Faithful Futures - by Josh Packard (Paperback)

About the Book

This research-based book addresses the critical need for church leaders to connect with Gen Z and Gen Alpha in meaningful and effective ways, drawing on fresh data and innovative practices to provide practical strategies for faith engagement.

Book Synopsis

In a world where young people are increasingly disconnected from traditional religious institutions and influenced by social media, Faithful Futures offers church leaders a lifeline: practical, research-based tools to engage Gen Z and Gen Alpha in meaningful conversations about faith. This book provides actionable strategies that build trust and foster belonging in today's rapidly changing cultural landscape.

Traditional approaches to youth ministry are often outdated and ineffective for younger generations, says Josh Packard. Instead, he advocates an approach that emphasizes relational authority, cultivates belonging, and understands faith as an ongoing conversation. Drawing on fresh data, innovative practices, and more than twenty years of experience as a sociologist, Packard offers a comprehensive guide for religious leaders to understand and engage younger generations authentically.

Informed yet accessible, this book translates complex concepts into practical strategies, addressing the unique cultural and digital landscapes of today's youth and offering new ways to resonate with their realities. It features exercises, tools, charts, tables, and end-of-chapter discussion questions.

From the Back Cover

"Helps youth workers move from theory to faithful practice"

In a world where young people are increasingly disconnected from traditional religious institutions and influenced by social media, Faithful Futures offers church leaders a lifeline: practical, research-based tools to engage Gen Z and Gen Alpha in meaningful conversations about faith.

"Packard is one of the voices I trust most when it comes to the faith and life journeys of today's teenagers. His research is both profound and practical. If you care about the next generation, Faithful Futures is a must-read."
--Kara Powell, Fuller Seminary and Fuller Youth Institute

"Absolutely essential reading for anyone who cares about young people and faith. Packard reframes the research we've been (mis)reading about young people and religion and offers up a refreshingly readable and surprisingly useful book. If you read only one book on youth ministry this year, this should be the one."
--Kenda Creasy Dean, Princeton Theological Seminary

"Packard has once again given us a thoughtful, research-driven resource that meets this moment. His deep understanding of Gen Z and Gen Alpha helps youth workers move from theory to faithful practice. Anyone serious about reaching young people should study this work closely."
--Jake Bland, president/CEO, Youth for Christ USA

"Packard has given us an important way to listen to young people. And more, he's given us a way to help lead them into listening. This book is filled with insights on the challenges and importance of listening and how this listening can reconnect us with the sacred. A timely and important book."
--Andrew Root, Luther Seminary; author of Evangelism in an Age of Despair

"Packard offers readers hope, practical tools, simple solutions, timely insights, and more. Faithful Futures is a road map that provides clear pathways for creating spaces where people of every generation can fully belong."
--Arthur L. Satterwhite III, vice president of strategy, Young Life

About the Author

Josh Packard (PhD, Vanderbilt University) is a sociologist and cofounder of Future of Faith, which helps faith leaders expand and sustain relational ministries in today's rapidly evolving cultural landscape. He is the author of several books, including Church Refugees: Sociologists Reveal Why People Are DONE with Church but Not Their Faith and Meaning Making: 8 Values That Drive America's Newest Generations. A sought-after speaker and consultant, Packard has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, USA Today, and Religion News Service. He lives in Greeley, Colorado.