Bridging Divided Worlds: Generational Cultures in Congregations - Hardcover

Carroll, Jackson W.; Roof, Wade Clark

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0787949906 ISBN 13: 9780787949907

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, 2002

Synopsis

One of the most confusing issues in spiritual communities today is the tension between generations, who bring with them different understandings of faith, different levels of religious literacy, and different expectations of what a church or synagogue should be and do in the lives of its members. In this book, the two leading experts on contemporary religion analyze generational tensions and creative synergies among those creating spiritual communities.

About this title

About the Author

Jackson W. Carroll is the Ruth W. and A. Morris Williams Jr. emeritus professor of religion and society at Duke University Divinity School. He is the director of Pulpit & Pew, a major research project on pastoral leadership at Duke Divinity School.
Wade Clark Roof is the J. F. Rowny professor of religion and society and chair of the religious studies department at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

From the Back Cover

"Ecumenically sensitive . . . here is a study that all pastoral ministers need on their reading list today. . . . By looking closely at significant historical events, sociological data, and anecdotes, the authors help us understand how we have come to the present generational diversity that is affecting our congregations today."
Rev. Robert J. Silva, president, National Federation of Priests' Councils

"This is the first book to address the important intersection between congregational structure and generational conflict. Jackson W. Carroll and Wade Clark Roof provide insights that should guide the strategic planning of every church, temple, and synagogue in America."
Donald E. Miller, professor of religion and executive director, the Center for Religion and Civic Culture, University of Southern California, and author, Reinventing American Protestantism: Christianity in the New Millennium

"A collaborative book by two of the nation's most distinguished scholars of religion. Through a cleverly designed combination of personal interviews, case studies, and survey data, Carroll and Roof show us the huge impact of generational differences on the ministries of local churches."
Robert Wuthnow, author, After Heaven: Spirituality in America Since the 1950s

From the Inside Flap

Just about all religious communities have to confront the tension between generations-such as the pre-boomers, baby boomers, and gen Xers-who all bring their unique understandings of faith, various levels of religious literacy, and different expectations of what a church or synagogue should be and do in the lives of its members.
Now Bridging Divided Worlds by Jackson W. Carroll and Wade Clark Roof two experts in the field of contemporary religion presents a comprehensive study of generational dynamics within congregations. Their groundbreaking work analyzes the crucial role the generations play in reshaping the American religious landscape. Throughout the book the authors examine current religious and spiritual trends and reveal how these changes can offer opportunities for enriching a congregation's faith and spiritual life.
Bridging Divided Worlds offers an insightful analysis of how congregations have historically adapted to change and reveals how various contemporary groups of congregants have dealt with change in recent years. For example, the authors profile three types of congregations: inherited congregations (practices are guided by the past); blended congregations (practices honor inherited tradition and are attentive to generational diversity); and generation-specific congregations (practices are tailored to the needs of a particular generation). With these profiles the authors provide commentary on the strengths and weaknesses of each. In addition to its wealth of information and commentary, this indispensable resource shows how congregations are discovering ways to bridge the gaps and connect the different worlds the generations inhabit to create stronger, richer, and more vibrant religious communities.

Edition details

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0787949906
• ISBN 13: 9780787949907
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 288