The XYZ of Discipleship: Understanding and Reaching Generations Y & Z

by Nick Allan, Marjorie Allan

Overview

Today’s key challenge for the church in the West is to reach and raise the next generations – often missing or misunderstood – yet vital to the future of contemporary society and to Christianity. Drawing on 20 years of fruitful experience, and carefully analysing Britain’s present cultural context this book explores how to disciple today’s Millennial (Gen Y) generation and their teenage/early adult successors Gen Z. With plenty of positive insights into the opportunities these generations possess, it speaks into how to help build solid foundations of identity and purpose for young adults and assesses some of the biggest challenges to Christian discipleship in today’s culture. It will equip individuals who seek to mentor, parent or lead young adults into discipleship in the everyday and within church, as well as those of Y & Z age who are passionate to understand and disciple your own generation. It concludes with practical guidance and a passionate challenge to established churches who wish to reach these generations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781912863433
Publisher:	Malcolm Down Publishing
Publication date:	07/01/2020
Pages:	232
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Nick Allan ==========

Revd. Nick & Marjorie Allan planted The Well Sheffield, a Baptist church known in the UK for its innovative use of social media and for successfully reaching and discipling students and young adults. They regularly speak at conferences and church growth training, and co-host the Wise Lives podcast/YouTube show. They enjoy raising their 3 children, keeping fit, reading, hiking with their Border Collie and good coffee.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents CHAPTER 1 – Introduction CHAPTER 2 - Misunderstood millennials CHAPTER 3 – Concentrating on Culture CHAPTER 4 - It’s got to be meaningful: Discipleship according to Jesus CHAPTER 5 - “This unbelieving Generation?” CHAPTER 6 – Mentoring Matters APPENDIX: Suggested frameworks for reflective process SECTION: DISCOVERING OUR IDENTITY CHAPTER 7 - Who am I in the age of the selfie? IDENTITY 1 CHAPTER 8 – Freedom according to Jesus : Fluidity or Freedom? [IDENTITY 2] CHAPTER 9 - Who am I not? [IDENTITY 3] CHAPTER 10 - A perfect flat white in a lonely café corner - Individual or Community life? CHAPTER 11 - Authentic Community CHAPTER 12 – Life around the table CHAPTER 13 - We want the Kingdom without the King: a call to make Jesus Lord as well as friend SECTION : SPECIFIC ISSUES: The Ways of this World CHAPTER 14 – Truth in a post-truth world APPENDIX – DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY CHAPTER 15 - FOMO and YOLO: Discernment in Decision-Making CHAPTER 16 - Intolerant Tolerance SECTION : OUR RESPONSE? CHAPTER 17 - Snowflakes or Avalanches? Strength of character and cause. CHAPTER 18 - The Church of the future CHAPTER 19 – A Final Word: What’s Next?

What People are Saying About This

Revd. Paul Harcourt

Nothing will change in our efforts to reach the ‘missing generation’ if they remain the ‘misunderstood generation’… so we’re grateful to Nick and Marjorie for sharing what they’ve learnt about engaging, reaching and releasing this amazing generation into kingdom service!

Chad Norris

If I wanted to build a house, I would hire someone who is skilled in building houses that stand the test of time. It would be important for me to know that my builder has some experience in creating homes that people want to live in to create a family. I would have very little desire to sit down and discuss my house plans with someone who had great ideas, but no experience in actually building homes. When I found out that my friends Nick and Marjorie Allan were writing a book on reaching Generations Y and Z, I knew I would enjoy it because I know who they are as spouses, parents, and pastors. They have a lot of experience in actually doing what they write about in The XYZ of Discipleship. This book is not written from a place of philosophy, rather it is written from a place of experience in reaching these two targets. As you read this book, you will enjoy an honest and straightforward account of the challenges we face as pastors and leaders. After reading this book, I believe you will have some new strategies on successfully navigating some new terrain as we help these generations connect deeply to God and each other.

Duncan and Kate Smith

In knowing Nick and Marjorie for over a decade their passion for introducing the lost and unchurched to Jesus has never wavered. They are the real deal and live their lives away from the pulpit following everything they preach. Their lives and family are open and “doing life” with people is kingdom focused and spirit lead.
In this book The XYZ of Discipleship they challenge us to look beyond our church programmes in order to create intentional environments and connection for discipleship with the Generations Y and Z. They address how to how redefine discipleship for them by capturing their hearts and value systems. All without diluting the glorious truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the word of God. They are not afraid of the perceived threat of challenge by Generations Y and Z but see it as a foundation to lead them to love and devotion to Jesus and His plans in their lives and callings.
This book is a must read for anyone leading a church today!

Revd. Ian Parkinson

I have absolutely LOVED reading this book. It is such a wise and valuable contribution to the vital task of discipling contemporary young adults. A profound survey of the landscape of contemporary culture combined with a comprehensive overview of discipleship which is authentically biblical, and laced with practical wisdom born out of years of pastoral experience and cultural understanding. This is a vital resource for all those who long to make sense of the challenges and complexities of today’s world and to enable its natives to thrive as Christian disciples. It deserves to be widely read.

Dr. Lucy Peppiatt

For anyone seeking to evangelize and disciple Generations X and Y, Nick and Marjorie’s book offers a wealth of insight from their experiences and life-wisdom of working among this generation. As they point out, there is great spiritual hunger and need among this age group, but in an environment where the church is struggling to reach this demographic, their book is a much-needed resource.

Editorial Reviews

I have absolutely LOVED reading this book. It is such a wise and valuable contribution to the vital task of discipling contemporary young adults. A profound survey of the landscape of contemporary culture combined with a comprehensive overview of discipleship which is authentically biblical, and laced with practical wisdom born out of years of pastoral experience and cultural understanding. This is a vital resource for all those who long to make sense of the challenges and complexities of today’s world and to enable its natives to thrive as Christian disciples. It deserves to be widely read.

Revd. Ian Parkinson

In knowing Nick and Marjorie for over a decade their passion for introducing the lost and unchurched to Jesus has never wavered. They are the real deal and live their lives away from the pulpit following everything they preach. Their lives and family are open and “doing life” with people is kingdom focused and spirit lead.
In this book The XYZ of Discipleship they challenge us to look beyond our church programmes in order to create intentional environments and connection for discipleship with the Generations Y and Z. They address how to how redefine discipleship for them by capturing their hearts and value systems. All without diluting the glorious truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the word of God. They are not afraid of the perceived threat of challenge by Generations Y and Z but see it as a foundation to lead them to love and devotion to Jesus and His plans in their lives and callings.
This book is a must read for anyone leading a church today!

Duncan and Kate Smith

Nothing will change in our efforts to reach the ‘missing generation’ if they remain the ‘misunderstood generation’… so we’re grateful to Nick and Marjorie for sharing what they’ve learnt about engaging, reaching and releasing this amazing generation into kingdom service!

Revd. Paul Harcourt

For anyone seeking to evangelize and disciple Generations X and Y, Nick and Marjorie’s book offers a wealth of insight from their experiences and life-wisdom of working among this generation. As they point out, there is great spiritual hunger and need among this age group, but in an environment where the church is struggling to reach this demographic, their book is a much-needed resource.

Dr. Lucy Peppiatt

If I wanted to build a house, I would hire someone who is skilled in building houses that stand the test of time. It would be important for me to know that my builder has some experience in creating homes that people want to live in to create a family. I would have very little desire to sit down and discuss my house plans with someone who had great ideas, but no experience in actually building homes. When I found out that my friends Nick and Marjorie Allan were writing a book on reaching Generations Y and Z, I knew I would enjoy it because I know who they are as spouses, parents, and pastors. They have a lot of experience in actually doing what they write about in The XYZ of Discipleship. This book is not written from a place of philosophy, rather it is written from a place of experience in reaching these two targets. As you read this book, you will enjoy an honest and straightforward account of the challenges we face as pastors and leaders. After reading this book, I believe you will have some new strategies on successfully navigating some new terrain as we help these generations connect deeply to God and each other.

Chad Norris