How Do Christians Live Out Their Faith in the YMCA?
Download this newly released FREE ebook that reflects on interviews with YMCA members on how they participate in the mission of the Y, why they joined, why they stay, and the role of faith and church.
Have you ever wondered how Christians live out their faith at the Y?
Or maybe you’ve reflected on the ways the Y might be like your church?
And if we had glimpses into all of that, what might be some experiments we could try that is good news for all?
This FREE ebook includes thoughtful analysis on in-depth interviews with fourteen YMCA members in the Greater Fort Wayne association.
While obviously a very small sample, it did generate fascinating insights that were encouraging.
Two assumptions I made going into the interviews: that the secularizing of our society and the pervasive anxiety of churches individuals would shape their experiences in the Y and their answers to my interview questions.
The ebook includes a chapter of why, another on my summary of the answers to the interview questions, a chapter on how John 17:21 shapes the Y experience, another on how secularity and anxiety affect our Y members, and finally a chapter proposing some experiments going forward in the Y regarding: hospitality, holistic health, calling and service, contextual leadership development.
Underneath all of this was a realized presumption: being fully present in life, in the Y, is crucial for our humanity and fulfilling our mission faith-fully, and this will require in Christians and churches the building up of courage.
Intrigued? I hope so!