Publications
Various books have introduced the alleged distinctives and characteristics of one of the three main generations of non-retired adults in the U.S. today: Baby boomers (b. 1946-64), Gen-Xers (b. 1965-81), and Millennials (b. 1982-2000). A few have stressed the need for intergenerational ministry. Very few have compared and contrasted the traits of these three generations or subjected them to detailed evaluation in light of biblical teaching. Identification of these traits, moreover, has often been undertaken solely with anecdotal rather than also with empirical evidence. No work, to our knowledge, undertakes both the analysis and critique of each of these generations from a biblical perspective. Suggestions for priorities and strategies in ministry typically do not proceed from both empirical studies and theological critique. Conversely, studies of generational mindsets and identities seldom go on to include recommendations for utilizing this information in the context of the mission of the church.
Nesbit Sbanotto, E. A., & Blomberg, C. L. (2016). Effective generational ministry. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.
The effectiveness of counseling, and similar helping relationships, depends on the relationship skills that counselors use in their conversations with counselees. The skills of effective counseling can be broken down into a very specific set of microskills, or discrete, single-focus, communication patterns of thinking and behavior. These microskills can be taught so that counselors can understand the unique contribution of each skill, and are able to consistently demonstrate the microskill.
The proposed book will fill this gap by taking a microskills approach to teaching foundational helping skills for those in Christian and spiritually-attuned helping relationships. Like many secular skills books, this one will focus on teaching specific techniques, and providing practice exercises, with the goal of establishing a solid foundation of helping skills. However, in addition it will use Scripture, theological reflection, spiritual formation concepts, and explicit Christian examples to illustrate the importance of principles such as empathy, authenticity, and confrontation.
Nesbit Sbanotto, E. A., Davediuk, H. G., & Gingrich, F. (2016). Skills for effective counseling. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic