Silent Exodus—Parents' Silent Suffering: Empowering Chinese Canadian Parents in Ethno-Religious Communities Impacted by Generational Assimilation and Dechurching
Ebook
Overview
The broad cultural phenomenon of youth dechurching is often accompanied by stories of broken-hearted parents. The objective of this book is to consider ways immigrant parents are impacted by generational assimilation and dechurching from ethno-religious communities. The original contribution of the book is in substantiating parents’ experience from a spectrum of impacts. The author explores ways impact is intensified or minimized.
Are you looking to improve your understanding of the risks and opportunities of handing on the faith? Have you been wrestling with the cultural assimilation of your children? Have you wondered how a biblical and interdisciplinary framework might help parents understand and even avert dechurching? Are you looking for supportive approaches for parents experiencing generational disconnect and difficult parenting transitions?
The author discloses cultural myths that circulate on parenting and advocates improving support for parents struggling to spiritually launch their children. This book provides strategies for encountering transitional family complications if a youth leaves the faith and church.
“Dr. Matthew Todd has courageously tackled one of the most painful areas that Chinese immigrant Christian parents face as many of their children leave the faith and the church. While reflecting on the reasons of the disconnect of the second generation with their parents’ faith, he offers very valuable insights to support Chinese parents while also providing contextualized strategies to work with both generations. It is a must-read for anyone serving and leading Chinese and even Asian immigrant churches!”
—Martine Audéoud, Academic Advisor to the President, Bakke Graduate University
“As the senior pastor of a Chinese church in Vancouver for twenty-four years, I have witnessed the exodus of the second generation of the congregation for at least three or four cycles. Dr. Matthew Todd’s book gives practical insights of how to not only alleviate this trend but also help those left behind in the church—grandparents, parents—deal with the aftermath. His research is comprehensive and suggestions practical. His insights are backed up not only by scholastic reference but also pastoral experience. I highly recommend this book.”
—David Chan, Former Senior and Lead Pastor, Pacific Grace Mennonite Brethren Church
“In a world where the Christian faith of the next generation often feels precarious, this groundbreaking book illuminates the profound struggles faced by Christian parents, particularly within Chinese Canadian immigrant communities, as they strive to nurture faith across generational and cultural divides. Equally vital for church leaders, this work offers indispensable insights for navigating the complexities of faith deconstruction in an era of shifting cultural values. It challenges readers to re-examine assumptions about what it means to ‘succeed’ as a faith community, urging a vision that transcends pressures of professionalism and achievement.
This book calls for cultivating authentic spirituality—one rooted in grace and the transformation of intergenerational faith connection.”
—Genghis Chan, Assistant Superintendent, Canadian Pacific District, Christian and Missionary Alliance
- Title: Silent Exodus—Parents' Silent Suffering: Empowering Chinese Canadian Parents in Ethno-Religious Communities Impacted by Generational Assimilation and Dechurching
- Author: Matthew Richard Sheldon Todd
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2025
- Logos Release Date: 2025
- Pages: 196
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9798385244546, 9798385244539, 9798385244522
- Resource ID: LLS:9798385244546
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2025-05-19T23:11:49Z