Next-Wave: X and Y do church, a book review by Eric Stanford

Okay, a part of me is cynical about yet another book being written by a Baby Boomer to define post-Boomers. But I�m going to set that aside because I�m just glad that someone, anyone has written a book portraying the early phase of the postmodern church movement.

Steve Rabey has a strong background in journalism, and his book shows it. Lots of quotes, lots of facts. He�s clearly read all the right books and articles and talked to many of the major players.

The book comes in three chunks. In the first you�re introduced to the X and Y generations and postmodernism. In the second you learn about core values of these younger generations (authenticity, community, etc.). Then, in the third, you discover how church leaders are starting to �do church� differently.

If you�re already immersed in postmodern Christianity, this book will likely offer you few new insights. But for anyone who would like a readable overview of the state of young-adult-led churches, the $11.95 this book costs would be money well spent.

Just thought you might want to know that it�s out there.

Eric Stanford, age 37, is a contributing editor for Next-Wave Web magazine. He runs an "e-lancing" business from his home in Colorado Springs, mostly doing editing for book publishers and writing for magazines. His great desire is to help the Christian publishing industry learn to serve postmoderns more effectively. Eric studied English at Judson College and theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Write to eric@stanfordcreative.com.

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