Author: Anne Shave Publisher: Philip Garside Publishing Ltd, Wellington (2022) 243 pages.

Midlife is a period of change and growth; the essence of this book is to help individuals and church communities recognise the spiritual needs of those in this age bracket. Pastoral carers, clergy, spiritual directors and midlifers themselves are likely to find the author’s research and thoughtful enquiry a treasure trove for addressing spiritual developments specific to this stage of life.

Faith and Hope in Midlife evolved from Shave’s doctorate in theology, completed in 2018 through Otago University. Much of the book is peppered with, and informed by, comments and stories from her interviewees: long-term Christians from Presbyterian, Anglican, and Catholic churches. Although Methodists weren’t represented, Shave drew respondents from a diverse range of church and personal backgrounds.

Long-term church-goers – and, by default, church communities – are “not always well prepared to anticipate or negotiate such [midlife] changes,” writes Shave, reiterating the thoughts of some of her interviewees.

Shave’s background in adult education and high school teaching shines through in the book’s approach, content, and layout. She provides sufficient context and theoretical tools to make sense of the juicier explorations of midlifers’ experiences. Readers unfamiliar with – or wanting a refresher of – spiritual development concepts, for example, are likely to find the discussion in chapter 2 helpful and accessible. Bolded subheadings and occasional tables of bullet points help navigate the reader and act as quick-reference guides.

Shave says her intention is “to raise more questions than I have attempted to answer”. To that end, each of the book’s eight chapters include reflective questions for individuals or discussion groups to ponder, plus a short list of recommended resources. The appendix details more of Shave’s doctoral research.

Readers will gain insight into what midlife churchgoers value about their Christian faith, how it is evolving in their second half of life, and what they see as benefits and challenges of church involvement. Shave talks of spiritual lives remaining ‘generative’ rather than stagnating or drifting. The ministry of spiritual direction for this age group features positively.

Reviewer Megan Blakie is a Spiritual Director and writer faithmattersnz@gmail.com