Overview

Based on interviews with churchgoers from Presbyterian, Anglican and Catholic congregations, and conversations with clergy and spiritual directors, this book explores the experiences of Christians in midlife and considers ways that churches can support people in this life stage. Chapter One provides an overview of some key themes and theories relating to midlife. Chapter Two looks at the topic of faith development, through story, metaphor and theory. Chapters Three and Four explore midlife churchgoers' experiences of church - what they value, and why, and what challenges they face when it comes to church involvement. Chapter Five focuses on individuals' spirituality and spiritual practices at midlife. Chapters Six and Seven propose ways that individuals and congregations might acknowledge, celebrate and respond to the spiritual development of parishioners in this life stage. Chapter Eight draws these themes together. At the end of each chapter there are questions for personal reflection or group discussion, and recommendations of relevant resources.

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9781991027092

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Reviews

Anne Shave lets us hear the voices of several dozen churchgoers at midlife as they discuss their hopes, fears, personal experiences, and God's presence in the challenges and opportunities. She gives a clear presentation of patterns of discipleship and spiritual growth at midlife, and the longing of her interviewees for more - more depth of faith, more help with discipleship, more resources for the challenges, and more guidance for their inner journey. ... Her book is a blessing for anyone at midlife. She provides reassurance of the significance and blessings of this underappreciated life stage. Shave also connects the themes of midlife - explored through interviews and a helpful overview of research - with faith communities, enabling more effective ministry with and to people in this life stage. Rev Dr Lynne Baab, author of A Renewed Spirituality: Finding Fresh Paths at Midlife and Embracing Midlife: Congregations as Support Systems I highly recommend this book. Anne Shave brings experiences of midlife Aotearoa New Zealand churchgoers into creative, accessible dialogue with her extensive research on this phase of life which is rarely addressed in churches. True to her claim that her intention is to raise more questions than answers, Anne sits with the questions as stories, images and experiences trigger insights that offer new ways forward. ... This book is a taonga (treasure) raising consciousness about the desire for the more that is at the heart of the midlife journey. ... It is essential reading for those in midlife, for clergy and all concerned with communities of faith. Kathleen P. Rushton. Independent Biblical Interpreter and Spiritual Director. Teaching Fellow Trinity Methodist College How can the church attend to the needs of people in midlife? This is such a vital question both in terms of how we care for people but also how the church maintains meaningful connection with this group in an age when many people are disconnecting. Anne Shave's work is based on significant research and well-chosen interviews and provides an invaluable insight into the spiritual journeys and needs of this age group. Anne not only records her findings, but she also draws helpful conclusions. This is a good read, challenging and inspirational for church life. Rt Rev Hamish Galloway, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa NZ

Author Information

Anne Shave graduated with her doctorate in Theology through the University of Otago in 2018. Her research explored the experiences of Christians in midlife, within Catholic, Anglican and Presbyterian congregations in New Zealand.In 2019 Anne was a scholar in residence at Vaughan Park Anglican Retreat Centre in Auckland, and also completed a short course in retreat direction and spiritual guidance at St Beuno's Jesuit Spirituality Centre in Wales. Formerly a secondary-school English teacher, Anne is now employed part-time within the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand and also works as a tutor at a disability support and service provider in Canterbury.

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