March 1, 2006

MINNEAPOLIS – What is the state of faith today among younger men in the church? How is the church responding to the spiritual needs of a new generation? Armed with these questions and many more, authors Roland Martinson, Paul Hill, and David Anderson conducted interviews with eighty-eight young men (ages 18-40) of differing life and faith experiences, and differing ethnic backgrounds in six regions of the U.S. This new book, Coming of Age, is based on the results of this study.

The study focuses on eleven factors that have an impact on the spiritual journeys of young men and offers practical advice to those who provide ministry to young men in the church. The health and vitality of the ELCA and other mainline denominations depends, in part, on keeping young men engaged in faith development and in connecting faith to life issues.

The first section of the book introduces the results of the survey and provides a theological, biblical, and sociological vision for ministry to men, as well as observations about the current scene. The second part of the book targets each of the key factors observed in the study. Young men and those who minister with and to them can explore these factors together and discover ways to enrich their personal faith journeys and the whole community of faith.

"To say that this book is important, is an understatement. It is challenge to the Christian community for change, renewal, and an increased commitment to be a transforming community where a new partnership is developed. Where a new equality between men and women is practiced. And a community where people are accepted where they are, as they are, and equipped for life in the real world. This book is a winner!" –Dr. Curtis A. Miller, Past-President of the North American Conference of Church Men's Staff and Former Associate of Men's Ministries, Presbyterian Church (USA).

"Authors Anderson, Hill and Martinson have heard the voices of young men whose stories reveal depth of spirituality and the workings of faith. In our "feminized churches" these are the marginalized. This is not a critique of women's places in our ministries. It is a corrective to make room for those outside. Truth in love. Buy this book. Read this book. Pray through this book and for women and men to find their place in our churches again." –Pastor Michael Foss, Senior Pastor of Prince of Peace in Burnsville, Minnesota, author of Power Surge, Real Faith for Real Life, and A Servant's Manual.

"This book does an excellent job of presenting both the issues faced by younger men in their daily lives and spiritual journeys, and strategies congregations can use in walking with them. As the father of three younger men, I have experienced the struggles they face as they deal with questions around relationships, work and avocation, and spiritual hunger. These authors have provided ways for the church to take an aggressive approach to ministry with younger men through personal engagement and action, assisting them in working out the critical issues of their lives. If you are wondering ‘where have all the young men gone?' from your congregation, this book is for you." –Mark Hanson, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

"Coming of Age is a major contribution to the field of men's ministry from the evangelical, mainline church perspective. It is must reading for anyone who cares about young men-and reaching them for Christ." –Doug Haugen, Director, Lutheran Men in Mission, the men's ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

"A ‘must-read' for everyone who shares responsibility for shaping the theology, spirituality, and religious life of American men in their 20s and 30s. Coming of Age is, in the end, a call for the church itself to come of age by embracing its responsibilities to future generations." –Philip Culbertson, author of The Spirituality of Men, Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling at St John's Theological College; Counseling Psychology at Auckland University; Psychotherapy at Auckland University of Technology; and has a private practice in psychotherapy.

"Coming of Age provides a much needed help in understanding younger men and their needs. I find the study especially helpful in identifying issues that are important for younger men and steps to minister effectively to those issues. A tremendous tool for men's ministry leaders." –Jim Gingerich, Coordinator, Mennonite Men, Mennonite Church.

Coming of Age, Format: paperback, 6" x 9," 200 pp, ISBN: 0-8066-5224-1, Price: $15.99, Publisher: Augsburg Fortress.

To order Coming of Age please call Augsburg Fortress at 1-800-328-4648 or visit the Web site at http://www.fortresspress.com/.

Augsburg Fortress