This is a new age and 20-somethings look at the church and it does at times seem like a relic of a past age. For the church to be compelling for them, we are missing a few essential attributes (at least if we take the Gospel seriously):
First, they want diversity in the church. And this diversity is not just an issue of race and gender but also of economics, family makeup, and disabilities. This generation knows nothing of segregation. They grew up with the Crosby’s and Fresh Prince of Bel Air. They learned to count in English and Spanish from Maria and friends on Sesame Street. They went to school with blacks and Asians and they were mainstreamed with children with mild to severe disabilities. Then they hear the stories of Jesus and see how he gathered a very diverse group around him and they wonder why Sunday morning worship gatherings are so monocultural.
Second, they want authenticity. About the time this generation was being born, Betty Ford shocked the nation by admitting to an addiction—then talking about breast cancer. From this they learned that you can be bravely authentic. But then they lived through Bill Clinton’s lie, Swaggart and other’s public downfalls, and the Catholic priest scandal and they long for someone to tell them the truth. And they listen to our worship services and look at our pasted on smiles and wonder why people in the church aren’t willing to honestly address the issues they are struggling with.
It’s a stinging indictment--one that is usually answered with excuses. But I believe that its time to quit making excuses and spend some time listening to their voices and then working to make a difference.
First, they want diversity in the church. And this diversity is not just an issue of race and gender but also of economics, family makeup, and disabilities. This generation knows nothing of segregation. They grew up with the Crosby’s and Fresh Prince of Bel Air. They learned to count in English and Spanish from Maria and friends on Sesame Street. They went to school with blacks and Asians and they were mainstreamed with children with mild to severe disabilities. Then they hear the stories of Jesus and see how he gathered a very diverse group around him and they wonder why Sunday morning worship gatherings are so monocultural.
Second, they want authenticity. About the time this generation was being born, Betty Ford shocked the nation by admitting to an addiction—then talking about breast cancer. From this they learned that you can be bravely authentic. But then they lived through Bill Clinton’s lie, Swaggart and other’s public downfalls, and the Catholic priest scandal and they long for someone to tell them the truth. And they listen to our worship services and look at our pasted on smiles and wonder why people in the church aren’t willing to honestly address the issues they are struggling with.
It’s a stinging indictment--one that is usually answered with excuses. But I believe that its time to quit making excuses and spend some time listening to their voices and then working to make a difference.
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