Hear Us Out: Six Questions on Belonging and Belief

by Sue Pizor Yoder, Bonnie Bates (Contributor), Brandon M. Heavner (Contributor)

How are emerging generations making meaning in their lives? This team of eight scholars and ministry leaders from across the denominational spectrum formed Co.lab.inq, a collective learning laboratory focused on open-ended inquiry, to explore this question. Together they interviewed over 200 people under 40 in search of the lessons they might teach us about belonging, adversity, legacy - and faith. Through collaborative storytelling conversations focused on truth-seeking and meaning-making, Sue Pizor Yoder and her co-authors illustrate the complex and varied ways Millennials and Gen Z are navigating life and crafting their stories. What do younger Americans have to say about belonging? Where do they find meaning? What challenges are they facing--and how do they confront them? How do they envision their legacies? Pizor Yoder and her colleagues were surprised to find that in addition to these questions, their conversation partners also wanted to talk about faith--even when they didn't identify with any religious tradition. The narratives these authors uncover offer both critique and blessing for society and the church.

208 pages, Paperback

Published July 25, 2023

Reviews

[Mark Mumbauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good overview of a PA sample set not far from my locale. I appreciated the realness of the conversations with participants and the takeaways. Some great generational takeaways we can all learn from as we interact with the 15-35s in our midsts. We have work to do if the church as we know it will survive. Are we willing? Who will risk with me? Who else will choose to engage these next generations in a way that speaks with them yet remains true to the Word?

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read with a small group for church. It prompted much sharing of our stories and thoughts on how to interest more young people to try us. Well-researched and written, very engaging questions after each chapter.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.3. Much more discussion needed on this topic, especially how to integrate info into multi-generational congregation.