If there is one book parents and youth/young adult leaders must read this year, it is Faith for Exiles by David Kinnaman & Mark Matlock (Baker, 2019). Based on years of research, the authors’ identify five core practices necessary for developing a deep and resilient faith for living in the 21st century (North American) world.

If you are looking for a fast read to “fix” the religious dropout (nones) issue, this is not the book. While the authors provide valuable illustrative material for the specific issues and challenges they present, Kinnaman & Matlock clarify the issues – and strategies for combatting them – thoughtfully and carefully with precision, theological insight, and necessary nuancing. Pastors and church leaders would also do well to wrestle with the issues and solutions presented and for reasonable ways to address the concerns in a given context.

Especially commendable is the authors lack of “the sky is falling” conversation while still pleading for urgency in their recommendations. The differentiation throughout the book of resilient, habitual churchgoers, nomads, and prodigals is helpful.

Note: This book was provided to the reviewer in exchange for an unbiased review by Baker Books as part of the Baker Books Bloggers program.

Faith for Exiles answers many questions about the spirituality of today's youth. Recommended for pastors and youth leaders.

This book caught my attention as it’s subject matter deals with discipleship and a new generation of believers. Specifically the authors delve into the problems and possibilities that new Babylon makes for an upcoming generation of believers. Each section of the book deals with a specific issue and a possible solution. Through the research conducted by the authors they propose five basic practices to help guide both the old and the new generation in dealing with changing societal norms. The difficulty I had with the book was it’s lack of a concrete plan for utilizing technology. However, overall the book provides numerous ideas to encourage both young and old believers to help each other stay strong and even grow stronger in their faith. Overall I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a better understanding of changing societal norms and practical helps to encouraging one another to stay strong in their Christian faith..

While I’ve read several excellent books about Gen Z and the millennial generation, the majority of the content has been descriptive, not prescriptive. While I’ve gained a greater understanding of those we long to reach, I also find myself wishing for a “to-do” list. I’ve found it in this book!

Kinnaman and Matlock sprinkle practical ideas through Faith of Exiles that we can implement in our churches to encourage and equip young adults.

As a mom of two young adults that straddle the Gen Z and millennial generation, I have a front-row seat to what life can be like for young Christian adults. The stories shared in Faith for Exiles, reflect what our sons have seen and experienced.

As a women’s ministry leader, I highly recommend this book. Many women’s ministry teams are struggling to reach younger generations. Gen Z and millennials seem uninterested in our women’s ministry offerings. They rarely attend, and our efforts to reach out often fall flat. We may even assume the faith of these young adults is stagnant or lukewarm. Faith for Exiles reveals that’s not always true and offers advice for how we can better reach the next generation.

The Barna Group research previously found that young Christians are avoiding Christianity and leaving the church. Rather than concentrating this time on those leaving the church, they focused on young Christians who remained vibrant in their faith.

Kinnaman and Matlock have distilled their research down to five guidelines for passing on a lasting faith in a culture hostile to Christianity. It was no surprise to me that the first guideline is having a transformational experience with Jesus and establishing a meaningful relationship with Him. Other guidelines include training in cultural discernment, meaningful intergenerational relationships, vocational discipleship, and countercultural mission. There is a need for young people to know how to think Christianly, develop a Christian worldview, have meaningful relationships, and be discerning in this pluralistic culture.

This is a book every youth pastor would do well to read and probably all parents. The authors' writing style is a bit academic in nature but the material the book contains is worth the effort.

I appreciate how they draw our attention to the current culture. A generation ago, the Bible was still recognized as an authority for truth and morality. It is no longer a prominent authority and Christian faith has been pushed to the margins. They describe the current culture as a “digital Babylon.” Just about anything we want, whether information, advice, or entertainment, is readily available. Maintaining a vibrant Christian faith in such a new environment is a challenge.

We are in an era when we can no longer do church and youth discipleship the way we've been doing it for decades. Reading this book will give church leaders insight into a strategy to pass on a vibrant faith to young people.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.