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The Passion Generation: The Seemingly Reckless, Definitely Disruptive, But Far From Hopeless Millennials
Millennials have disrupted almost every major industry. Whether you’re a parent trying to raise them, a pastor trying to reach them, or an employer trying to retain them, they’re disruptive. As the largest living generation, millennials are one of the most studied but misunderstood groups of our day. And the chasm between the generations is only getting wider.
Speaker and founder of the Initiative Network Grant Skeldon pulls back the confusing statistics about millennials to reveal the root it’s not a millennial problem, it’s a discipleship problem. Millennials are known for their struggle to hold jobs, reluctance to live on their own, and alarming migration away from the church. And now our culture is feeling the results of a mentor-less, fatherless generation. But how do you start discipling young people when you struggle to connect with them?
Written by a millennial, The Passion Generation will guide you beyond the stats of what millennials are doing to the why they’re doing it and how we can all move toward healthy community. With wit, compassion, and startling insights, this book shares stories and studies drawn from Skeldon’s years of working to bridge generational gaps. In his signature conversational style, Skeldon offers researched strategies that will spark healthy connections, and practical methods that will help you disciple the millennials you love.
This book is your guide to understanding the millennials in your life who are seemingly reckless but far from hopeless, for the future of the church that depends on them.
Speaker and founder of the Initiative Network Grant Skeldon pulls back the confusing statistics about millennials to reveal the root it’s not a millennial problem, it’s a discipleship problem. Millennials are known for their struggle to hold jobs, reluctance to live on their own, and alarming migration away from the church. And now our culture is feeling the results of a mentor-less, fatherless generation. But how do you start discipling young people when you struggle to connect with them?
Written by a millennial, The Passion Generation will guide you beyond the stats of what millennials are doing to the why they’re doing it and how we can all move toward healthy community. With wit, compassion, and startling insights, this book shares stories and studies drawn from Skeldon’s years of working to bridge generational gaps. In his signature conversational style, Skeldon offers researched strategies that will spark healthy connections, and practical methods that will help you disciple the millennials you love.
This book is your guide to understanding the millennials in your life who are seemingly reckless but far from hopeless, for the future of the church that depends on them.
- GenresChristianChristianity
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2018
30 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
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August 29, 2021
Buku ini menolong saya memahami bahwa pemuridan bukan hanya tugas pendeta / pelayan Tuhan tetapi juga Tugas kita sebagai orang percaya yg terlebih dahulu juga merasakan bagaimana menjadi seorang Murid yg dimuridkan. Yg diharapkan setelah menjadi Murid, kita mampu menghasilkan buah dengan memuridkan yg lain juga.
Pemuridan bagi kita merupakan beban, tetapi bagi Yesus Pemuridan adalah Tugas Utama.
Pemuridan soal bagaimana kita memasukkan seseorang dalam kalender kita. Pemuridan berbeda dengan mentoring yg hanya mengajar, Pemuridan tentang bagaimana seseorang melakukan transformasi hidup dengan mengikuti seorang gurunya. Pemuridan pun mengajarkan kita sebagai pemimpin pun belajar bertumbuh serupa dengan Kristus. Memang yg bisa mengubah hati manusia hanya Allah tetapi, kita pun memiliki bagian untuk melakukan Amanat Agung Tuhan dan berdoa bagi mereka.
Pemuridan bagi kita merupakan beban, tetapi bagi Yesus Pemuridan adalah Tugas Utama.
Pemuridan soal bagaimana kita memasukkan seseorang dalam kalender kita. Pemuridan berbeda dengan mentoring yg hanya mengajar, Pemuridan tentang bagaimana seseorang melakukan transformasi hidup dengan mengikuti seorang gurunya. Pemuridan pun mengajarkan kita sebagai pemimpin pun belajar bertumbuh serupa dengan Kristus. Memang yg bisa mengubah hati manusia hanya Allah tetapi, kita pun memiliki bagian untuk melakukan Amanat Agung Tuhan dan berdoa bagi mereka.
July 24, 2021
Unfortunately, this book was not for me.
I will start by saying, the one thing I agreed with him on is this: Discipleship is incredibly important.
However, when I read a Christian non fiction book I expect everything the author says to be backed by scripture.
This is not the case.
Here are my main issues:
- Grant spends more time complaining about the older generations and the church above all else in this book.
- Lack of scripture evidence for what he is saying
- Scripture that is mentioned is mostly taken out of context or randomly inserted to make a point.
- More celebrities and news sites are listed and quoted then biblical truth.
- He says, “The church wants millenials to show up on Sunday, volunteer when we can, and tithe—just like our parents and grandparents did. But that bar is too low. It is not compelling.”
With this quote I want to ask: What exactly do the millennials want to do? Volunteering and tithing are too boring for them? The church doesn’t exist without these two things and are extremely important to it’s survival and the sharing of the gospel.
- Another quote from the book: “Today if a young person joins the military, they are entrusted with a lethal weapon on foreign soil. Likewise, if a young person joins a nonprofit, they may be allowed to run an entire program overseas. But if a young person joins the church, they are placed on the parking team, the greeting team, or the children's ministry.”
Why are we undervaluing these jobs?
At the church I worked at, the parking team was given to people who want to be involved with church, but had limitations in what they could do.
Without a greeting team, there is no one to make sure new people are being intentionally greeted, cared for, and loved. This book slaps the church for not “loving millenials” and yet it doesn’t see the value of a greeting team?
The Children’s ministry is always a place that needs help in a church. It may be a difficult job to volunteer for, but it should not be tossed aside as if it was a boring giveaway job. This is the next generation we are pouring into. The only place some of these kids may feel safe in or be taught about Jesus is in Sunday school. These works take of these kids, love them, and in some cases are the ones to catch an abusive situation.
Joining the military and working for a non-profit are jobs. Is everyone in the church skilled for combat or being the organizer of an international non profit? Does Grant Skeldon want everyone to be handed a gun for church? I don’t understand why this was even brought up as a point.
- Another quote: “He also gave huge responsibilities to young people who didn’t deserve it. He gambled everything on the disciples.”
Jesus did not gamble everything on the disciples. He called them and trained them for 3 years. He put time and dedication into teaching and preparing them to spread the gospel. He knew their hearts. He knew their minds.
At the end of this section, Skeldon says, “This book isn’t about how to reach millennials as about how to be the church God designed us to be. I just happen to believe that millennials are longing for that kind of church.”
What kind of church is he talking about? So far, it sounds like we’re talking about a church who tolerated sin, doesn’t need volunteers, or tithe.
In the end, if you want a theologically sound read, this is not for you. While there is truth in this book, it’s hard to find amid the unfounded claims this author makes against the church and older generations.
I will start by saying, the one thing I agreed with him on is this: Discipleship is incredibly important.
However, when I read a Christian non fiction book I expect everything the author says to be backed by scripture.
This is not the case.
Here are my main issues:
- Grant spends more time complaining about the older generations and the church above all else in this book.
- Lack of scripture evidence for what he is saying
- Scripture that is mentioned is mostly taken out of context or randomly inserted to make a point.
- More celebrities and news sites are listed and quoted then biblical truth.
- He says, “The church wants millenials to show up on Sunday, volunteer when we can, and tithe—just like our parents and grandparents did. But that bar is too low. It is not compelling.”
With this quote I want to ask: What exactly do the millennials want to do? Volunteering and tithing are too boring for them? The church doesn’t exist without these two things and are extremely important to it’s survival and the sharing of the gospel.
- Another quote from the book: “Today if a young person joins the military, they are entrusted with a lethal weapon on foreign soil. Likewise, if a young person joins a nonprofit, they may be allowed to run an entire program overseas. But if a young person joins the church, they are placed on the parking team, the greeting team, or the children's ministry.”
Why are we undervaluing these jobs?
At the church I worked at, the parking team was given to people who want to be involved with church, but had limitations in what they could do.
Without a greeting team, there is no one to make sure new people are being intentionally greeted, cared for, and loved. This book slaps the church for not “loving millenials” and yet it doesn’t see the value of a greeting team?
The Children’s ministry is always a place that needs help in a church. It may be a difficult job to volunteer for, but it should not be tossed aside as if it was a boring giveaway job. This is the next generation we are pouring into. The only place some of these kids may feel safe in or be taught about Jesus is in Sunday school. These works take of these kids, love them, and in some cases are the ones to catch an abusive situation.
Joining the military and working for a non-profit are jobs. Is everyone in the church skilled for combat or being the organizer of an international non profit? Does Grant Skeldon want everyone to be handed a gun for church? I don’t understand why this was even brought up as a point.
- Another quote: “He also gave huge responsibilities to young people who didn’t deserve it. He gambled everything on the disciples.”
Jesus did not gamble everything on the disciples. He called them and trained them for 3 years. He put time and dedication into teaching and preparing them to spread the gospel. He knew their hearts. He knew their minds.
At the end of this section, Skeldon says, “This book isn’t about how to reach millennials as about how to be the church God designed us to be. I just happen to believe that millennials are longing for that kind of church.”
What kind of church is he talking about? So far, it sounds like we’re talking about a church who tolerated sin, doesn’t need volunteers, or tithe.
In the end, if you want a theologically sound read, this is not for you. While there is truth in this book, it’s hard to find amid the unfounded claims this author makes against the church and older generations.
December 18, 2020
Look, I'm not necessarily against this book's message, and I completely believe that discipleship is important in the Christian walk. It really is a shame that so many young people are leaving the church and becoming disillusioned with it, and it's sad.
That said, I don't know about some of the stuff in this book. The author, a self-professed millennial, is speaking to older generations and all but pleading with them to see the error in their ways and reach out to millennials and disciple them. Skeldon's whole approach to fixing the millennial problem is itself a very millennial idea: the older generation must come to us and disciple us, otherwise, we'll just keep on doing what we're doing. Obviously discipleship is important, but Skeldon makes statements that I just don't understand. First, he says that millennials are big idea people who want to change the world, which I don't think is true. Actually, the fact that this isn't true is exactly the problem that most people have with millennials. Many millennials struggle with getting off of the couch, let alone, changing the world. Everything needs to be handed to them, standards need to be lowered to accommodate them, and many things are just too hard for them. Skeldon says that many millennials don't like the church because the church is "too slow", and won't put them in charge of bigger things or move at their preferred pace. Well, no, the church shouldn't conform in order to bring young people in. Young people should humble themselves and learn to do things that aren't fun or what they want. They need to learn to be faithful in the little things and build trust before getting put in charge of bigger stuff. And the idea that every millennial needs to be discipled is a bit obnoxious since the Bible is there for anyone to pick up and read, and learn and grow from.
Skeldon does acknowledge that much of the millennial problem is actually a parent problem, and I agree with that. He also acknowledges that previous generations didn't have to be discipled in order to learn important life lessons and the value of hard work, but he also doesn't really address why older generations didn't need this and millennials do. Could it be that, sure, we could disciple more millennials, but also we could stop feeding and encouraging a culture that makes things easier for millennials to not actually become adults. Sure, no church is perfect, but the fact that a millennial doesn't have the humility or selflessness to attend a church just because they're not moving like they would like the church to, is no excuse to not be faithful and follow the Lord's commandments and go. Should a millennial who isn't going to church because they don't like the leadership's issues really be put in charge of a big ministry project? I don't think so.
I honestly think that Skeldon would've been more successful if he'd written this book to his own generation, imparting his wisdom and knowledge, instead of writing to older people and trying to move them to save the new generation. This is definitely a book written by a millennial, but it’s fault is that it’s not written for millennials. Skeldon throws in all manner of cartoon illustrations, repeats what he thinks are his most profound quotes several times, and throws in easily-digestible chapter and section dividers, complete with little phone icons with a YouTube play button on them. We also get a slew of pointless references, including, but not limited to, Instagram, Facebook, Google, Snapchat, IMDb, Chick-Fil-A, Starbucks, and more. Skeldon presents his ideas clearly, but he throws in a lot of flash, seemingly in an assumption that the reader won't continue if not entertained visually or by mediocre timely references. Or maybe Skeldon just wanted to keep himself interested in writing it. The book can be a little dense at times, though, with lots of rehashing and repeating of what was said multiple times earlier, as well as some pointless little asides that add nothing to the text (i.e. Skeldon's brief diatribe about his love of movies and the theater).
The Passion Generation is a fine book, with some great ideas, but there's still some stuff in here that I'm not sure about. Maybe I'm just too critical. What I do know is that this is a better book about discipleship than it is a book about millennials. He talks about discipleship possibly even more than millennials, and there was a long stretch where he didn't really even mention the word "millennial" and I forgot it was supposed to be about millennials. I think it's a bit too charitable to call these people the Passion Generation, though. The only things they're passionate about are Instagram and Starbucks.
That said, I don't know about some of the stuff in this book. The author, a self-professed millennial, is speaking to older generations and all but pleading with them to see the error in their ways and reach out to millennials and disciple them. Skeldon's whole approach to fixing the millennial problem is itself a very millennial idea: the older generation must come to us and disciple us, otherwise, we'll just keep on doing what we're doing. Obviously discipleship is important, but Skeldon makes statements that I just don't understand. First, he says that millennials are big idea people who want to change the world, which I don't think is true. Actually, the fact that this isn't true is exactly the problem that most people have with millennials. Many millennials struggle with getting off of the couch, let alone, changing the world. Everything needs to be handed to them, standards need to be lowered to accommodate them, and many things are just too hard for them. Skeldon says that many millennials don't like the church because the church is "too slow", and won't put them in charge of bigger things or move at their preferred pace. Well, no, the church shouldn't conform in order to bring young people in. Young people should humble themselves and learn to do things that aren't fun or what they want. They need to learn to be faithful in the little things and build trust before getting put in charge of bigger stuff. And the idea that every millennial needs to be discipled is a bit obnoxious since the Bible is there for anyone to pick up and read, and learn and grow from.
Skeldon does acknowledge that much of the millennial problem is actually a parent problem, and I agree with that. He also acknowledges that previous generations didn't have to be discipled in order to learn important life lessons and the value of hard work, but he also doesn't really address why older generations didn't need this and millennials do. Could it be that, sure, we could disciple more millennials, but also we could stop feeding and encouraging a culture that makes things easier for millennials to not actually become adults. Sure, no church is perfect, but the fact that a millennial doesn't have the humility or selflessness to attend a church just because they're not moving like they would like the church to, is no excuse to not be faithful and follow the Lord's commandments and go. Should a millennial who isn't going to church because they don't like the leadership's issues really be put in charge of a big ministry project? I don't think so.
I honestly think that Skeldon would've been more successful if he'd written this book to his own generation, imparting his wisdom and knowledge, instead of writing to older people and trying to move them to save the new generation. This is definitely a book written by a millennial, but it’s fault is that it’s not written for millennials. Skeldon throws in all manner of cartoon illustrations, repeats what he thinks are his most profound quotes several times, and throws in easily-digestible chapter and section dividers, complete with little phone icons with a YouTube play button on them. We also get a slew of pointless references, including, but not limited to, Instagram, Facebook, Google, Snapchat, IMDb, Chick-Fil-A, Starbucks, and more. Skeldon presents his ideas clearly, but he throws in a lot of flash, seemingly in an assumption that the reader won't continue if not entertained visually or by mediocre timely references. Or maybe Skeldon just wanted to keep himself interested in writing it. The book can be a little dense at times, though, with lots of rehashing and repeating of what was said multiple times earlier, as well as some pointless little asides that add nothing to the text (i.e. Skeldon's brief diatribe about his love of movies and the theater).
The Passion Generation is a fine book, with some great ideas, but there's still some stuff in here that I'm not sure about. Maybe I'm just too critical. What I do know is that this is a better book about discipleship than it is a book about millennials. He talks about discipleship possibly even more than millennials, and there was a long stretch where he didn't really even mention the word "millennial" and I forgot it was supposed to be about millennials. I think it's a bit too charitable to call these people the Passion Generation, though. The only things they're passionate about are Instagram and Starbucks.
September 2, 2022
This book was great! I think it hit some really good points. Gave me some fresh ideas and got me passionate about bridging the gap.
I did get fatigued halfway through the book, I think it could’ve been a bit shorter but all in all I would totally recommend.
I did get fatigued halfway through the book, I think it could’ve been a bit shorter but all in all I would totally recommend.
November 6, 2018
Okay y’all, as I’m sure you know already, us millennials get a lot of criticism (much for things out of our control). So while a book on millennials may seem like everything you’ve already heard, this book is different for the following reasons: Grant IS a millennial. About time we get a book from one of our own. I can’t say I’ve heard this topic talked about in this way before I heard Grant speak. Literally. Instead of the usual “this is what’s wrong and why everything is horrible”, The Passion Generation takes the approach of “from what I’ve seen/experienced this is how things went wrong and from what I’ve seen/experienced here are ways to solve the issue”. This book doesn’t go into a single issue about millennials without following up with a solution. And really many of the ways Grant talks about our generation will have you saying to yourself “dude, SAME”. The Passion Generation isn’t another book telling us what we already know and giving nothing to solve anything. It’s a book by a millennial about millennials and is full of insight into how our generation sees things. Whether you’re a millennial or you’re around them or we just really confuse you and you want to know how we operate, this book is for you. I PROMISE.
October 28, 2019
A wonderful book, it discusses issues of the church and of our generation. And calls each of us to seek unity, discipleship and to truly follow Christ as He set forth in The Great Commission, "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'" (Matthew 28:18-20).
January 7, 2020
This was a great read! It has challenged my perspective on the mission of the church and my personal ministry. Jesus have is a simple but challenging command to “go and make disciples” yet how many of us are actually obeying the command? I know I haven’t been. I appreciate Grants candor and honesty. I think this is a must read for anyone in ministry and for anyone who is serious about advancing the kingdom of God. Simple straightforward and encouraging. Thanks for writing this Grant you were able to put to words what I have been frustrated with for years.
August 29, 2023
Fantastic perspective on Discipleship, and not just for Millennials. He takes discipleship very seriously and draws from the way Jesus disciples his 12. His approach is very personal, and allows for letting your disciples into your private life so that they can see the way Christian’s handle everything from marriage to house keeping to righting wrongs. Also, corny but easy to understand illustrations. I had the privilege of interviewing Skeldon back in 2020. A lot of wisdom in that dude.
November 25, 2018
I really like this book because it tackles the EXACT issue of why many millennials avoid church now and days. I give this a 4 solely because the readability is for a limited audience. READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE: http://bit.ly/2AkWoRv
July 4, 2024
Great quotes and things to think about in this one.
“The gospel moves at the speed of relationships.”
“Satan wants to divide, we want to add, Jesus wants to multiply.”
“Discipleship disrupts division “
“The gospel moves at the speed of relationships.”
“Satan wants to divide, we want to add, Jesus wants to multiply.”
“Discipleship disrupts division “
February 26, 2019
I loved this book. It was well-written and provided keen insight into his generation. I am sure that I will continue to reference this book well into the future.
March 5, 2019
Readable, but overly simplistic and arrogant
December 31, 2022
Loved this book! I definitely plan to read this one again! Great explanation to this generation and the difference in their mindsets, priorities, etc. and the why behind it all.
March 17, 2023
Helpful insight on reaching millennials
July 5, 2024
One of the most formative books I have ever read. This is a must read.
November 11, 2018
The heartbeat of The Passion Generation is to bridge the gap between the varying generations and it’s no surprise that this book has already hit #1 as a New Release in several categories! Grant does an incredible job of communicating the thoughts and passions of the millennial generation (who have been so easily misunderstood). He also does a wonderful job of challenging his readers for self-betterment and living out the Great Commission through discipleship and Truth - no matter your age - and passing the torch to the next generation. This book has statistical data, compelling stories, empowering and challenging thoughts, (and some accolades and apologies for the older generations who may be long overdue to hear it!) If you’re a Boss, Pastor, Parent, Coworker or Friend of a millennial or you *are* a millennial, you need to read this book! This is a book I will be rereading every year.
August 9, 2022
Sebuah wawasan yang segar untuk memahami generasi Z yang diframing oleh para boomer sebagai generasi manja. Pengalamam panjang melayani kaum muda sepertinya menajamkan Grant Skeldon untuk melihat kaum muda dengan sudut pandang yang berbeda dan menarik. Bagi setiap orang yang terbeban dalam pelayanan kaum muda, buku ini adalah kitab wajib yang harus dibaca :)
March 28, 2019
Great read! A thorough evaluation of the millennial and Gen Z generations - both the negative characteristics (much of the responsibility is laid at the feet of the previous generation before them) and the incredible possibilities of a generation hungry for purpose.
The book answers the question why are so many young people leaving the church and what are some things the church can do about this?
Spoiler alert: discipleship is key. The author spends the majority of the book dealing with what discipleship
is, what it is not, how the church has typical seen discipleship (programs), how it looks in the context of the millennial generation, and then provides some practical ideas in moving forward.
One of the things I appreciated about this book is that although it is a challenge to pastors and ministry leaders, it is not a book that is acidic in its evaluation of the current state of the church or attempting to look down on the church and preach “how things should run” (as many books tend to do). This is a book that honors and values the church, the Word of God, and the way Jesus lived and ministered in His context.
While I wouldn’t agree with everything the author says (or in some cases over-states) I do highly recommend picking this one up! I underlined much of it as it was impacting me and hope to go back and read through the highlights again.
The book answers the question why are so many young people leaving the church and what are some things the church can do about this?
Spoiler alert: discipleship is key. The author spends the majority of the book dealing with what discipleship
is, what it is not, how the church has typical seen discipleship (programs), how it looks in the context of the millennial generation, and then provides some practical ideas in moving forward.
One of the things I appreciated about this book is that although it is a challenge to pastors and ministry leaders, it is not a book that is acidic in its evaluation of the current state of the church or attempting to look down on the church and preach “how things should run” (as many books tend to do). This is a book that honors and values the church, the Word of God, and the way Jesus lived and ministered in His context.
While I wouldn’t agree with everything the author says (or in some cases over-states) I do highly recommend picking this one up! I underlined much of it as it was impacting me and hope to go back and read through the highlights again.
February 14, 2019
Favorite quote: "Growing up, I always thought Christians were nice people; they were just too boring. They lacked angst. They lacked a faith that cost them anything. So when I saw this study, I could totally relate. But I think the situation is worse than it looks. I don’t think Christians are just boring. I think Christians are bored."
Motivational book to really reach Millenials.
Motivational book to really reach Millenials.
October 9, 2019
Grant Skeldon puts forth a challenge to both those in the Millennial Generation and those who want to see them become disciples of Christ. Get involved. Build relationships. Spend time together. Ask questions. Listen. Learn from each other.
The narrator, Mark Smeby, does a great job bringing out the passion of the written words. He has become a favorite narrator of mine.
The narrator, Mark Smeby, does a great job bringing out the passion of the written words. He has become a favorite narrator of mine.
March 15, 2020
A good book offering insights into Millennials. I thought the author was extremely accurate on his reporting of why we are the way we are and the differences between the generations. I disagreed with a few of his applications, but most of them were spot on. I think this book is an important read for any church leadership who is interested in reaching the Passion Generation.
January 17, 2019
Speaker and founder of the Initiative Network Grant Skeldon pulls back the confusing statistics about millennials to reveal the root issue: it’s not a millennial problem, it’s a discipleship problem. Read our blog post with Grant Skeldon here: https://bit.ly/2MltdDu
February 6, 2019
This book was an interesting read as I have been running a mentoring ministry alone as a single 20something. I'm glad to have a different perspective on the older generation and how they view millennials.
October 10, 2019
Good read on mentoring and discipleship
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November 24, 2018Recommend. 👍🏻👍🏻
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews