Listening Inside Out Conversations with Twentysomethings about Faith, Culture, and the Church

Young adults are leaving the church in larger and larger numbers. Studies show that even students who were active in their churches as teenagers are abandoning the church in their college years. And unlike past generations, they continue to stay away even as they grow older and began to raise children.As the world moves into a new era of virtual communication, global awareness, and community-focused relationships, the Church of the Nazarene faces a significant challenge: to reestablish relevancy and connection with a post-Christian generation who is interested in faith and spirituality but not the Church.In February 2007, more than 400 college students gathered at the M7 conference in Kansas City to discuss their insights, feelings, frustrations, and impressions on six main topics: personal growth; lifestyle; ministry & calling; church & community; church & society; and compassion & justice. Listening Inside Out is a result of their discussion, offering us the unique opportunity to listen to what Nazarene twentysomethings are saying--and want us to hear--about faith, today's culture, and the church.Disconcerting, uncomfortable, inspiring, and honest, Listening Inside Out will expand your vision of ministry and the kingdom of God and challenge you to continue these conversations in your own church and community.Download the Leader's Guide, PowerPoint presentation and Handouts to assist in presenting Listening Inside Out as a CLT class.Visit the blog, The Listening Post for continung conversations with twenty-somethings.