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Rating: 
Summary: A book that every youth worker needs to read
Review: George Barna has written plenty in the realm of Christian ministry that pastors and other Christian workers ought to read. In "Real Teens," he hits another home run as he describes the "Mosaic" generation, utilizing a number of polls and other research to show just where this generation has been, where it is now, and where it is going.Having worked with teens for the past decade, I believe that I need to continue to keep up with sociological research such as this. And Barna makes it quite easy to do, incorporating easy-to-understand explanations with numerous charts. (In the wrong hands, this would be a "boring" book, but if you like stats and facts, you'll be enthralled.) Much of this information will be considered as I continue to do ministry among this generation. (If I didn't listen, then I am not taking advantage of making my ministry the best it can possibly me, and that would be a shame.) One fact that I just didn't realize was how religious this group is. One-third of the generation attends youth group, for instance, though it's not always for the spiritual benefit but rather for the social interaction they receive. This is a generation that desperately craves truth yet embraces many moral relativistic ideas. We Christian adults need to help these young people develop their Christianity so they can be of benefit to the next generation that comes along, whatever its name will be. If you haven't noticed, my recommendation for this superb book is a big thumbs up. Barna at his finest.
Rating:
Summary: Barna Rings the Bell With This One!
Review: I always appreciate Barna's fine research, though I sometimes disagree with his conclusions and suggested responses to data. But Barna not only provides us with a wealth of information about modern teens, he offers solid direction for church leaders or parents as well. Today's teens are generally more positive and cheerful than teens were just 3 or 4 years ago. In many ways, they are a breath of fresh air when compared to the past two generations. On the other hand, today's youth think less logically and more emotionally than previous generations. Using the "four personality type grid," Barna reveals that 45% of todays teens are Influencers (Sanguines), compared to 30% of the adult population. This section alone is worth the price of the book. Barna tells all: their spiritual beliefs, their mode of thinking, and their views of church. After a thorough analysis of all the data, he urges church leaders and youth groups to concentrate more on ministry to teens and less on marketting (real ministry as opposed to merely drawing large numbers through entertainment). The seven chapters are titled, Lifestyles and Influences, What They're Thinking and Feeling, Matters of the Heart, Inside the Heads of Teens, White/Black/Hispanic, Faith and Spirituality, and Challenges on the Road Less Traveled. Anyone who is concerned about youth ministry (youth pastors, sponsors, senior pastors, board members, teachers, parents of teens, etc.)simply must read this one!
Rating:
Summary: Barna Rings the Bell With This One!
Review: I always appreciate Barna's fine research, though I sometimes disagree with his conclusions and suggested responses to data. But Barna not only provides us with a wealth of information about modern teens, he offers solid direction for church leaders or parents as well. Today's teens are generally more positive and cheerful than teens were just 3 or 4 years ago. In many ways, they are a breath of fresh air when compared to the past two generations. On the other hand, today's youth think less logically and more emotionally than previous generations. Using the "four personality type grid," Barna reveals that 45% of todays teens are Influencers (Sanguines), compared to 30% of the adult population. This section alone is worth the price of the book. Barna tells all: their spiritual beliefs, their mode of thinking, and their views of church. After a thorough analysis of all the data, he urges church leaders and youth groups to concentrate more on ministry to teens and less on marketting (real ministry as opposed to merely drawing large numbers through entertainment). The seven chapters are titled, Lifestyles and Influences, What They're Thinking and Feeling, Matters of the Heart, Inside the Heads of Teens, White/Black/Hispanic, Faith and Spirituality, and Challenges on the Road Less Traveled. Anyone who is concerned about youth ministry (youth pastors, sponsors, senior pastors, board members, teachers, parents of teens, etc.)simply must read this one!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Youth Ministry resource
Review: This is not a book that will necessarily tell you "how" to program effective youth ministry. Nor, does it try. Rather, it is a book that gives you the background on what youth are thinking. As well, Barna gives some clues as to what might be expected from youth in the future. I am so thankful that I purchased this resource.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Youth Ministry resource
Review: This is not a book that will necessarily tell you "how" to program effective youth ministry. Nor, does it try. Rather, it is a book that gives you the background on what youth are thinking. As well, Barna gives some clues as to what might be expected from youth in the future. I am so thankful that I purchased this resource.
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