The Missing Generation (Paperback) by Kay Mumford

If your church is missing the twenties to thirties age group, sadly you are not alone. This is the common story across the UK. There are many reasons why this is the case, but it causes the church a serious problem… and the consequences of ignoring it will be seen in the years to come with dying, ageing and empty churches. So what can we do and how do we do it?

In this little book, Kay Mumford asks these very questions and begins to work through practical answers that will challenge, equip and enthuse you in your ministry with young adults. Kay has over 15 years of experience of battling against the trend that 20s – 30s ‘don’t do church’ – and though this book won’t give you every answer, it is designed to be a springboard that will refocus your vision and excite you about what God can do when we live out and teach His Word.

Title

The Missing Generation
Author(s)

Kay Mumford
ISBN

9781906173920
Format

Paperback
Publisher

10Publishing
Topic

Church, Leadership
Pages

154
Published

01/04/2013

Overall rating

4.8 based on 11 reviews

The Missing Generation

Subtitled as ‘a practical guide to 20s–30s ministry’, this concise book covers huge swathes of practical detail on developing anã€€‘every–member ministry’ and making godly young disciples of Christ. Although there is no ‘one size fits all’ model offered, the standpoint is decidedly British conservative evangelical. The book has numerous extended quotes from various seasoned ministers who’ve run groups to disciple adults under 40, as well as from those who’ve grown greatly within such groups. Each chapter begins with a biblical quote or two to give the undergirding principles; then there are copious bullet–points which give thorough practical application and examples. The book begins by outlining why there is a crying need for UK churches to strategically disciple those in their 20s and 30s, and then gives numerous ideas about how to structure this into the life of the church. It also outlines the common idols facing this age–group today, and how to develop one–to–one discipleship, an evangelistic strategy, a loving community, and a church where everyone is active in service. The final chapter covers the development of future leaders, followed by useful appendices on various event ideas, UK courses and salient books. This reader particularly enjoyed the chapter on pastoral issues, which included punchy analysis and then testimonies from those struggling with issues such as pornography, depression, anorexia, singleness and self–harming. Whilst avoiding clichés and quick fixes, some pointers are given for those trying to bring pastoral wisdom to bear on such issues. Sadly, the treatment of counselling was rather dismissive, but perhaps that reflects the influence of secular thought in much that passes for counselling in the UK church at this time. Nonetheless, emphasis was rightly given to the prime place of pastoral care within a loving church family. In short, this is a superb practical manual, which would greatly aid most UK churches to develop their ministry among the 20s and 30s. Additionally, it would probably be a useful aid in giving any church a radical MOT in how it practically seeks to make disciples of people, no matter what their age.

Ben Epps, Evangelical Times

Massive experience and wisdom are brought to bear brilliantly in a concise, readable, practical book. The practical examples and testimonies are especially valuable, as is Kay's sheer realism about young adult work in churches—it's vital and this book shows good ways to begin and develop such work in local churches

Paul Sutton

This is an excellent book for evangelical churches wanting to minister more effectively to people in their 20s and 30s. Kay takes you through, step-by-step, how you might go about this, even if you currently have no-one of that age group in your church. Kay has worked for a well-renowned conservative evangelical church in the UK for many years, running a large 20s-30s ministry, so she really knows what she’s talking about. The real strengths of this book are: 1) it’s short and easy to read - I read it in one sitting. 2) it’s practical and has lots of creative ideas for ‘how to’ start or improve a 20s-30s ministry, rather than just telling you that you should. One idea I hadn't considered is using the church website to help Christians in their 20s/30s find a houseshare - this is useful if you have zero people in that age group. She gives you places to start from, even if you have few or no people of that age group. 3) it is a good advert for discipleship done really well, sharing your life and the gospel with one another, being honest about the difficult things without shame or fear and spurring one another on to holiness. It is real and honest about the secret struggles of this age group. Definitely recommend.

Tanya Marlow

I've really appreciated Kay's work. She's very clear about the why as well as the how, acknowledge the huge societal shifts for 20s-30s in the western world. Lots of practical ideas to muse and try and I look forward to Kiwifying them both in my work with university students of all ages and in our local church with the wider young adults groups. Thanks Kay

Tim Hodge

There is a real lack of books in this area- I think this is the first I've read! I found loads of things in this book really helpful and thought- provoking. There are lots of very practical suggestions. Lots of things seem obvious when you read them but were not things I had thought of before in my involvement in 20s and 30s ministry. A few of us read it before we met up for a discussion about the work and it gave us some useful ideas and thoughts to discuss. It was a relief to read something dealing with some of the issues we battle with in 20s and 30s work, for example encouraging people in their personal evangelism.

Clare Jackson

This book is great because it gives great practical advice on young adult ministry, no matter what size the group is in your church. It helped us to see areas where we could improve also confirmed our convictions in other areas. It doesn't take long to read either, which is great!

Keith Mac

As churches we are wise to invest time and energy into children’s, youth and student ministry but what attention do we give to what comes next? Cutting a course through adult life has rarely been more complicated or confusing and so, for many, the 20’s & 30’s are defining decades. Capture the hearts and minds of young adults for Christ and they become vital members of a church family, leave them without help and support they need and sadly they too often become the “missing generation” from our churches. Always practical yet passionate and persuasive Kay Mumford’s book shows us how to build a ministry to this missing generation as well as demonstrating why such a ministry is more urgent and important than ever. I wish this book had been around when we started our ministry to this generation. Many of its ideas are already beginning to shape the way we develop our work. Buy it, build on its ideas and both the generation that needs our support and the churches that fulfil this role will be blessed.

Neil Power, Pastor – City Church Birmingham

There are books full of practical ideas and then there is The Missing Generation. This has to be the go–to book for any church looking to reach and disciple those in their 20’s and 30’s.

Dan Green, Pastor of Banstead Community Church, www.blogofdan.co.uk

To the local church lamenting the lack of 20’s and 30’s in their congregation, Kay gives a generous gift. Missing Generation gets you thinking theologically, discipling intentionally and serving practically.

Liam Garvie – Associate Minister, Charlotte Chapel

Not only a stimulating and insightful look at one of the big challenges facing the church in the UK today but also full of practical ideas and help”