re:Generations blogging is back!

Hello, hello! It’s about time I blogged a bit, huh? Thanks for your emails requesting re:Gens updates. It’s been an incredibly busy, and amazing, year for the ministry; it all started with a partnership with ‘Faith in the Family International,’ FFI for short. re:Generations is now member ministry of this great organization, thus receiving 501c3, non-profit status. In addition to encouragement and wise counsel, FFI acts as a ministry enabler, providing ‘legal, financial, and administrative services as well as a "covering" and accountability for men and women who are called of God to lead a biblically-based outreach without the hassle or expense of organizing and operating a separate non-profit organization.’ What a blessing! To learn more about FFI, check out ministryenablers.net.

I kicked off the New Year speaking at the United Methodist Church’s ‘Holston Conference’ in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. It was an honor to interact with hundreds of pastors and youth leaders who are eager to reach my generation. We left challenged, and encouraged. My mentor, Lisa, came along for the ride.

A few weeks later I packed my bags and jumped on a tour bus with 20 college students from King College. Destination: New York City! We served a non-profit organization in Brooklyn called CAMBA, relieving them of the nitty-gritty, time-consuming jobs like cleaning, painting, running errands, etc.



I was on ‘team organization’ and, as you can see, we didn’t mess around with our closet cleaning!

My favorite part of the trip was getting to know these beautiful young men and women who gave up their spring break and PAID $500 to scrub toilets. Their only ambition was to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Words weren’t necessary. I was inspired, blessed and encouraged by the servant-like heart of these college students. Our generation, as a whole, really desires to change the world. And, when we channel that longing for Christ, watch out!

As much as we worked hard in the Big Apple, we made sure to play hard! I think I pulled a muscle in this picture. (I knew I should have stretched first!) Grandma here is getting too old for the late nights and endless adventures that college life entails. But, I sure did enjoy it for a week!











I also had the great opportunity to be on set for ‘Hannity’s America.’ Sean and his staff were very gracious.












Meeting Karl Malone, aka: The Mailman, wasn’t too shabby either!


After NYC, I spoke at a Missions Conference at Christian Medical and Dental Associations. As always, it was a blast. There were ministry leaders from all over the world present, so I gained a global perspective on inter-generational ministry. Thanks CMDA Missions teams!

Perhaps one of the greatest opportunities I’ve had to this point came in April, when I was invited to share on Capitol Hill! I spoke to the House Values Action Team, ‘VAT,’ and several other pro-life organizations on how to reach my generation with the conservative/values message. This is my passion! It was an invaluable experience, and several neat endeavors have emerged as a result. I’m overwhelmed with gratefulness.




As you can see by these highlights, it’s been a great year thus far. I’m thankful for the Lord’s faithfulness. All this is because of Him. Please continue to pray for re:Generations as we move forward with many new and exciting projects and partnerships. I value your love, support and encouragement.

All for Christ,

Jessica

The DMV and Me

It’s official: I’m a Tennessee resident... again!


I waited three hours-- with 50 other restless Tennesseans-- for my turn to fill out papers and get a mug shot. Fun times!

I frequent the dreaded DMV more often than not because, according to my moving stats, I relocate every two years. With the help of family and friends, I’ve packed up many the U-Hauls and trekked my way from Virginia… to Colorado… to Tennessee. Oh the adventures!

It’s a great season of life to try different jobs, experience other cultures and make new friends. And it’s not unusual for my generation to pack up, hit the road and do just that. Forty-five percent of my peers [24-35 year old Americans] expect to move within the next two years. My guess is, they will. And they should!

I'm excited to discover where my next adventure leads. Until then... on to the next government renewal on my list: a passport.

Italy anyone? :)

Miracle of the Moment

It’s been one of those days.

I overslept and was late for an important meeting this morning. That’s not good, considering I had to leave the meeting early to catch a flight.

Luckily, my tardiness came to an end and I was on time for my flight. Too bad it was canceled. (I’m famous for getting stranded in airports, but usually not on my first leg!) Four standbys, three security checks and six hours later… I find myself hanging out at the Tri-Cities airport, praying I can get to Memphis in time to speak at 7:00 tonight.

I’m cutting it close, but I’m not stressed. (Which is not like me!) Instead, I’m sitting back, enjoying the miracle of this moment. It’s one I probably would have missed had God not slowed-down my day. My ‘moment’ goes a little something like this…

In my consulting endeavors, I’ve met some incredible people from all walks of life. Weeks ago, I mentioned to one of those people--Harry-- how much I love ‘hearing people’s stories.’ Everyone has a story to tell. What would happen if we just took time to listen?

Harry recommended a book called, ‘Listening is an Act of Love.’ It’s a compilation of stories written by average, everyday Americans. To my surprise, Harry handed me the book as I frantically rushed out of the office this morning. I quickly said, ‘Thanks! I look forward to reading it.’ And… off I went.

Since I accrued some downtime today, I opened the book. I was starting the first chapter when a piece of paper fell out. On the paper was a letter, written to me.

Jessica… I have to share a story regarding the “Listening is an Act of Love Book.”

Let me start by retelling a fable I once heard. It seems there was this Christian Missionary living amongst tribal people and working with children rather deep in the jungles of Africa. On her birthday, one small eight year old gave her, as a gift, the most beautiful seashell. She was taken back… not so much by the shell’s beauty… but by knowing that they were at least two days journey from the nearest seashore. She knew that the little fellow must have trekked through the jungle for at least three if not four days to retrieve the shell. Upon expressing her dismay to the little fellow that he had endure so much danger and hard work on her behalf… he replied… “But teacher, the journey is part of the gift.”

It appears that “Listening is an Act of Love” will come out in paperback on October 28th. I know now that when a book is scheduled to come out in paperback, the store returns all unsold hardback copies to the publisher. I searched at no less than six bookstores for this book and finally found this one last and lonely hardback at a store in Christiansburg on Sunday. When I went to the info desk to inquire if they had additional copies, they informed me that all had been returned to the publisher and they were surprised that this copy was still on the shelf. As a matter of fact, one of the attendants seemed to be attempting to casually slide the book away from me when I quite assertively explained that this copy was leaving with me!!!

I know you will enjoy this book. And I have greatly enjoyed tracking it down for you… because the journey is part of the gift.

Harry

The journey is part of the gift…. I'm so grateful! What a sweet reminder of selflessness. Thank you, Harry! And to think, I very well could have missed this blessing.

And so I sit quietly in the Tri-Cities Airport, watching the planes fly over the colorful Tennessee Mountains, reading my new book and sipping on a coffee, (per usual). I still don’t have a confirmed flight. I’m still scheduled to speak in Memphis at 7:00. And, I’m still enjoying the miracle of this moment.

Steven Curtis Chapman sings it like this: “So breathe it in and breathe it out. Listen to your heartbeat. There’s a wonder in the here and now. It’s right there in front of you. And I don’t want you to miss the miracle of the moment.”

Are you enjoying the miracle of your moment?

True or False: Millennials are philanthropic?

The answer, according to a recent Campbell & Co. study, is TRUE. Eighty-percent of its Millennial respondents participate in charitable giving. The report also dispels the myth that my peers and I are less generous than older generations when it comes to giving.

“Factors such as education, income level and frequency of church attendance -- not age -- account for the differences between generations in how much and how often people give to charities the study concluded.”
-Western Michigan Business Review article
http://www.mlive.com/businessreview/western/index.ssf/2008/06/study_millennials_just_as_will.html

That’s great news for non-profits! The challenge, then, becomes communicating with potential Millennial donors in a way we will hear, understand and want to be a part of. Too often well-intentioned messaging gets lost in translation.

"It's like any other transition -- foundations and philanthropic organizations need to think about what issues are important to those donors and how they want to be communicated with and all of the other complexities that go into their fund raising. The needs of the market are changing. Organizations are having to adapt to that change and the way they raise funds."
-Maria Gajewski, researcher with the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Grand Valley State University, as quoted in the Western Michigan Business Review

So, what motivates Millennials to give? “A desire to make the world a better place,” the report finds.

Here. There. And everywhere.

That pretty much sums up my whereabouts over the past two months. From Detroit to Colorado Springs to Seattle, I’ve enjoyed a series of adventures both personally and professionally. I apologize for my blogging negligence in the interim!



My trip to Michigan was extra special. I was blessed to celebrate my former Colorado roomie, aka: my best friend Amber’s wedding.

Congrats Josh and Amber Luongo!







The second wedding of the summer was a little closer to home. My beautiful little sister, Emily, married the love of her life. Allie and I got to stand by her side, and even gained a brother out of the deal. Score!




I love you Chris and Emily!

(Stay tuned for blogs on marriage trends)








Next on the agenda? A trip to my old stomping grounds in Colorado Springs. I had the great pleasure of speaking at the Navigators Headquarters and meeting new friends who have a passion for reaching 20-somethings for Christ.





























My purpose for going to Colorado was to gain insight into intergenerational ministry strategies from Dr. Chuck Stecker, President of ‘A Chosen Generation.’ I look forward to sharing what I learned. Great stuff!

Last but not least, I landed in beautiful Seattle, Washington to attend the Navigators’ 20-something ministry, called B2G’s, national gathering. We heard from awesome speakers, made new friends and roughed it on a cruise ship in Puget Sound.

In summary: It’s been an incredible 2 months. I’m grateful!

A little less talk a lot more listen

“What do you remember most about growing up?”

Their timeworn hands raised one after another.

“World War II….” “The Great Depression…” "Wearing hand-me-downs..." “My family…”

I listened intently as the seniors at First Baptist Church recounted the life-altering events that shaped their views of the world. I quickly realized the guest speaker, aka me, needed to talk less and listen more.

These beautiful men and women have so much wisdom to hand down. I desperately want to receive it. Do you? If so, I have a challenge. Actively seek out a senior member in your church, take him/her out for coffee and ask him/her to describe the world he/she grew up in. Sit back, sip on your latte and listen. I guarantee your heart will be touched and your priorites challenged. I know mine were.

Why are 20-somethings skipping out on Sundays? IV

I know; I know… it’s about time for a new topic. But, quite honestly, I’m captivated by this question. So please forgive my ramblings.

I love going to God’s house to worship, and to study His Word. It’s the fellowship part I struggle with most. One Sunday school door is labeled ‘college class.’ Its next-door neighbor is called ‘single and mingle.’ (Cringe, cringe, cringe!) Life after college is drastically different, as we all know. And single groups… well… if only I had time to share my horror stories involving hula skirts, 40-year-old men and fish. Need I say more?


As a single, 26-year-old woman, I feel like I’m an awkward fit in the church…and often life in general. I think many of my peers feel the same way. And so, when Sunday morning rolls around, it’s all too easy to hit the snooze button or to show up for the main service, and jet out the door after closing prayer.

Not all 20-somethings make it that far. Many quit going to church after high school, and want nothing to do with Christianity. In their new book unChristian, authors Dave Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons find 16-29 year-olds have a very bad impression of the Christian faith. When asked to describe it, here’s what my generation had to say:

#1 Anti-homosexual: 91% outsiders, 80% churchgoers

#2 Judgmental: 87% outsiders, 52% churchgoers

#3 Hypocritical: 85% outsiders, 47% churchgoers

#4 Old-fashioned: 78%outsiders, 36% churchgoers

Outsiders = those looking at the Christian faith from the outside. (Atheists, agnostics, those affiliated with a faith other than Christianity, and other un-churched who are not born-again Christians)

Other significant findings:

Nearly two out of every five young outsiders claim to have a “bad impression of present-day Christianity.”

Only one out of seven outsiders describes Christianity as something that seems genuine and real.

Just one-third believe that Christians show genuine interest in them.

FYI: there are about 24 million outsiders in this country who are 16-29.

In summary: many in my generation feel that Christians are more focused on converting them, than getting to know them as human beings.

What’s the take-away for your church, ministry or non-profit?

Provide a Christ-centered community for young adults.
(Remember we are often away from home, dislocated from structure, and making significant life decisions. We need your help.)

Build meaningful relationships with my generation.
(Meet us where we are, even if we have a tattoo or two!)

And, don’t forget…stick to the truth, mentor and pray.