The Loneliness Epidemic: Why So Many of Us Feel Alone--and How Leaders Can Respond

What makes people lonely? And how can Christian communities better minister to the lonely? In The Loneliness Epidemic, behavioral scientist and researcher Susan Mettes explores those questions and more.Guided by current research from Barna Group, Mettes illustrates the profound physical, emotional, and social toll of loneliness in the United States. Surprisingly, her research shows that it is not the oldest Americans but the youngest adults who are loneliest and that social media can actually play a positive role in alleviating loneliness. Mettes highlights the role that belonging, friendship, closeness, and expectations play in preventing it. She also offers meaningful ways the church can minister to lonely people, going far beyond simplistic solutions--like helping them meet new people--to addressing their inner lives and the God who understands them.With practical and highly applicable tips, this book is an invaluable tool for anyone--ministry leaders, parents, friends--trying to help someone who feels alone. Readers will emerge better able to deal with their own loneliness and to help alleviate the loneliness of others. Foreword by Barna Group president David Kinnaman.From the Inside FlapIn The Loneliness Epidemic, Susan Mettes offers insight into why people experience acute loneliness and what Christian communities and leaders can offer in response. With practical and highly applicable tips, this book is an invaluable tool for anyone who feels lonely or who wants to help someone who feels alone."This is an important book for so many reasons. Susan Mettes and Barna Group are to be commended for their myth-busting, data-driven analysis of loneliness. As a scholar-pastor who has spent much of his life studying--and trying to cultivate--Christian community, I found my assumptions about loneliness challenged at many points. But I also found much hope in the book's thoughtful suggestions for ways we can alleviate the sense of aloneness and isolation experienced by Christians and non-Christians alike."--Joseph H. Hellerman, author of When the Church Was a Family and Why We Need the Church to Become More Like Jesus"As a single woman and a recent empty nester, I was eager to understand more about feelings of loneliness that I've been slow to acknowledge. The thorough research and insights Mettes offers, as well as a solid theological foundation, helped me to wrap my mind around the roots and remedies for the loneliness that is rampant in our culture. I highly recommend this book both for those who feel the sting of loneliness and for the ones who love us."--Margot Starbuck, author of The Grown Woman's Guide to Online DatingFrom the Back CoverCutting-Edge Research on Understanding Loneliness and Ministering to the LonelyWhat makes people lonely? And how can we better minister to those who are lonely?Guided by current research from Barna Group, behavioral scientist Susan Mettes illustrates the profound physical, emotional, and social toll of loneliness in the United States. Surprisingly, her research shows that it's not the oldest Americans but the youngest adults who are loneliest and that social media can actually play a positive role in alleviating loneliness.The Loneliness Epidemic highlights the role that belonging, friendship, closeness, and expectations play in preventing loneliness. It also offers meaningful ways the church can minister to lonely people, going far beyond simplistic solutions--like helping them meet new people--to addressing their inner lives and the God who understands them."If you're experiencing loneliness or know someone who is . . . you should know what ideas are circulating about the crush of loneliness and the buffering of healthy relationships. Susan helps us to close these gaps."--David Kinnaman, president, Barna Group (from the foreword)"If you're not aware we face a loneliness epidemic, you will be fully informed by the end of this stats-packed book