in riveting, no-holds-barred interviews. 80 black and white duotone photos

A Tribe Apart: A Journey Into the Heart of American Adolescence by Patricia Hersch. April 1998, ISBN: 0449907678, List price $25.00 (hardcover).

Synopsis (Amazon.com): Why do teenagers so often seem like a different species? Journalist Patricia Hersch gives a troubling answer in her fascinating, up-close-and-personal look at what it means to be a teen in today's American high schools. Rather than interviewing "high-risk" teens (those already swept up in a cycle of drug use, gang violence, or unintended pregnancy, for example), Hersch focuses her attention on "regular kids"--adolescents who are average achievers on academic and social levels. In light of this, A Tribe Apart is all the more startling to read: Hersch's investigative approach makes it impossible for parents to shrug off their responsibilities by saying, "That's not my kid." This is your kid… A wake-up call for all parents and teenagers, this essential book is also hopeful. Hersch urges us not to be afraid of teenagers--even if they have piercings and tattoos and strange hair--because what they really, truly want is a little guidance, attention, and love.

Youth Culture: Identity in a Postmodern World by Jonathan Epstein. July 1998, ISBN: 1557868514, List price $27.95.

Leading experts in sociology and cultural studies look at youth culture through subcultural identity. They examine the social worlds of young people in their "natural environments" of home, shopping malls, rock concerts, and school. These newly commissioned essays provide readers with an understanding of why youths, in particular, are prone to collective identity, and how they achieve their sense of self through fashion, music, sports, and entertainment.

Cool Places: Geographies of Youth Cultures by Tracey Skelton and Gill Valentine, December 1997, ISBN: 0415149215, List price $27.99.

A collection of essays about the “worlds” (school, work, raves, gangs, etc.) that young people inhabit…and create. I like the sociological focus on the question of identity as well as geography.

Soul Tsunami: Sink or Swim in Mew Millennium Culture by Leonard Sweet. March 1999, ISBN: 0310227623, List price $19.99. (www.soultsunami.com)

Explains the tidal wave of postmodernism that is sweeping our culture and shows how the church can safely sail the troubled seas and fulfill its mission and calling. Best-selling author Leonard Sweet explains the tidal wave of postmodernism that is sweeping our culture, and shows how the church can navigate the troubled seas to fulfill its mission.

Aqua Church: Essential Leadership Arts for Piloting Your Church in Today’s Fluid Culture by Leonard Sweet. July 1999, ISBN: 0764421514, List price $19.99. (www.aquachurch.com)

In this latest and most accessible work from church historian, futurist, and best-selling author Leonard Sweet, church leaders will discover the leadership arts that are essential in today's ever-changing culture. The author provides thought-provoking yet practical skills that will elevate the scope of ministry from mere survival of daily challenges to thriving in today's culture! He vividly portrays the new paradigms facing churches and illustrates the need to become an "AquaChurch" in order to effectively minister in our fluid, postmodern culture.

The Godbearing Life: The Art of Soul Tending for Youth Ministry by Kenda Creasy Dean, Ron Foster and Rita Collett. October 1998, ISBN: 0835808580, List price $14.95.

Amazon.com reviewers: “This book was required reading for my youth ministry class in college. It has not only defined my vision of youth ministry, but it has changed my entire outlook on all aspects of Christian ministry”…“Best to say what it does NOT contain: it does NOT contain fluffy programs, manipulative tricks, sappy sentimentality. It DOES offer insights into the deep yearnings of youth, yearnings for a spiritual rootedness and for the recognition that they are indeed beloved children of God who have spiritual freedom and spiritual responsibility”… “For the past 17 years I have been involved in youth ministry. Long ago, I got tired of the cute workshops, the mindless catalogues of programs, and the lack of well reasoned theology. This book is the thinking pastor's book for youth ministry.”

Believing in the Future: Toward a Missiology of Western Culture by David Bosch. July 1995, ISBN: 1563381176, List price $7.00.

Synopsis (Amazon.com): Professor Bosch begins with an analysis of the postmodern world, the legacy of the Enlightenment, and Christian faith in a postmodern age. He then sketches contours of a missiology of Western culture, including considerations of mission as social ethics, mission and the Third World, and God-talk in an Age of Reason.

Missional Church: A Vision for the Sending of the Church in North America by Darrell Guder, Ed., et al. March 1998, ISBN: 0802843506, List price $26.00.

Synopsis (Amazon.com): What would a theology of the church look like that took seriously the fact that North America is now itself a mission field? This question lies at the foundation of this volume written by an ecumenical team of six noted missiologists.

Postmodernity: Christian Identity in a Fragmented Age by Paul Lakeland. September 1997, ISBN: 080063098x, List price $14.00.

A logical step to take after reading Grenz’ Primer—excellent theoretical analysis with attention to the philosophical underpinnings of postmodernity.

Truth Is Stranger Than It Used to Be: Biblical Faith in a Postmodern Age by J. Richard Middleton and Brian Walsh. June 1995, ISBN: 0830818561, List price $14.99.

Synopsis (Amazon.com): Here is the book for those who wonder what postmodernism is and how biblical Christians might best respond to its challenges. In this book the authors survey postmodern culture and philosophy, offering lucid explanations of such difficult theories as deconstruction.

Death of the Church: The Church Has a Choice: To Die As a Result of Its Resistance to Change or to Die in Order to Live by Mike Regele and Mark Schulz. January 1996, ISBN: 0310200067, List price $25.99.

Synopsis (Amazon.com): Our culture is changing at a dizzying rate. But the church seems to be left behind, caught in subcultural backwaters that have little or no impact on mainstream society. Based on the quantitative research of his group, Percept, Regele analyzes the forces in our culture and discusses how the church can fulfill its mission in the face of them.

Framing Youth: 10 Myths about the Next Generation by Mike Males. March 1999, ISBN: 1567511481, List price: $ 18.95.

Current events. Politics. Teens must be controlled. That's the prevailing picture of youth presented in the media and by government officials. In this whirlwind tour of common myths, Mike Males shows the reader what teens are really like, and what they really need. Among the myths exposed: recent school shootings illustrated that today's youth are more violent than their parents' generation; today's youth are America's worst generation ever; teen alcohol and drug abuse are "epidemic" even as adult problems are decreasing; and many more.

The Color Of Our Future: Race for the 21^st Century by Farai Chideya. February 2000, ISBN: 0688175805, List price: $12.00.

Since the Civil Rights movement, most Americans have thought of race as a black and white issue. That won't be the case for long. By the year 2050, there will be more nonwhite than white Americans, and most of the nonwhite population will be Asian and Latino, not black. Increasingly, America is becoming a multiracial society. Americans in their teens and twenties are at the forefront of this cultural revolution. In The Color of Our Future, young journalist Farai Chideya explores how members of the next generation deal with race in their own lives and how the decisions they make determine America's ethnic future.

Why Christian? For those on the edge of faith by Douglas John Hall. February 1998 (Fortress Press), ISBN: 0800631307, List price: $16.00.

In these dialogues with doubt, Douglas John Hall enters into an earnest search with a young inquirer—a composite of undergraduates, graduates, clergy, working people, his own children—who is on the edges of Christian faith. Half-familiar with superficial aspects of Christianity, hopeful of there being greater depth than found so far, she or he is curious, insistent, looking for something to believe in but not ready to leap without good reason. Such a person is asking, “Why be Christian?”

Web Sites

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Young Leader Networks of Leadership Network seeks to accelerate the emergence of effective churches. We identify, connect and resource the best practice, innovative young church leaders and those doing ministry among the post-1960 generations and communicate what is learned to the broader church.

Barna Research on-line. Lots of good ministry resources and free research findings.

Dreamtime is a group of Christ-centered professionals dedicated to helping people discover their dreams, focus their dreams, and accomplish their dreams, for God and ministry. Comes from the Seventh Day Adventist perspective.

The Urban Christian Center is a nondenominational seeker-sensitive church in Detroit, Michigan.

Generation X Coalition

Essays, poems, articles, stories, reviews and bibliographies are made available to help answer questions, stimulate debate, and evoke thought. The written materials do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Generations X Coalition, Inc., the GXC Executive Committee, or the GXC Board of Directors. Any comments or new submissions are appreciated.

Re:Generation Quarterly

X ... The Next Generation. An article written by ???…not bad…no home link. Worth a wave.

Christian Faith and Postmodernity: An Index of WWW Resources, from an intellectual and highly academic, though no less helpful and interesting perspective

The most excellent website of Bill Easum and Tom Bandy…if you are into the Easum and Bandy thing.

The hot topic today -- Ministry to Generation X. An article from the “The Changing Church” at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville, MN.

The River Church Community. Visit the site and follow the “message library” links to an excellent message entitled, “WHY A CHURCH FOR A POSTMODERN GENERATION OF SEEKERS?”

The Ooze. This is a superb website, with lots of links and tons of information. In particular, see their “About Us” page for a response to the question, “Why the Ooze?” as well as their take on postmodern culture.

Don Tapscott’s website for the book—both virtual and paper—“Growing Up Digital: The Rise of the Net Generation”. Good stuff, free stuff, and fun stuff.

The website of the ELCA Youth Ministries Network, which is building momentum, gathering a critical mass of leaders, and having a tremendous impact on youth and family ministry in the ELCA (the network, not the website!). The network seeks to provide support, inspiration, encouragement, and training for youth ministry professionals throughout the ELCA.

The website of Faith Inkubators up there in Stillwater, MN--you know, the “conformation” is dead and Total Family Sunday School guy.

Leonard Sweet is professor of postmodern Christianity, dean of the Theological School and vice president at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. An honors and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Richmond, he earned his M.Div. degree from Colgate Rochester Divinity School and his Ph.D. from the University of Rochester. From 1990-1999, he was the chief author of the journal Homiletics. Sweet has written over a dozen books, including the critically acclaimed FaithQuakes, called one of the "10 best religion books" and "10 must-read books." Other books include Soul Tsunami, Eleven Genetic Gateways to a Spiritual Awakening, A Cup of Coffee at the Soul Cafe, and The Jesus Prescription for a Healthy Life. In 1995, he launched Sweet's SoulCafe, a popular magazine-format spirituality newsletter for today's seeker. Plus, since 1997, Sweet has been a popular author and columnist in Vital Ministry Magazine.

NEXT WAVE web magazine exists to bring like-minded people together. Our desire is to provide a forum where we can share ideas, thoughts, strategies, theological insight and friendship. You may be a pioneer in your location, or in your denomination, but there are others like you out there, and you can meet them here.

NEXT WAVE web magazine exists to:

· Connect people who want to reach postmodern people with God's message. We want to see a network of people emerge across the world where we can share our insights.

· Be a forum where people can showcase their postmodern church or ministry

· Discuss our context and the strategy we need to reach people.

· Exchange ideas, stories.

· Publish articles on the net that are relevant to our discussion.

Reaching the Generations for Jesus website, which is maintained by Graham Codrington, a youth worker in South Africa. This guy knows what he is doing, and arguably proffers the best links around. These pages are dedicated to researching, understanding and discussing the various generations of young people growing up in today's world. This begins with the so-called Baby Busters, or Generation X, who were born between 1961 and 1982. The Millennial generation, or Generation Y, follows, with those born between 1982 and about 2003. After them will come a generation of Adaptives, or Generation Z, who will be born between about 2003 and 2025. The specific purpose of these pages is to analyse the generations from a Christian point-of-view, and discover how best the Gospel of Jesus Christ may be communicated within the generational culture.

The Generational Inquiry Group (GIG) is seven writers, ages 17 thru 62, writing about America's five living generations. Our topics range from music and culture to government, technology and schooling. Though too diverse to have a political agenda, GIG members agree on certain objectives: (a) Intergenerational understanding, (b) defining trends early, and (c) opening the door to teenage writers who might not yet see themselves as "writers."

We also believe each generation has its own vital role to fulfill in the endless drama that constitutes America.

Faith Factors is the web name of a new Longitudinal Study involving Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota and Southwestern Baptist Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. The official title of the research project is: FACTORS IN YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT FAITH EXPERIENCE AND DEVELOPMENT: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY

Phuture.com

A website serving the second reformation and providing resources for those engaged in Christian mission to the emerging generation.

The website for the Center for Youth Ministries at Wartburg Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa. In walking the pilgrimage of faith with youth we make our own faith journey meaningful. We can help you and your congregation learn to hike with youth and families. Excellent training and certification for youth and family ministry.

Youth & Family Institute of Augsburg College welcomes you to its online home. Driven to provide high-quality resources, research, training, and presentations, the Institute is dedicated to Christ-centered family issues. Please enjoy exploring our website, and feel free to let us know how we can improve our site to best meet your needs and interests.

Youth & Family Institute of Augsburg College is affiliated with Augsburg College, Minneapolis, MN. We study research and do research as to what is happening in our culture to children, youth, and their families. We interpret the research to Christian congregations, share and design conceptual models of effective ministry to and with youth and families, provide consultation to congregations, and create resources based on the research.

The website for the Youth Leadership Center for Youth & Family Ministries. Youth Leadership is a unique youth ministry training organization. We do not run direct programs for teenagers--instead we educate men and women for the important task of youth and family ministry. We are intentionally interdenominational and serve youth workers, parents, professionals, volunteers and churches of a wide variety of denominations. With that commitment, Youth Leadership is clearly Christ-centered and evangelical. We are passionate in our belief that the next generation needs to hear the Good News about Jesus. Our focus is to motivate and train adults to do the important task of evangelism, nurture and discipleship with young people. Youth Leadership is distinct in that it has a unique relationship with Bethel and Luther Seminaries that helps us offer a Master's degree in youth ministry at two very different seminaries. We have this academic component to who we are that allows us to be involved in preparing men and women for a career in youth and family ministry.

The website for American Demographics magazine, offering great research on the twists and turns, ups and downs, ins and outs, of American culture...and lots of it for free!

Welcome to the web site for Percept Group, Inc., a California company providing planning resources to churches, regional denominational executives and religious organizations in the United States. Percept adds value to its demographic based information products by integrating data about the religious attitudes, preferences and behavior of the American people.

Website by Bill Murray (no, not that Bill Murray) which examines the cycles of United States history from a generational perspective.

Actually, let's start with who we aren't. We are not a church. We are not a religious movement. We get no money from particular religious institutions or leaders. We are not pushing a particular spiritual agenda. What is our agenda? To do whatever it takes to help individuals meet their own needs in the realm of religion, spirituality and morality. We are independent and multifaith. Sometimes this means providing information, other times it means providing inspiration, community, or products and services. We hope people will find most of what they need on Beliefnet but we'll also help them navigate the rest of the Internet. We will provide both expert analysis from scholars and thinkers and, more important, allow users to gain wisdom, companionship and strength from each other.

Wusupgod. A classic postmodern website from the people behind the billboards and commercials.

Connecting with the post-Boomer generations: a guide to our postmodern context for mainline Christians, hosted by Beth Maynard, a parish priest in the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. A superb site!

People of earth, join the conversation. The clue is: check out this site.

Jordon Coopers site continues to evolve into a place where church leaders and those engaged in ministry in a postmodern world can come, hang out, and hopefully find some tools that help them along their spiritual journey.

Prepared by Rev. Nathan C.P. Frambach, Ph.D. Copyright @ January 2000, last ramp and revision January 2001, used by permission.

Churches currently engaged in Post Modern Ministry

ELCA Examples:

Community of Life Lutheran Church

Soul Journ

Spirit Garage

The Well of Hope

Other ELCA Postmodern Ministries:

Living Waters Ministries

ELCA Initiative 6

Other Examples:

All Saints Episcopal Church

Calvary Church Newport Mesa

Solomons Porch

Ginghamsburg UNC

Mars Hill Fellowship

New Hope Christian Fellowship

New Song Community Church

Pathways Church

University Baptist Church

Warehouse 242

Books

Web Sites