By David Kinniman with Gabe Lyons

Yesterday afternoon I took a trip to the local Christian bookstore here in Edmonton and had a walk through the “youth” section.  I must say, I was really impressed with some of the new study/encouragement material that was on the shelf!  They had everything there from how to dress and what guys think about girls to stories of Christians who’ve died for their faith and how to be more global-minded in serving others around us!  I found myself thinking that it would’ve been nice to have had these resources when I was in youth!  And, as I continued walking through the isles, the book “unchristian” caught my eye – a reminder to me that I needed to get this book review on the go!

“unchristian” is an eye-opening read for those over and under 35 year olds.  I was extremely struck after reading this quote from one of the people interviewed, “…Christianity has become bloated with blind followers who would rather repeat slogans than actually feel true compassion and care.  Christianity has become marketed and streamlined into a juggernaut of fear-mongering that has lost its own heart.” (p.15, Kinnaman).  Pretty blatant, eh?  But what struck me after reading it was the fact that, even though I’m not very old and I’m also a Christian “insider”, I kind of agreed with him!!  This book explores not only the pro’s and con’s in regards to what Buster and Mosaic  generations really think about Christianity (outsiders & church insiders), but also the “why” behind it (p.25, Kinnaman). 

So what are some of the major issues younger generations have with Christianity?  Well, the research from the Barna Group used in this book revealed 6 major beefs young people have with so called “Christians”.  To them Christians are: hypocritical, only have a “get saved!” mentality, are anti-homosexual, sheltered, too political and judgmental.  Are you surprised?  I hope so since you (and those you know who call themselves Christ-followers) are not any of the above (at least not all the time on purpose), but there wasn’t too much surprise from this court.

Each chapter starts with what the researched perception of Christianity is, and then Kinnaman gives a “new” perception that we should be working towards in light of the research.  Let’s take hypocrisy as an example.  The perception is:  “Christians say one thing but live something entirely different” – please don’t get defensive at any of these findings, they’re all proven with research from actual people inside and outside the church!  The new proposed perception that Kinnaman offers is:  “Christians are transparent about their flaws and act first, talk second.” (p.41, Kinnaman).  The author then goes through research, people’s personal responses, interesting findings, why we should care and then he comes to the conclusion that “If only our view of outsiders were more like that of Jesus.  And if only we condemned hypocrites the way He did: “They crush people with impossible religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden” Matt.23:4” (pg. 60, Kinnaman).  Then at the end of the chapter, other prominent Christian leaders are given the chance to write their thoughts/challenges for what they hope to see in the future. 

Kinnaman ends the book with a chapter on some ideas for changing the perceptions which include responding with the right perspective, connect with people, be creative, and serve people.  He shares, “As I’ve observed current culture, examined church history, and wrestled with Scripture, it seems clear to me that the source of these negative perceptions is a poorly understood and lived expression of Christianity” (pg.224, Kinnaman).  Following on the next page in the book are some suggestions for both the older and younger generation of Christ-followers – the older to “rediscover what it means to follow Christ in today’s culture” (pg.225, Kinnaman) and the younger to “live a life that represents a fuller vision of Christianity than you may have seen modeled” (pg.225, Kinnaman).  At any rate, both younger and older Christians need to take a serious look at our lives and ask ourselves if we’re really willing to know God in a real and personal way and live Him out in our everyday lives.  At the funeral of a friend of mine, it was said of her, “<Shannon> realized that the only way to live life to the full was to have Jesus live her life for her.” (J. Wicker, SEND International).  Will you have Jesus live your life for you that others will have the chance to know Him?

So.  Read the book.  Know God.  Be prayerful.  Be open.  Think.  Change.  Live.

Book Review by Amy Hochachka

Buster generation being people generally between the ages of 25-35 & Mosaics being 16-24 years old

By M. David Sills

M. David Sills, who served as a missionary in Ecuador, begins one of his chapters by quoting missiologist J. Herbert Kane:  “The ‘missionary call’ should never have been coined. It is not scriptural and therefore can be harmful.” Sills goes on to state that the missionary call has been a topic of much discussion down through the centuries with varying opinions. In his book he tries to bring some clarity to the subject by thoroughly examining the missionary call from a biblical, practical and historical perspective.

In the first section of the book, Sills looks at the broad picture by asking, “What is the Missionary Call?” In the middle section he gets more specific and seeks to assist the reader in understanding their own call. In the final section of the book, he assists the potential missionary by giving guidance to fulfilling their missionary call.

Sills states that the view on the missionary call can be divided into three basic views. The first view holds there is no specific missionary call and therefore all could go to the field. This view does not try to dissuade people from going, rather it is a response to those who believe that just because they have not received a call they don’t need to consider missionary service.

The second view states that every believer received a missionary call when they made a profession of faith. The marching orders have been given to take the gospel to all nations and therefore everyone should go. People who hold this view believe that if there is not sufficient cause to stay home then everyone should go. The final view holds that the mission field is difficult and the missionary faces many dangers. As a result, only those who definitely believe they are called by God should go overseas.

Sills also considers what constitutes a missionary call. Firstly, he believes that there needs to be a clear understanding of the need for missionaries, but that alone should not constitute a call. Secondly, along with a knowledge of the need, one must also understand the commands of Christ to take the gospel to every ethnolinguistic group. Christ gave the church the command to take the gospel to the world, and those who believe God is calling them into full time mission service have a keen awareness of this. Thirdly, there is a strong desire to make God’s name known and praised around the world, which leads to action. Finally, one’s home church should recognize this person’s gifts, and that God is leading them into missions. These four points make up the missionary call.

As one reads the book they will discover that the author is a firm believer of the missionary call, and it is “so personal that no one else can comprehend it fully”. It is his prayer that if God is calling someone into missions that they will be obedient and if He is not, that they will stay “home” and follow His leading.

The Missionary Call is easy and enjoyable to read. It will certainly clarify in the reader’s mind what a call looks like and enable a person to fulfill God’s calling on their life.

I highly recommend it to those who wonder if God is calling them into missions. I would also encourage mobilizers, pastors and bible college professors to read it to better enable them to counsel and guide a person in discerning whether or not God is calling them into missions.

The book can be purchased through amazon.com and chapters.ca at a very reasonable price.

Book Review By Merla Gogel