The members of Generation Y (those born after 1980) in Britain have had less contact with the Church than any previous generation in living memory. So what interest do young people have in Christianity? Does belief in God make any difference to them? Using both sociological and theological approaches, the authors shed light on these questions by drawing on the views of over 300 young people who have participated in Christian youth and community outreach projects around England over the last five years. A response from the Bishop of Coventry is also included, considering the implications of the research for the wider Church. Building on the hugely influential, ground-breaking research in Making Sense of Generation Y, this is a must for all those working with young people in the church or wanting to develop their mission to young people.
Rev Dr Sally Nash has a portfolio of roles including Senior Research Fellow at St Padarn's Institute in Cardiff, Research and Training Lead for the Centre for Paediatric Spiritual Care, freelance theological educator, Bible notes editor, author, doctoral supervisor, external examiner, spiritual accompanier, consultant, and self supporting Anglican priest. Sally loves sport including supporting Spurs, drinking good coffee, walking by the sea and on the moor, not always easy to do from Birmingham!
Dr Sylvia Collins-Mayo is Principal Lecturer in Sociology at Kingston University. She completed her PhD on young people's faith at the University of Surrey in 1997. Her post-doctoral research interests have continued to focus on the relationship young people have with religion with particular reference to the everyday faith of young people from Christian backgrounds.
The Revd Dr Bob Mayo is the vicar of St. Stephen's Church, Shepherd's Bush, is a Trustee of the Salmon Youth Centre in Bermondsey, and is the chaplain Queens Park Rangers. He was previously Director of the Cambridge Centre of Youth Ministry. His other publications include Gospel Exploded (SPCK, 1996), Ambiguous Evangelism (SPCK, 2004) and Divorce - A challenge to the Church (BRF, 2008). He also regularly contributes to the Church of England Newspaper.
Christopher Cocksworth is the Bishop of Coventry. From 1999 to 2006 he was a member of the Church of England Liturgical Commission and played an active part in the creation of Common Worship. Formerly Principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge, Christopher has written a number of books including Evangelical Thought in the Church of England (Cambridge University Press) and Holding Together: Gospel, Church and Spirit (Canterbury Press).
'The book gives useful insights for those working with un-churched youth, and is a call to the Church to be authentic and distinctive.' -- Sue Simpson 2012 'This book ... gives a fascinating insight into the beliefs and practices of this emerging generation, as well as a more theological reflection in the light of this research ... The fact that this is based on research in the real world, with real young people, makes this essential reading for anyone interesting in understanding how they approach matters of faith ... There is too much excellent material to highlight anything in particular ... I thoroughly recommend this book.' -- Steve Dutfield Christian Marketplace 201107