In Search of Authentic Faith: How Emerging Generations Are Transforming the Church

While a number of recent books have explained and identified the postmodern Generations X and Y, Rabey (a freelance religion writer) discusses what is being done to attract them to Christian faith. Using the values that have become important to the Xers authenticity, community, religious experience, technology and a pop-culture literacy--different Christian leaders and churches have sprung up to meet their needs. Some have started ministries outside the traditional church, while others work from within, offering alternative services or starting a ""second"" congregation. Most of the churches profiled here are causal and nondenominational, featuring contemporary worship music and promoting philanthropic giving. The innovations that Rabey recounts are interesting and often unexpected. For example, Rev. Evan Lauer, who ministers to the surf culture of southern California, surfs and plays in a surf-rock band, prefers being present and involved in the community, communicates with computer and cell phone to avoid being holed up in an office and rides a skateboard to church. Evangelist Andrew Jones traverses the country in a Winnebago with his wife and four children, meeting daily with Generation X ministries. ""Basically,"" Jones says, ""our ministry is making friends, telling stories, and throwing parties. We are... trying to find a new way of doing church."" Rabey's accessible and perceptive account is a good resource for anyone interested in evangelizing the rising generations--or in learning from them. (Nov.)