Faith and Hope in Midlife - Print.
Reflecting on Churchgoers’ Experiences by Anne Shave
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A compelling exploration of how midlife Christians experience faith, navigate spiritual challenges, and find new ways to engage with their churches and communities.
This book, offers valuable insights for those seeking to understand and support faith development in midlife:
- Explores how midlife Christians experience faith transitions.
- Provides real-life insights from interviews with churchgoers, clergy, and spiritual directors.
- Examines the role of the church in nurturing midlife spirituality.
- Offers practical suggestions for individuals and congregations.
- Highlights common challenges and opportunities in faith at this life stage.
- Includes reflection questions for personal or group study.
- Draws from theological, psychological, and sociological perspectives. Features:
- Based on in-depth research with midlife churchgoers from Anglican, Presbyterian, and Catholic traditions.
- Chapters addressing faith development, spiritual practices, and church involvement.
- Practical recommendations for individuals and congregations.
- Reflection questions at the end of each chapter for study or discussion.
- Written by an experienced theologian with a focus on midlife spirituality.
Soft cover, 246pp
6" x 9" (0.4kg)
ISBN 978199102710
Philip Garside Publishing Ltd (2022)
15 in stock 14 Feb 2025
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What happens to faith in midlife?
How do individuals experience spiritual growth, doubt, or renewal in this season of life?
This book delves into the real experiences of midlife Christians navigating faith within Anglican, Presbyterian, and Catholic congregations in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Through in-depth interviews with churchgoers, clergy, and spiritual directors, it uncovers the joys and struggles of those moving through this significant stage of life.
Anne Shave explores themes such as faith development, personal spirituality, and the role of the church in midlife faith journeys.
She provides valuable insights into how churches can better support and engage midlife members, acknowledging the challenges they face while celebrating their deepening spiritual wisdom.
Each chapter includes reflection questions, making this an excellent resource for both personal contemplation and group discussion.
Whether you are a minister, worship leader, or someone reflecting on your own faith journey, this book offers wisdom, encouragement, and practical steps for navigating midlife spirituality with hope and purpose. About the Author
Anne Shave holds a doctorate in Theology from the University of Otago, specializing in the experiences of midlife Christians. Her research focuses on faith development and the role of the church in spiritual formation. She brings a deep understanding of midlife spirituality, combining academic insight with real-world application. Praise for Faith and Hope in Midlife
Review in Methodist newspaper Touchstone April 2023, page 15.
Reviewer: Megan Blakie
“Midlife is a period of change and growth; the essence of this book is to help individuals and church communities recognise the spiritual needs of those in this age bracket. Pastoral carers, clergy, spiritual directors and midlifers themselves are likely to find the author's research and thoughtful enquiry a treasure trove for addressing spiritual developments specific to this stage of life.
Faith and Hope in Midlife evolved from Shave's doctorate in theology, completed in 2018 through Otago University. Much of the book is peppered with, and informed by, comments and stories from her interviewees: long-term Christians from Presbyterian, Anglican, and Catholic churches. Although Methodists weren't represented, Shave drew respondents from a diverse range of church and personal backgrounds.
Long-term church-goers - and, by default, church communities – are "not always well prepared to anticipate or negotiate such midlife changes," writes Shave, reiterating the thoughts of some of her interviewees.
Shave's background in adult education and high school teaching shines through in the book's approach, content, and layout She provides sufficient context and theoretical tools to make sense of the juicier explorations of midlifers' experiences. Readers unfamiliar with - or wanting a refresher of - spiritual development concepts, for example, are likely to fin