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Reciprocal Church
The church faces an unprecedented loss of rising generations.
Young adults who were active and engaged in the local church are leaving the community behind after high school. What can we do?
Responding to these concerning statistics, Sharon Galgay Ketcham reflects theologically on the church community and its role in forming faith. She exposes problems in the way leaders conceive of and teach about the relationship between individual faith and the local church, and offers fresh solutions in the form of values and practices that can shape a community into a place where faith will flourish in those both young and old.
Young adults who were active and engaged in the local church are leaving the community behind after high school. What can we do?
Responding to these concerning statistics, Sharon Galgay Ketcham reflects theologically on the church community and its role in forming faith. She exposes problems in the way leaders conceive of and teach about the relationship between individual faith and the local church, and offers fresh solutions in the form of values and practices that can shape a community into a place where faith will flourish in those both young and old.
160 pages, Paperback
Published November 13, 2018
11 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Galgay Ketcham
1 book4 followersSharon Galgay Ketcham (PhD, Boston College) is a practical theologian at Gordon College. She is a researcher, writer, teacher, and mentor with decades of ministry experience in local churches. She also speaks at local and national church and youth ministry conferences. Sharon lives in New Hampshire with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 19, 2021
I took a class with this theologian! Heck yeah!
Also though, really interesting stuff! I read excerpts of this for my senior sem paper (which is about how Thomas Merton really well addresses the issues with extreme individualism and exclusivity in the western church and how the church should really be more universal, in case you fellows and fellettes are interested!), only the ones that were cogent to the theme of individualism v. collectivism in the church, but it’s all well-worth reading; I personally have no interest or stakes in the book’s main issue of keeping young people engaged in the church after high school (I also identify as a Christian only in part, so that makes sense I think), but for anyone invested in that topic, it’s an invaluable resource. I was more interested in the reflections on what the church really is, and how people within it ought to relate to each other, and this satisfied that curiosity quite a bit (while also adding fuel to my “I think literally everything and everyone in the world is the church, including and especially non-Christians,” idea)!
Also though, really interesting stuff! I read excerpts of this for my senior sem paper (which is about how Thomas Merton really well addresses the issues with extreme individualism and exclusivity in the western church and how the church should really be more universal, in case you fellows and fellettes are interested!), only the ones that were cogent to the theme of individualism v. collectivism in the church, but it’s all well-worth reading; I personally have no interest or stakes in the book’s main issue of keeping young people engaged in the church after high school (I also identify as a Christian only in part, so that makes sense I think), but for anyone invested in that topic, it’s an invaluable resource. I was more interested in the reflections on what the church really is, and how people within it ought to relate to each other, and this satisfied that curiosity quite a bit (while also adding fuel to my “I think literally everything and everyone in the world is the church, including and especially non-Christians,” idea)!
November 30, 2018
I was so proud to read my professor Dr. Ketcham's first book. Her words and ideas challenge the Church to embrace the next generation, seeing them as more than passive recipients of faith and instead, asking us to open our eyes to what we may learn from them. This book shows us that youth ministry isn't a task for a small section of the church to volunteer in, but a culture that all of us have a power to influence.
December 6, 2023
Esta obra foi escrita com o objetivo de analisar uma situação por demais comum nas igrejas, que é o abandono da fé por parte de inúmeros jovens, logo depois de terem completado os seus estudos no ensino médio (no contexto da autora, o High School).
Reciprocal Church oferece uma valiosa contribuição para a maneira como devemos pensar o pastoreio e a participação de jovens e adolescentes no seio do Corpo de Cristo. Na verdade, é preciso que haja uma reavaliação da maneira como igrejas e ministérios de jovens atuam. Em inúmeras ocasiões, a grande preocupação está na multiplicação de atividades e programações, com o objetivo de manter os jovens na igreja. Não obstante, essa multiplicação de atividades e programas acaba por se transformarem em algo cansativo e que exaure aqueles aos quais se propõem a ajudar. Não é à toa que um dos três grupos aludidos por Ketcham é o dos “cansados” da fé cristã. É preciso que haja uma modificação na maneira como as igrejas olham para os jovens, não apenas para modificarem os seus programas, mas para modificarem a si mesmas, naquilo que oferecem aos jovens: não um vasto cardápio de programações e eventos, que produzem efervescência por um tempo para, logo depois, dar lugar a um sentimento evanescente de falta de propósito e de pertencimento. Mas, a si mesmas, por meio de uma redescoberta da natureza comunitária e interdependente da igreja de Cristo.
Indubitavelmente, a igreja brasileira seria beneficiada com a publicação em português de Reciprocal Church. Queira o Senhor providenciar que ela se realize.
Reciprocal Church oferece uma valiosa contribuição para a maneira como devemos pensar o pastoreio e a participação de jovens e adolescentes no seio do Corpo de Cristo. Na verdade, é preciso que haja uma reavaliação da maneira como igrejas e ministérios de jovens atuam. Em inúmeras ocasiões, a grande preocupação está na multiplicação de atividades e programações, com o objetivo de manter os jovens na igreja. Não obstante, essa multiplicação de atividades e programas acaba por se transformarem em algo cansativo e que exaure aqueles aos quais se propõem a ajudar. Não é à toa que um dos três grupos aludidos por Ketcham é o dos “cansados” da fé cristã. É preciso que haja uma modificação na maneira como as igrejas olham para os jovens, não apenas para modificarem os seus programas, mas para modificarem a si mesmas, naquilo que oferecem aos jovens: não um vasto cardápio de programações e eventos, que produzem efervescência por um tempo para, logo depois, dar lugar a um sentimento evanescente de falta de propósito e de pertencimento. Mas, a si mesmas, por meio de uma redescoberta da natureza comunitária e interdependente da igreja de Cristo.
Indubitavelmente, a igreja brasileira seria beneficiada com a publicação em português de Reciprocal Church. Queira o Senhor providenciar que ela se realize.
March 7, 2019
Summary: Addressing the loss of young people from the church, makes an argument for a theology of the church as vital in our Christian life, and for mutuality and reciprocal engagement between youth and other generations in a flourishing community where all contribute.
Statistics show that young people are exiting churches in significant numbers. Sharon Galgay Ketcham contends that part of the problem is our "gospel passage" which often emphasizes the individual's need for Christ, but has little to say about our vital need for his people. Church is a consumable, a support in my faith journey, but not a vital aspect of what I am saved into.
The first part of her book makes a theological argument for how the church is vital in our Christian experience. Our identity is as a people of God, our growth comes as we experience reconciliation with others, and we are transformed through those relationships. She writes, "Our churches simply lose credibility when what we claim about Christ's redemption does not influence our relationships with one another." When this is occurring biblically, it happens reciprocal, where young and older contribute to each other's growth in Christ, and where young people are full participants in, rather than just recipients of the church's ministry.
The second part of the book talks about the values and the practices that incarnate them that nourish reciprocal churches as flourishing communities. Ketcham argues for the importance of remembering our corporate story, both our big story, and the stories of each of our communities. She advocates for a mutuality that is authentic, empathetic, collaborative, and companionable. Youth are seen as people with potential, not as problems, and are invited to contribute fully to the life of the community. Finally, reciprocal churches value maturity, growing in the fruit of the Spirit through their relationships with each other.
This is not a how-to book to develop a bigger youth program. Ketcham's argument is far more profound. She asks us to consider how integral our whole church is to the working out of salvation for youth, and for all of us. She challenges us to think not merely of the needs of youth, but how we all need each other to grow up in Christ. She encourages us to see youth not simply as participants but as full partners and contributors. She gives the lie to the idea that Christian growth is simply between the individual and Jesus, with the church as merely an optional support. She is one of a growing number of youth ministry writers who recognize how vital an inter-generational community is to the vibrant faith of youth, and perhaps all of us.
I welcome this book. As a young believer, one of the compelling arguments for the faith, even in the face of some of the problems I saw with the church, was the opportunities to learn of the deep faith of others of my parents' and grandparents' generations. Caring for the yard of one elderly woman in the congregation powerfully changed me as she invited me in for milk and cookies (seriously!) and talked about her missionary service in Egypt, and then prayed for me. Another time, I was paired up in a local outreach with a grandfatherly type wearing a bow tie among a group of youth in bell bottoms. My eyes were opened when I saw him listen to those we were engaging with genuine interest, and then share the love of Christ. These were people who entrusted me with ministry and mentored me in high school and college, and let me into their lives--their struggles, doubts, and determination to believe.
This is how the body of Christ works at its best. Sharon Galgay Ketcham reminds us of a vision of church not segregated by generation but vitally and reciprocally connected to each other, helping each other work out what it means to be the people of God.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Statistics show that young people are exiting churches in significant numbers. Sharon Galgay Ketcham contends that part of the problem is our "gospel passage" which often emphasizes the individual's need for Christ, but has little to say about our vital need for his people. Church is a consumable, a support in my faith journey, but not a vital aspect of what I am saved into.
The first part of her book makes a theological argument for how the church is vital in our Christian experience. Our identity is as a people of God, our growth comes as we experience reconciliation with others, and we are transformed through those relationships. She writes, "Our churches simply lose credibility when what we claim about Christ's redemption does not influence our relationships with one another." When this is occurring biblically, it happens reciprocal, where young and older contribute to each other's growth in Christ, and where young people are full participants in, rather than just recipients of the church's ministry.
The second part of the book talks about the values and the practices that incarnate them that nourish reciprocal churches as flourishing communities. Ketcham argues for the importance of remembering our corporate story, both our big story, and the stories of each of our communities. She advocates for a mutuality that is authentic, empathetic, collaborative, and companionable. Youth are seen as people with potential, not as problems, and are invited to contribute fully to the life of the community. Finally, reciprocal churches value maturity, growing in the fruit of the Spirit through their relationships with each other.
This is not a how-to book to develop a bigger youth program. Ketcham's argument is far more profound. She asks us to consider how integral our whole church is to the working out of salvation for youth, and for all of us. She challenges us to think not merely of the needs of youth, but how we all need each other to grow up in Christ. She encourages us to see youth not simply as participants but as full partners and contributors. She gives the lie to the idea that Christian growth is simply between the individual and Jesus, with the church as merely an optional support. She is one of a growing number of youth ministry writers who recognize how vital an inter-generational community is to the vibrant faith of youth, and perhaps all of us.
I welcome this book. As a young believer, one of the compelling arguments for the faith, even in the face of some of the problems I saw with the church, was the opportunities to learn of the deep faith of others of my parents' and grandparents' generations. Caring for the yard of one elderly woman in the congregation powerfully changed me as she invited me in for milk and cookies (seriously!) and talked about her missionary service in Egypt, and then prayed for me. Another time, I was paired up in a local outreach with a grandfatherly type wearing a bow tie among a group of youth in bell bottoms. My eyes were opened when I saw him listen to those we were engaging with genuine interest, and then share the love of Christ. These were people who entrusted me with ministry and mentored me in high school and college, and let me into their lives--their struggles, doubts, and determination to believe.
This is how the body of Christ works at its best. Sharon Galgay Ketcham reminds us of a vision of church not segregated by generation but vitally and reciprocally connected to each other, helping each other work out what it means to be the people of God.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
May 25, 2020
This review should've been written a while ago, but as I'm back and active again on Goodreads, here it goes. It's been almost a year since I finished the book at this point, but I did my best to reference back to the book in order to not misconstrue how I remembered the book.
In my opinion, this book is a necessary start to bringing the Church back to the importance of community, when we live in a culture that emphasizes individuality. While the book highlights Youth Ministry, there are certainly applications to all aspects of Church life.
Dr. Ketcham seeks to find an answer to the problem facing churches all over: The fact that young people seem to be leaving in droves. Why does it seem like so many who had a burgeoning faith life in middle and high school walk away as soon as they graduate? Dr. Ketcham explores this question and provides not a step-by-step guide on how to not lose our youth to "the culture" by creating new ways of marketing church and the Gospel to them, but thoughts on how it might look to bring youth into the community that is the Church as valuable and contributing members.
I truly hope there are more books down the line (from Dr. Ketcham and others) that highlight the importance of the community of the church and the value of contribution from all kinds of people.
In my opinion, this book is a necessary start to bringing the Church back to the importance of community, when we live in a culture that emphasizes individuality. While the book highlights Youth Ministry, there are certainly applications to all aspects of Church life.
Dr. Ketcham seeks to find an answer to the problem facing churches all over: The fact that young people seem to be leaving in droves. Why does it seem like so many who had a burgeoning faith life in middle and high school walk away as soon as they graduate? Dr. Ketcham explores this question and provides not a step-by-step guide on how to not lose our youth to "the culture" by creating new ways of marketing church and the Gospel to them, but thoughts on how it might look to bring youth into the community that is the Church as valuable and contributing members.
I truly hope there are more books down the line (from Dr. Ketcham and others) that highlight the importance of the community of the church and the value of contribution from all kinds of people.
January 14, 2019
In a genre that frequently produces books which are formatted into lists promising successful ministry, "Reciprocal Church" presents a refreshing and important voice, not only for youth ministry but for the church as a whole. While pulling from current research and statistics, Sharon Galgay Ketcham brings readers back to the heart of the conversation by looking at youth ministry and the church through a deeply theological lens. She boldly challenges the way we view the status of youth within Christian life and practice, casting a vision of a community that meaningfully joins together to remember the past and consider the present in order to grow toward the full coming of the Kingdom. "Reciprocal Church" is accessible without sacrificing depth of content, and Ketcham manages to be firm in her call to a fuller becoming while also being gracious toward our shortcomings. These traits are accomplished via an artful interweaving of raw personal experience, careful scriptural exegesis, theological commitment, and numerous other examples pulled from science and the arts. There is a way for everyone to connect with the message of this book. Finally, living out her own message, Ketcham presents useful tools for congregations to begin to live into this vision of divine reciprocity while also providing ample space for readers to join in the task of corporate creativity. I highly recommend this book for anyone involved in ministry--whether formally or informally!
June 11, 2019
Sharon Galgay Ketcham's book, "Reciprocal Church" grows out of a lifetime of working with youth in church settings, teaching in college and serious theological reflection. She knows what she is talking about. She has done the retreats and the games nights, talked with kids in crisis, bewildered parents and skeptical church leaders. She shares our concern for the next generation. But Ketcham is not just sounding the alarm. This is not one of the many "this is what is wrong with our churches/teens/programs/ fill in the blank" that are so common today. It is the beginning of a conversation about the importance of connecting our teens not only to Christ but to his church. Her concerns are not just practical, they are theological. The church community is part of the vital identity we share as God's people. It needs to be part of the proclamation and experience of teens as they move through adolescence. Ketcham show how the sociological setting of our teens makes them consumers and thus community is an optional commodity. They need to hear and experience the transforming power of reconciling relationships. After grounding this theologically she suggests several practices that help community flourish including valuing memory, contribution, mutuality and maturity. I found these insights both profound and practical. The tone is optimistic and helpful and should be read by anyone who values the spiritual lives of adolescences.
December 27, 2018
This book was a life-changing read. Anyone in the Church who works with young people or who is questioning the importance of the Church in the life of any Christian must read this book! Ketcham challenges the modern perception of who the Christian is and how adolescents might contribute to that identity. This analysis demands action, yet is fair in prognosis. Readers should expect to have their view of the adolescent and its role in the faith community changed in constructive ways! This is one of the most important books I have read as I work towards a career in youth ministry!
April 6, 2021
Many of the principles taught in this book are true and applicable. I would recommend this book to many pastors (lead and student pastors), simply for a reminder of what our responsibility is in reaching the next generation. The author pushes against the grain with some of the semantics of student ministry and parent discipleship, and I appreciated this view point. Some of the story telling and illustrations in the book I felt had disconnections and were hard to follow at times.
September 14, 2019
Impressed with Ketcham’s approach to youth ministry through the broader lens of ecclesiology. Many youth ministry books have proposed this type of holistic youth ministry, but not many have been as effective in demonstrating this as is Reciprocal Church. Very glad I came across this book and glad to share it with others.
June 10, 2022
Helpful reflection on welcoming youth into the life of Christ and the church. Honest, no swag, on the ground experiences. I appreciate the themes of maturity, community, and contribution with an optimistic belief in young people.
April 29, 2023
This book is stunning. More than simply giving a plan for youth groups, Galgay Katchem points us to the vision of Christ's church from Scripture. Although the book is bigger than youth ministry, it never loses sight of the youth.
February 20, 2019
This is an excellent book which every church and youth leader will benefit from reading. The content challenges the very basis of the way we do ministry and does so in a very timely manner. We need to address the changing needs of church ministry in our current cultural context as a matter of urgency and Dr Ketcham encourages us to do that with a multitude of carefully thought out ideas supported by insightful practical experiences.
June 19, 2022
If you’re a Christian and ever plan on having kids or even just staying in the church, you’ve got to read this book!
February 15, 2019
Reciprocal Church takes its rightful place as one of my favorite books about working with youth in a church context. Unwilling to give you get-rich-quick-schemes to solve your church's problems, Ketcham blends story, theology, and leadership thought in an easy to read book that never shies away from big questions. Rather, it goes right at them. By talking about systemic issues and the ways that churches need to be healthy before expecting youth retention, this book gives you a lot to think about. It would be an excellent resource for a youth team to read a chapter a week and meet to discuss it.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews