VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 1/17/18)—Many churches today confront an aging membership and a noticeable absence of young adults in the pews. How can leaders begin to reach emerging generations with meaningful ministry that offers mature faith formation—keeping them involved in the local church? In his debut project, Black Millennials and the Church: Meet Me Where I Am, pastor Joshua L. Mitchell addresses this dilemma with research, real-life illustrations, and a bit of humor.
Mitchell states in the introduction, “The more I reviewed the literature, the more I saw the need for research and writing focused on black Millennials, because the findings and assertions about ‘all’ Millennials and their faith formation did not seem to ring true with what I was experiencing in the African American community and the black church.” Based on the Matthew 14 story about Jesus and the apostle Peter walking on water, and drawing on a nationwide study of African American young adults, this book provides readers with valuable insights, specific ministry principles, and programming proposals to use in their own church contexts.
F. Douglas Powe Jr., Director of Lewis Center for Church Leadership and James C. Logan Professor of Evangelism at Wesley Theological Seminary notes, “For those seeking groundbreaking research combined with practical applications, look no further. If you serve as pastor, attend, or have the slightest interest in black church ministry, then read this book!”
“He writes toward the goal of a healthy, intergenerational church inspired by the work of all and enhanced by the gifts of the body as a whole through Christian education and cultural progression. Churches and pastors will benefit from the stories shared by black Millennials in this volume,” remarks Rev. Dr. Brianna Parker, Founding Curator, Black Millennial Café.
Joshua L. Mitchell, MDiv, DMin, serves as Minister to Youth and College Students at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston, TX, and is the Founder and CEO of Digital Discipleship LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to equipping churches to effectively engage Millennials of color. Rev. Dr. Mitchell is an ordained Baptist minister and contributor to several Christian publications. His nationwide research in black Millennials has made him a respected speaker, preacher, and teacher.
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