Church for Everyone: Building a Multi-Inclusive Community for Emerging Generations

by Daniel Kreiss, Efrem Smith

Diversity is a high value for younger generations―but too often, they’re not finding it in the church. Emerging generations in the West are more diverse than ever―ethnically, socioeconomically, educationally, and politically. And as church attendance among younger generations declines rapidly, research shows that one of their primary sticking points is the lack of diversity in most churches. In Church for Everyone , pastors Dan Kreiss and Efrem Smith address this phenomenon head-on. In this research-based, theologically informed, and practical book, they explore the younger generations' expectations and disappointments with church and hold out a vision for true diversity taken from the pages of Scripture. As experienced church leaders themselves, Kreiss and Smith share a wealth of practical experience and stories from the trenches of multiethnic ministry. The good news is that God has already called the church to diversity. As we seek to live out this calling in our own local contexts, we can become the demonstration of God’s love for all humanity that he has designed the church to be―and that the younger generation is so desperately looking for.

224 pages, Paperback

Published February 13, 2024

Reviews

[Colin Michaelis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of this book, building the church to be inclusive of all the people around us is important. Its starting point is that all too often, our churches are mono-cultural even when located in diverse communities. I had thought that building a church that is attractive for emerging generations would be its focus, but that, even while it is the intent, is a just tiny part of the content.

There were parts where I disagreed - mostly, but not only, theological/doctrinal differences. There were parts that made me uncomfortable - in a good way, that is - to challenge me. The goals of this book are radical for some churches - I am not sure they are all realistic or practical. But this is a path, that we need to start to progress down, and while I don’t agree that all ways to get there that this book proposes are right, there are insights to learn from Church for Everyone.

[Jordan J. Andlovec · Rating 3 out of 5]

The thrust of this book is helpful and needed, but the execution sometimes comes across a speaking out of both sides of their mouth.
As emerging generations become more diverse, the monocultural church will not be somewhere they want to get involved in and want to put down roots. But the authors sometime 1) equate all cultures as equally good, and 2) are often sloppy when talking about racial issues and divides. Also, there’s a lot of bragging, but I assume that’s just par for the course when it comes to selling books.

The book accomplished what it set out to do in convincing me of their arguments, but sometimes it felt like that happened despite their efforts.

[Mathew Griggs · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are valuable nuggets of wisdom that are likely lost in the sea of bias, regurgitating divisive talking points, and - as always in this genre - making the West (which was quite literally created by and through Christianity) out to be antithetical to Christianity. It was worth reading, and the authors make good points when letting Scripture determine their worldview instead of letting their worldview determine their mission.

[Tanner Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A whole lot to learn & ponder here. Dan & Efrem do fantastic job at speaking from their stories, their experiences without idealizing their path as the only way. Their encouragement to walk beyond of our personal experience into the fullness of the Kingdom of God is inspiring. A true mosaic of diversity and inclusivity is God's mission.

[Rene Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has put into words the reality of Ethnic Homogenous Christianity, and the damage it causes to the larger body of Christ. We are to be diverse, inclusive, and reconciling towards others. This book is a great lesson on Micah 6:8 (ESV) “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
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