Ronald J. Sider - The Future of Our Faith: An Intergenerational Conversation on Critical Issues Facing the Church

Just as race and economics can segregate the church, so can age. A generation gap has created a conundrum for the faith. Young folks are leaving the church, and old institutions are hemorrhaging. But this book is a sign of hopea conversation bridging the generational gap. Here is a dialogue reminiscent of Paul and Timothy, a reminder that the old folks need youth and the young folks need elders. We must dream together about the future of the faith. The church must be both ancient and fresh, rich with tradition and winsome with imagination. Theres that ancient prophecy from Joel, quoted again in the book of Acts, your young men will see visions and your old men will dream dreams. On these pages a young man and an old man dream together. And they are joined by a stunning cast of faith leaders who chime in along the way. The Future of Our Faith is simultaneously an invitation to accept the church as it is and to dream of the church as it could be.

Shane Claiborne , author and activist (www.redletterchristians.org)

I have long looked to Ron Sider for his wise counsel, and I increasingly look to Ben Lowe for his leadership on issues of faith and justice. At this critical time in the churchs history, I am grateful for their new book, The Future of Our Faith: An Intergenerational Conversation on Critical Issues Facing the Church . This book is an invitation and a challenge for us to partner across generations for the sake of the kingdom.

Noel Castellanos , CEO and president, Christian Community Development Association (CCDA)

The church needs more intergenerational conversations. It needs even more intergenerational conversations that are as rooted in scripture, as grounded in current-day struggles, and as fruitful as this honest and important dialogue between Ron Sider and Ben Lowe is. The Future of Our Faith will be a blessing to the church today and a model for the church to come.

Karen Swallow Prior , author of Booked: Literature in the Soul of Me and Fierce ConvictionsThe Extraordinary Life of Hannah More: Poet, Reformer, Abolitionist

Gathered here is a wealth of wisdom, conviction, and hope from two leaders who refreshingly defy tired religious and political categories. If you care about the future of Christian witness in a post-Christian America, youll read The Future of Our Faith .

Katelyn Beaty , managing editor, Christianity Today

There are generational divides on some of our most pressing issues, and there are sincere and faithful voices on both sides. The problem is that the generations often talk past each other rather than listen to each other. The Future of Our Faith is a multifaceted examination of the hazards and hopes of our time across generational lines. Ron Sider and Ben Lowe are two of the best Christian thinkers I know. I cant imagine a more dynamic duo to write a book like this.

Jonathan Merritt , author of Jesus Is Better Than You Imagined

While I dont agree with everything in this book, the conversation here is thought-provoking and a great help for Christians seeking to analyze the world around us. The discussion between Ron Sider and Ben Lowe ought to remind us of what we are often sadly lacking in the evangelical churchcross-generational connection. I pray this book sparks many more conversations between older and younger Christians about the future of our faith.

Russell Moore , president, Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission