Review of Twentysomeone by Craig Dunham and Doug Serven (Watermark Press 2003)
For years, we who work with students have recognized the pivotal time that college represents: a time of choosing career, lifelong friends, mentors, and perhaps a spouse. It's a time of defining self, and (we hope, strive, and pray) coming to grips with who God is and His call on an individual's life. However, we also recognize that this is only a beginning of that process, a process that will likely occupy the next decade of many of our students' lives. Emphasizing the importance of this decade of one's twenties, the Barna Research Group recently issued some findings on people in their twenties, stating,
"The notion that these people will return to the church when they get older or once they become parents is only true in a minority of cases. More importantly, that reasoning ignores the real issue: millions of twentysomethings are crystallizing their views of life without the input of church leaders, the Bible, or other mature Christians. If we simply wait for them to come back to church later in adulthood, not only will most of those people never return, but also we would miss the chance to alter their life trajectory during a critical phase."
In their book, Twentysomeone, Craig Dunham and Doug Serven tackle this strategic decade, which begins in college and for many, stretches into career, marriage, and even kids before it is all over. I highly recommend this book not only for young people in their twenties, but also for those who work with them (and are sometimes still working through some of these same issues (regardless of our age.)
From the title, you can guess that Doug and Craig, think that young adults are more than "twentysomethings" out to answer the question "What am I doing?" They view one's twenties as the decade to answer the question, "Who am I?" They recognize that this may take a while, and even encourage some healthy experimentation as the answer to this question will lay the foundation for the next stage(s) of life. They see this decade as more than an extended adolescence, but one in which a great deal of potency exists, both personally and for the Kingdom. They encourage their readers to make the most of it.
Addressing two main topics of character and world view, the book hopes to help form the kind of person who not only knows and follows Jesus passionately, but also views the world through an informed lens and seeks to make an impact in every facet of life. The two authors use a witty and informal style, weaving personal accounts of their pursuits, failures, successes, and dreams into an easy to read, yet meaningful book. For those who appreciate their style and humor, the footnotes often have much of the fun, in addition to some great resources. The book is very well informed by both classic and contemporary sources, and contains quotes, insights, and stories that inspire and challenge.
Reading this book you learn quite a bit about Doug and Craig (who met in college and pursued ministry together in the Navigators before reaching their current positions with the Navigators and Reformed University Fellowship), including their Midwest roots, how their own friendship developed, how they met their wives, and some amusing and personal details recounted over the pages. While their experiences may differ significantly from that of some of their readers, they continually offer an honest, heartfelt look at this decade of life. They come from a reformed theology and some suggestions reflect personal preferences. They may not stress every issue that various groups see as essential to address during this stage of life. But even those from a different background will appreciate what they have to say. One can even see a series of talks growing out of the topics and issues they raise in each half of the book.
Though I have just left my twenties, I found the book a good reminder, an encouragement, and at times, a challenge to grow personally. I appreciated that they offer advice on a variety of aspects of life, exhorting their readers to become well rounded, in touch with the world around them, and able to live out their faith and their calling, wherever it may lead them. The appendices perhaps capture some of the idiosyncratic, fun and profound aspects of the book as they offer 100 things to do in your twenties (I think I had tried about half); and another list of good books to read, including some solid novels and biographies in addition to books that focus on faith. Take a peek at this book. Offer it to your students; use it as resource as you disciple and mentor those just embarking on this decade long journey of discovering who they are as the children of God.
For more info on Twentysomeone or to order a book, go to www.twentysomeone.org
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