Losing a Generation
March 15, 2016
Matthew 5:14. “You are here to be light,
bringing out the God-colors in the world.” (The Message)
Numerous studies reveal that the church is struggling in its attempts to reach young people. In addition, many of our teenagers who do attend church will drop out when they hit college. Research also shows that the church is perceived by many as boring, hypocritical, judgmental, exclusive, and too political. So. . . what can we do? Is there any good news in these bleak numbers? Well, many books and churches are showing a way forward. Here are just a few ideas:
1. Be honest and confess—Young people are looking for a church and
for leaders who are real, honest, and vulnerable. Christians need to
model forgiveness. . . asking for it and giving it.
2. Fruitful Dialogue—We can have open and honest discussions
without being mean. We do not need to be apolitical. However,
we need to be aware of whether or not our language comes
off as demeaning or patronizing. We can have convictions and
opinions. . . but we also need a sense of humility and grace.
3. Love Jesus and Serve People—Currently Christians are known for
being unlike Jesus; one of the best ways to shift that perception
would be to love and serve those outside our church walls. This
requires compassion, kindness, and strength. No amount of cool
worship services or amazing programs will suffice. It comes down
to this: we must become Christ-like again. We must commit to doing
the hard work of recapturing Christianity’s essence in our own lives:
putting the needs of others above our own, loving our neighbor,
exercising humility, suffering with those less fortunate, and doing it
all with a pure heart.
– Rev. Brandon Dasinger,Teaching Pastor and Director of Missions
bringing out the God-colors in the world.” (The Message)
Numerous studies reveal that the church is struggling in its attempts to reach young people. In addition, many of our teenagers who do attend church will drop out when they hit college. Research also shows that the church is perceived by many as boring, hypocritical, judgmental, exclusive, and too political. So. . . what can we do? Is there any good news in these bleak numbers? Well, many books and churches are showing a way forward. Here are just a few ideas:
1. Be honest and confess—Young people are looking for a church and
for leaders who are real, honest, and vulnerable. Christians need to
model forgiveness. . . asking for it and giving it.
2. Fruitful Dialogue—We can have open and honest discussions
without being mean. We do not need to be apolitical. However,
we need to be aware of whether or not our language comes
off as demeaning or patronizing. We can have convictions and
opinions. . . but we also need a sense of humility and grace.
3. Love Jesus and Serve People—Currently Christians are known for
being unlike Jesus; one of the best ways to shift that perception
would be to love and serve those outside our church walls. This
requires compassion, kindness, and strength. No amount of cool
worship services or amazing programs will suffice. It comes down
to this: we must become Christ-like again. We must commit to doing
the hard work of recapturing Christianity’s essence in our own lives:
putting the needs of others above our own, loving our neighbor,
exercising humility, suffering with those less fortunate, and doing it
all with a pure heart.
– Rev. Brandon Dasinger,Teaching Pastor and Director of Missions