Millennials have disrupted almost every major industry. Whether you're a parent trying to raise them, a pastor trying to reach them, or an employer trying to retain them, they're disruptive. As the largest living generation, millennials are one of the most studied but misunderstood groups of our day. And the chasm between the generations is only getting wider.
Speaker and founder of the Initiative Network Grant Skeldon pulls back the confusing statistics about millennials to reveal the root issue: it's not a millennial problem, it's a discipleship problem. Millennials are known for their struggle to hold jobs, reluctance to live on their own, and alarming migration away from the church. And now our culture is feeling the results of a mentor-less, fatherless generation. But how do you start discipling young people when you struggle to connect with them
Written by a millennial, The Passion Generation will guide you beyond the stats of what millennials are doing to the why they're doing it and how we can all move toward healthy community. With wit, compassion, and startling insights, this book shares stories and studies drawn from Skeldon's years of working to bridge generational gaps. In his signature conversational style, Skeldon offers researched strategies that will spark healthy connections, and practical methods that will help you disciple the millennials you love.
This book is your guide to understanding the millennials in your life who are seemingly reckless but far from hopeless, for the future of the church that depends on them.
About the Contributors
Grant Skeldon started Initiative Network in response to millennials being labeled noncommittal, cynical, entitled, slacktivists. His goal was to train millennials to be Christ-loving, city-changing, church-investing, and disciple-making local missionaries. Initiative has impacted thousands of young leaders from hundreds of churches across Greater Dallas, and Grant has now traveled across the globe speaking to thousands of pastors, parents, and business leaders on how to engage and empower millennials.
Ryan Casey Waller is the Lead Pastor of the Uptown Services at Incarnation, where he leads three services each Sunday in a one-of-a-kind Gothic chapel. Waller is working on a Masters in Counseling through Southern Methodist University. He is the author of Broken. He has been married to Caroline for six years, and they have two children, Ford and Charles.
Industry Reviews
Whether you are a parent, an employer, or a church leader, it's critical to acknowledge the role millennials play in the future of the church. Grant Skeldon equips us not only to understand this generation but also to connect with them in deep and meaningful relationships. * Craig Groeschel, pastor, Life.Church; New York Times bestselling author *
Insightful and inspiring, engaging and enlightening, here's a much needed peek into what animates the largely misunderstood millennial generation. Thanks, Grant, for helping us understand the heart of these passionate young people. * Lee Strobel, bestselling author, The Case for Christ and The Case for Miracles *
Grant has become one of the leading voices on behalf of his generation. His heart to be a bridge-builder plus his keen insight on millennials make this book a necessary resource for anyone trying to engage the next generation. * Dr. Tony Evans, president, The Urban Alternative; senior pastor, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship *
Grant pulls back the curtain on the hearts of America's largest and most cause-oriented generation. His insights give us the foresight to engage, learn from, and equip millennials to engage in the greatest cause of all--the glory and mission of Jesus. * Dr. Derwin L. Gray, lead pastor, Transformation Church; author, The High Definition Leader *
I am so excited about this book bleeding into the hearts and minds of influencers everywhere! Grant has put in the work to understand and reach his peers. He is well suited to speak into the biggest challenges that we face in leading millennials. I am so thankful for his work here. * Jonathan Pokluda, teaching pastor, Watermark Community Church and The Porch; author, Welcome to Adulting *
This book reads more like a missional manifesto than a work on demographics and generational preferences. Very timely! Grant is a voice that we will be hearing more from in the future. * Alan Hirsch, author; founder, 100 Movements and 5Q Collective *
Grant offers insight into what drives this generation, the importance of discipleship, and how we can work together to make much of Jesus. When it comes to the mission of the church, our pews are full of people wanting to 'get in the fight'; this book will help make that happen. * Matt Carter, pastor of preaching and vision, The Austin Stone Community Church *
Grant gives us a challenging but simple solution for discipling millennials. If you are interested in the future of the church, you need to read this book, and if you are interested in the 'right now' of the church, you need to read this book! * Dave Ferguson, lead pastor, Community Christian Church; author, Hero Maker *
Grant has quite possibly written the most poignant book on discipleship in our time. He puts language to things I've always felt but have had trouble articulating. This book should be required reading for every Christ follower. * Bryan Loritts, lead pastor, Abundant Life Christian Fellowship; author, Insider/Outsider *
This is so much more than a book--it is a critical brick in bridging a generation gap, finally creating the possibility for not only more understanding but also more unity, and therefore a stronger global church. This is a must-read on harnessing the power, purpose, and potential of one of the most unique generations in history. * Jordan Dooley, author; speaker; founder, SoulScripts *
Grant's prioritization of passion, purpose, and provision for individuals and wise counsel for churches within a discipleship framework is kingdom building for all who take the time to read and act accordingly. Thank you, Grant , for awakening in this reader a renewed focus on discipleship. * Bob Doll, chief equity strategist, Nuveen Asset Management *
Grant's wisdom and passion are far beyond his years and he is leading and guiding us all toward a healthier and fuller cross-generational understanding. This book is a resource and guidebook for so many of us, especially leaders in the church, as we seek to communicate the gospel well to each generation. * Annie F. Downs, bestselling author, 100 Days To Brave and Looking or Lovely *
Grant has written a book that is filled with vibrant truth. His heart and yearning to see a generation come to know Jesus is apparent throughout each and every page. * Jarrid Wilson, pastor; author, Love Is Oxygen *
The Passion Generation will open your eyes and heart to the incredible gift of millennials--they're positioned and ready to grow the church, the gospel and the community of faith in ways you've never imagined. A timely, engaging, and thoughtful work. * Margaret Feinberg, author, Fight Back with Joy *
Grant is a proven leader in the Dallas community committed to engaging millennials in city transformation empowered by the gospel. This book is a must read for any leader who loves millennials and desires to see them reach their full potential. * Bryan Carter, senior pastor, Concord Church *
