About the Young Adult Book Project
The Young Adult Book Project is an initiative aimed to amplify the voices of young adults as they speak truth to the church and the world. This project emerged from Augsburg University’s Riverside Innovation Hub, supported by the Lilly Endowment’s Young Adult Initiative, as a way to steward the wisdom gained from five years of collaboration between young adults, congregations, and communities.
The Story Behind the Project
It began in a chapel filled with 50 young adults gathered from across the United States. Hosted at Augsburg, this weekend of storytelling and listening was a space to unearth the hopes, concerns, and dreams young adults hold for the church and our shared world. Through this gathering, we sifted through stories to identify themes that would shape a book—written by young adults, for the church.
The purpose of this project was clear:
- This is not a book about young adults.
- This is not a guide to attract young adults back to church.
This is a book that shares the wisdom, dreams, and frustrations of young adults with the church as it discerns its most faithful next steps.
Why the Young Adult book project Matters
After five years of experimentation and learning, one truth became clear:
Young adults aren’t looking for the church to market to them.
Instead, they want the church to engage deeply with the challenges facing their communities, from climate justice to mental health to addressing systemic marginalization.
Many young adults are already living out a public faith, seeking ways to integrate justice, compassion, and action into their lives. Their vision, passion, and wisdom are essential for shaping the future of the church.
How the Young Adult Book Project Worked
The Young Adult Book Project followed a collaborative and intentional process:
Gathering Stories
Young adults shared their stories, hopes, and frustrations during a nationwide gathering.
Distilling Themes
Key themes from these stories were identified, such as climate catastrophe, mental health, inclusion, and community renewal.
Creating the Book
Young adult authors, paired with scholar co-authors, developed chapters that offer actionable insights and guidance for the church.
This book isn’t just a resource—it’s a call to action for faith communities to listen, adapt, and grow alongside the young adults shaping the future.
