The London Institute for Contemporary Christianity

Engaging with Youth

Mend the Gap: can the church reconnect the generations?

Mend the Gap deals with the all important issue of the generation gap in the church. It attempts to answer several questions: how did the gap between young and old come about in the first place? What are the wider social factors that were involved? Has the churches attempts to bridge the gap through youth work helped or hindered our effort? It also gives practical pointers to how we can begin to help older people within faith communities connect meaningfully with younger people. In this section you'll find a sample chapter of the book as well as related articles and resources of intergenerational ministry.

Summary from the back cover:

Pop music, piercings and peers.

The familiar issues that create conflict between parents and children belie the rapid rate of cultural change surrounding family life. As society alters beyond recognition, the gap between young and old threatens to become a deep fracture in the heart of families, communities - and churches.
Urgent surgery is required to mend the gap.
Resisting simplistic solutions, Jason Gardner deftly analyses the reasons for the growing generation gap, including the role of the church. He provides practical steps forward for church leaders, youthworkers and parents. Underpinning this hopeful book is an unshaking belief in Christ's burning ability to inspire a 'whole big bad beautiful mix of people to follow him, regardless of their age'.

To purchase the book click here.

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