Churches and parachurch organizations across the map are starting to take this question seriously. And they should. We’re losing a generation of believers, and the future of the church and Christianity is at stake.
Forward thinking…
I would argue, based on research, observation and personal experience that the 10-20 year forecast for the church looks bleak. It’s time to turn the tide. Proverbs 19:18 talks about having vision. Without it, people perish.
A vision inventory…
What is our vision for the church? What are we doing to develop the rising generation of Christian leaders? How are we helping Millennials/20-somethings live out their faith in a culture that blatantly rejects it? Are we uniting generations, or dividing them?
I know, I know…
It’s no easy task. Our generational patterns and preferences are as different as night and day. Reaching out to my Facebook friendly, slightly self-absorbed, but totally cool generation :) is intimidating and a bit uncomfortable. But, it’s Biblical. Check out Titus 2:1-6
Understanding: the starting block
Marketers spend thousands of dollars researching and getting to know their target audience. The goal? Making their products appeal to a felt need. Hmm… interesting concept for the church (minus the $ Bling $ of course!) I’m going to focus the next few blog posts on my generation’s views of Christianity and the church, letting you inside our heads so to speak. I hope this helps you get to know us on an intimate level, and provides a springboard for discussion.
Until next time…
I leave you with J. Dys’ thought-provoking response to the '20-somethings MIA on Sunday morning’ post. It warrants front-page status. Enjoy!
Do you think that 20-somethings are leaving church b/c it lacks the theological rigor they are looking for?
Now, mind you, I do not believe any of them are going to answer Barna’s question that way, but, if read between the lines, I sense it would come close to that. We have created a half generation of adults that have known nothing but “seeker-sensitive” churches, entirely devoid of doctrine, it seems. In fact, many churches refuse to generate any theological statement for fear of being exclusive – as if Christ wasn’t. Theology, they say, is the stuff of old men and boredom, not youth and “experience.” What is left, is the Church competing against every other experience this world has to offer – most of which are decidedly more exciting and (let’s face it) pleasurable than most Churches.
So, my theory goes, if given the choice, the 20’s are going to jet for the door. In a last ditch effort to block their exit, Churches are going out of their way, often, to win them back. They add robotic lights, 3 or 4 more guitars to the stage, the pastor sheds the tie and goes grunge, and Sunday School shucks the catechism for a Starbucks.
While there is nothing intrinsically wrong with guitars, lights, thread-bear jeans, and over-priced coffee, it seems what Churches have done is create a false environment. They have created the illusion of worship, but not seen to the substance of it. The 20’s, like Pinocchio and the lost boys, have seen the glimmer and glam of the lights, not realizing the façade has no backing. It seems we are using “stunts” that are little more than worms on hooks to attract the 20’s and others to church. Should we be surprised when they run from the pain in their mouths? Is the gospel unattractive?
What the 20’s crave - correct me if I’m wrong - is substance far and against the emptiness that every other “experience” has to offer. While they talk a good game about “meaning, feelings, and justice,” all are but catch-words for post-modern emptiness – which itself cries for an absolute answer when pressed!
Sure, the church will not live or die by man-defined theology or catechism; but, I would think if we would take a lesson from the Reformers and re-grasp the doctrine of the Bible (sola scriptura), even the 20’s would be excited at the challenge.
I think they’re smarter than those who would have them be attracted by the lights and other shiny things give them credit for.
Disclaimer: I’m all about the over-priced coffee. :)
4 comments:
Two thoughts:
1) It's all about relationships. If authentic community/fellowship is not found in the church, a myriad of alternatives are available. Most millenials can sniff out artificiality a mile away.
2) There needs to be a crucial/ultimate goal in mind that the community can coalesce around (the Great Commission), otherwise, why bother with all the pomp and circumstance.
P.S. Thanks for speaking out about this subject (millenials), God has used it already.
Thanks for your thoughts and encouragement, Chris!
It's interesting you bring up authentic relationship as a 'solution.' I thought about that very subject yesterday after spending time with a new friend. He’s a believer. I’m a believer. We differ in how we perceive certain ‘issues.’
I’m passionate about these ‘issues.’ And I found myself wanting to say, ‘Are you kidding? How can you believe that to be true?’ But, the Lord locked my jaws. (Thank goodness) I listened to his perspective, and asked a few questions. I shared, in a spirit of love, what I believe and why. We had a delightful conversation and both of us walked away with a new friend.
This encounter got me thinking:
Perhaps we [Christians] need a motive check. It’s not about being right or wrong, or shoving anything on anyone. It’s about sharing the hope that lies within us. That hope should naturally translate into a love and compassion for God’s people. Much of that is built upon a relational foundation.
That’s quite a tangent to say… I think you’re exactly right, Chris. It’s so important, for our generation and every generation, to err on the side of relationships.
That's simply what Peter reminded us to do in I Peter 3:15-16, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
Though our message must be filled with the Truth - and, necessarily, be uncompromising in its message - it must be presented with the utmost of Grace.
After all, John 1:14 tells us that's what Christ did when he came, "full of Grace and Truth." They are two sides of one coin.
But, here's the problem, as I see it: Churches have grown heavy on the side of Grace, to the point of near relativism (of course, post-modernism had a major impact on this and, hence, millenials too, but that's another discussion). The church needs a shot in the arm of Truth, but it's reaction must be well-balanced, tempered with Grace.
But, b/c churches have grown soft on Truth, millenials have sniffed out the "unauthentic" falsity that is being presented. They (we) want the balance. Be authentic, by all means, but being authentic requires that we be uncompromising in the presentation of Truth - ie, filling Descartes "God-shaped hole."
/$.02
Great stuff, J. Dys!
If there's one message I could send to churches/ministries/etc. today, it would be similar to what you penned below.
"The church needs a shot in the arm of Truth, but its reaction must be well-balanced, tempered with Grace."
This model is Biblical. It’s balanced. And, it’s needed. If churches sign on, I’m confident Millennials/20-somethings will come. Why?
We're a generation hungry for TRUTH. The socially constructed versions of it we've relied upon have failed. We’re searching for something. Anything. 1 John 8:32 offers THE solution, ‘Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’
I think it would also be beneficial for churches to train us how to articulate and defend Biblical truths. We missed the apologetics movement… and we’re ready to get deep. We’re not afraid to speak up. (Have you noticed?) It would be a great, though, to develop a solid foundation for what we’re speaking about!
Let’s not miss the opportunity that lies before us. Thanks for doing your part, J. Dys. :)
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