Daniel Generation: Godly Leadership in an Ungodly Culture

by Jolene Cassellius Erlacher

As Millennials and Generation Z (1980-2012) begin taking leadership roles in our churches, communities and organizations, they face unique challenges. A cultural context informed by moral relativism, technology and globalization requires leadership that remains faithful to biblical practices while creating and implementing new strategies. Like Daniel, who found himself in Nebuchadnezzar’s palace, a place foreign to his leaders and mentors in Jerusalem, young leaders today find themselves leading in an environment very different than that experienced by their parents and teachers. Lessons from Daniel’s life provide valuable insight for godly leaders of all ages as we navigate the leadership challenges of our day and prepare those who will lead in the future.

Genres: Leadership

214 pages, ebook

Published August 14, 2018

About the author

Dr. Jolene Erlacher is an author, speaker, consultant, leadership coach, and teacher. Her passion is to see future generations succeed in a world where they can thrive as individuals as well as grow and nurture healthy families and communities. Her work and research focuses on understanding Millennials and Generation Z, but also includes the range of issues, dynamics and solutions concerning all generations in the workplace, the military, faith-based organizations, business, and other organizations of many types and sizes. As an adjunct faculty member, she also teaches graduate courses on organizational leadership and management.

Daniel Generation is her second book, published in August of 2018. Her first book, Millennials in Ministry, was published in 2014.

Jolene's doctorate is in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Thomas, where she also earned a certificate in International Leadership. She speaks fluent Spanish and has lived, worked, volunteered and studied in Mexico, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Kenya, South Africa and other countries.

Jolene enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and close friends. Her love of great coffee applies to all the above.

To follow Jolene and her work, visit www.leadingtomorrow.org.

To find her latest book, visit: https://www.leadingtomorrow.org/danie...

Or find her on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielgenera...
Twitter: #danielgenerationbook
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joleneerl...
Instagram: #danielgenerationbook

Reviews

[Josh O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book expecting to find some complex or nuanced insights and ideas about how to lead and engage with a generation I largely don’t identify with or understand.
Instead, I found the same, simple, biblical truths that are biblical leadership. Sure, toward the end, Erlacher shares some practical things one can put into practice and advocates for a shift to more mentorship and one on one, but overall, it’s pretty simple. Humility, leadership by example, discipline, and being grounded in the Word to name just a few.
Loved this book. Highly recommend to anyone in church or ministry leadership.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I first encountered Jolene Erlacher in a seminar on her incredibly insightful research on the Millennial generation around 2012. I quickly picked up Millennials in Ministry and it became a critical part of my understanding of engaging Millennials (born in 1984 I'm an Elder Millennial as Iliza Schlesinger put it).

With this context I was very excited for Daniel Generation and I quickly read a pre-order of the book. What I enjoyed about the book was Erlacher's effort to articulate a balanced understanding of how we can walk with Millennials and Generation Z to foster a godly generation of leaders. I found her chapter on investing in the Remnant inspiring. Also she repeatedly pointed back to spiritual disciplines as the foundation to being Daniel in this day and age. As I read the book I was inspired and convicted about the lack of prayer and fasting in my own life, especially as I consider calling and leadership selection.

My primary disappointment with the book was that I felt her read on the current and past generations was not much deeper than what I hear in the media that surrounds this issue. Perhaps I was expecting a sequel to Millennials in Ministry, but I expected the same insight and wisdom into understanding what makes this younger generation tick and unpacking their values and what the strengths of those values are along with critiquing the places where they fall short of Godly norms.

I recommend this book to leaders who need to be reminded the value of intentional discipleship and for young leaders to remember the critical grounding necessary in spiritual disciplines and formation. I think this book in dialogue with Erlacher's own research and wisdom on the younger generation (such as her excellent newsletter) would help equip both young leaders and older leaders working to mentor the next generation.

[Jaci Loween · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a nerd for research and passionate about the Bible being read and represented accurately and with practicality. Erlacher does both of these and throws in the amazing research that I love right alongside it, which pulls the reader toward connecting the dots between biblical instruction and living those out in the current times. The chapter lengths are perfect for reading in a morning sitting and digesting throughout the day. The organization of the topics is logical and brilliant. The application questions are helpful and provide an easy avenue for making this a text for small group discussions. I think my favorite chapter is chapter 10: Choosing Godly Companions. But don't let the title trick you into believing this isn't a book for all ages. I think every generation needs to read this so that we understand the past and the present and work together toward the hopeful future the Erlacher so beautifully convinces us is possible, in Christ and through living as Christians who follow the Bible, even in the midst of unchristian times.

[Elisha Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel Generation is a phenomenal challenge to Christian leaders in this generation. Dr. Erlacher lays out a schema of the contemporary world that allows room for both young and older generations to come together under the cause of truth and justice. She unites the different walks of life in a call for godly leadership in an ever-changing world with values built on tolerance instead of truth. This work will endure for generations, far beyond the modernist/postmodernist clash we see today. The principles she explains invite a dialogue of mutual respect and honor where in the past there has been strife. As a young Christian leader, I found myself often convicted and thinking about the passage I had read hours and days after my reading session. The Holy Spirit will speak to you if you listen carefully in the words of this book. I highly recommend this work for church staff members, small groups, vocational and lay leaders, and anyone struggling to navigate how to be a Christian in a society that is unconcerned with the things of God. A timely word!

[Ginger Smith Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving the book. Like all of the authors material it is full of wisdom and knowledge for this and the coming age. If you want to better understand the cultural shifts including the one we are in... It's here.
If you want to better relate and know how to navigate relationships with Millennials...It's here.
If you would like to learn from scripture and the example of Daniel and his biblical example of how to navigate culture and authority and still honor God... It's here.
Leading a Generation requires understanding the lense by which they see the world. Until you're willing to take a look at how others view culture and how we got to where we are...you likely will be illequipted and unable to truly navigate these shifting sands we live in.
God's word gives us clear direction and in this book combined with today's worldview and the shifts we have to navigate...you'll find greater understanding and passion to truly be and lead a Daniel Generation.

[Tricia Mcwilliams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't read anything by this author before but I am glad I had the opportunity to read this. Let's face it the world has changed a lot, in most of our lifetimes. The author shares a Biblical perspective, using the book of Daniel, to share ways of bringing the best of the past and present in line together. The gospel message never changes but our methods of delivering may need to in places.

Two of my favorite quotes from the book are:

God is looking for those who can discern what is Godly of the past and the present and use it to walk in an identity firmly grounded in an intimate relationship with Him.

When culture begins to favor and influence our lives, we are no longer salt.

This book is well worth reading to gain insights in your area of influence whether it be in your home, workplace, church, or community.

I received an advanced copy from the publisher, these are my thoughts on the book.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciate the research that Jolene does and the trainings she offers. I first met her years ago at a training event for millennials where she helped me understand and put words to some of my own experiences working on a multi-generational team. When she asked me to be on the launch team for her new book, I was so honoured and excited!

Jolene writes to generation Y (that’s us, fellow millennials) and generation Z with wisdom and grace, teaching through the Biblical story of Daniel. She parallels his story with that of our generations - living in a time and place where it isn’t the common practice to be a follower of God.

It’s a quick and insightful read - rooted in Biblical truth, a great discussion for this generation of leaders. There are parts of the generational discussion that I would have liked to gone deeper into, though this makes for a good platform for conversation.

[Danessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This "Daniel Generation" book is something which I would recommend to the leaders in my church, especially those who are in the teens and young adults ministry. It is imperative that we learn how to engage with the next generation and guide them to grow up to own their Daniel in the bible, who faced enormous challenges serving God in the surrounding ungodly era.

I like what was quoted in this book, "Our values - what we believe to be important - provide the foundation for culture." And we need to have a paradigm shift if we want to effect change in our environment. Times are changing, and so are perspectives. What a blessing it would be for future generations if we could leave a legacy that shapes their spiritual growth and strong foundations. If you are keen to find out how to be a part of that, I urge you to read this!

I received an advanced readers' copy as a part of the launch team. However, this review is based on my unbiased and honest opinion.

[Joyce Heffron · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Daniel Generation is a book that all church leaders and anyone working with young adults should read. It will teach how to engage the next generation and help them be like Daniel was as he served in an ungodly culture. It has practical suggestions and Biblical principles to guide you in standing for your Christian values in a constantly changing culture., Besides helping you to teach these principles, they will guide you to growth as well. This book puts the emphasis on the remnant rather than on success in numbers. It emphasizes the relevance of God’s Word and the reliance on the Holy Spirit. It is well-written and to the point. This is a great resource and one I plan to give to others, as well as read again for myself.

[Stephanie Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for all youth workers.

Struggle to understand today's youth? Jolene Erlacher does a great job reframing our minds with regards to Christianity and today's culture. How does one share, express, or even keep their faith when they do not live in the promised land?

Jolene's dive into the book of Daniel and the four men who were faithful while living in Babylon.

[Amanda Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great tool

This book is such a useful tool for today's church. As a person in the "middle" not an elder in the church but not a young up and coming leader this has been great to read and learn ways to help bridge the generational gap that so many are experiencing.

[Noelle Ammerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for learning leadership biblical principles. Love the thought provoking questions for reflection and application a must-read for all Future Leaders.

[Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing in the approach to the future. Challenging for the church and its priorities.
Prophetic in where our culture is headed as a whole.

[Julie Haupt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

Insightful observations & thought provoking ideas. Definitely a well written book on navigating the cultural shift away from a Christian friendly society.

[Gretchen Gingerich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good thoughts to ponder.

[Faith Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this for my Master’s program. Easy to read and understand but powerful in the information and way it gives the perspective on Daniel’s story and how believers can apply elements from Daniel’s lives to our own lives as we learn to lead and serve well.

Learned a lot!

[Sarah Haller · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a leader in the church, especially if you work with younger generations, this book is for you! It encourages and pushes you to be a better leader and to encourage the younger people around you.

[Lisa P Clement · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have heard the statement “We are living in different times” many times over my 58 years but in my opinion this truly is a different time. The generations today are very different and therefore we need different ways to be able to reach them. This author does a great job and shares valuable information that I think we need to pay attention to as we lead the millennial generation and the ones that follow.
Highly recommend!!
I was given an advanced copy from the publisher. This is my honest opinion.

[Susan Edwards]

Most everyone seemed to agree that the Millennial generation was a disappointment--until I encountered Jolene Erlacher. Jolene started from the cultural shift that is occurring, and explained the difference in the worldviews of those who grew up in the Modern era from those growing up in the Postmodern era. As she explained the "why" behind their values, things that had puzzled me about my own children suddenly made sense--and some of their values made me reexamine my own priorities. I think their priority for family and friends over organizations and events are healthier and more biblical.

When I had the opportunity to read Jolene's book "Daniel Generation," I very much hoped to come away with a better understanding of the Millennial generation, and how I might better engage with them. Jolene's book has a contagious enthusiasm for this generation and what God will do through them. Her purpose was to use God's Word to discover how someone might be a godly leader in an ungodly culture, and she used her whole book to model for them the principles she was teaching.
From the life of Daniel, she pulled principles that are foundational for godly living as well as godly leadership. Much of what Daniel experienced is directly applicable to our time and culture, Daniel living out the tests faced whenever culture and God's truths collide.

Jolene writes in an engaging style and is clear and effective in her explanations and examples. I especially appreciated the section of her book that examined styles of leadership as practiced with a Modern worldview and how the form changes with a Postmodern worldview. She not only gives clear examples, but clear explanations for WHY the same style of leadership does not work effectively in both generations.

For those who are discouraged about the Millennial generation, what Jolene has to share will give you reason to hope instead. For those who want to invest in this next generation, "Daniel Generation" will give you a better understanding and some tools to do so more effectively. And for those who are Millennials that find themselves walking a different path than their peers, this book may help you understand why that is and the purposes God has for those willing to follow Him.

I highly recommend "Daniel Generation."