They Like Jesus but Not the Church:
Insights from Emerging Generations
by Dan Kimball
A Must Read For Christians
Many people today, especially among emerging generations, dont
resonate with the church and organized Christianity. Some are leaving the
church and others were never part of the church in the first place.
Sometimes its because of misperceptions about the church. Yet often they
are still spiritually open and fascinated with Jesus. This is a ministry
resource book exploring six of the most common objects and
misunderstandings emerging generations have about the church and
Christianity. The objections come from conversations and interviews the
church has had with unchurched twenty and thirty-somethings at coffee
houses. Each chapter raises the objection using a conversational
approach, provides the biblical answers to that objection, gives examples
of how churches are addressing this objection, and concludes with follow-

through projection suggestions, discussion questions, and resource
listings.
Personal Review: They Like Jesus but Not the Church: Insights
from Emerging Generations by Dan Kimball
I think this book should be required for anyone who has been a Christian
for any length of time. The whole idea of the Christian bubble is something
that I have struggled with for a long time. I found myself wanting to get out
of that, but not really knowing how to go about it. Now, thanks to this book,
I know. This book also illustrates just how far the modern Church has
moved from Christ and the Apostles in the Bible. Today, too many
Christians seem content to just stay in their Christian bubble and not make
any effort to reach out to those outside the Church. Even though this book
is technically geared towards those in Church leadership, I think it will
greatly benefit everyone who reads it with an open mind and heart. This
book will teach you how to balance that sometimes fine line between being
in the world but not of it. Jesus was willing to hang out with tax collectors,
prostitutes and lepers and other "sinners" so why aren't his followers willing
to do the same?
I also know from experience that the technique that Dan is talking about
really works. You must first win the trust of non-believers and really listen
to them. We can't just demand they listen to us.
Back in 1996, I befriended an non-believer who rode the bus with me
everyday. We sat together and got into some really awesome discussions.
I won her trust and really listened to what she had to say. I was able to
share Scripture with her and tell her what Christianity is really about. She
really opened up to me. But then, one day, a overzealous Christian went
up to her (they were complete strangers) and told her "Unless you put your
faith in Christ, you will go to hell when you die." My friend was incredibly
angry. After that, she completely shut down. She wouldn't discuss spiritual
things with me anymore. Every time I tried, she would say she didn't want
to talk about it. She had been incredibly open before. I lovingly confronted
the man. I asked him if he thought that is how Jesus would approach a
non-believer. He shrugged and said "That's how my church taught me to
do it." Then he walked off. I tried to assure my friend that not all Christians
are like this guy, and that I didn't agree with what he did. But by then, it
was too late. The damage had already been done. Even though this
incident occurred 13 years ago, it disturbs to me to this day. I had spent
months dialoging with this woman, and that one incident was enough to
shut her down. I wish this book would have been available then. I would
have given a copy to that overzealous Christian. I have since lost touch
with this woman. So I don't know where she is spirtually today, but I can't
help but wonder if this man has now completely turned her off to
Christianity.
This book also talks about how to be sensitive without compromise. That is
so important. I think that every Church in America should do a series from

this book. This book will revolutionize the way you think and feel about
non-believers. I also like the fact that it encourages all Christians to be
missionaries where they live. So often, Christians think of the mission field
as going overseas. That is a mission field, but what about the mission field
that is all around us right here in America?
If you are content in your Christian bubble and being numb to unbelivers,
then don't read this book. But if you are ready to have all your
preconceptions and comfort zone exploded, then read this book. If you are
ready to take your Christianity to the next level, read this book. And while
you are at it, buy several copies for your friends. This is definitely one you
will want to pass on to others.
Thank you Dan Kimball for having the courage to write this book. It is
sorely needed in the Church today.
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