We must be learners continually.
“Learners are prepared for the future, the learned are prepared for a world
that doesn’t exist any longer,” so says Hans Finzel, a prominent personality on
the topic of leadership. In 1980, 66% of teenagers indicated that church would
play a large part of their lives. In 2010, 33% of teenagers indicate that
church will play any part in their lives.
In spite of all the so-called “mega-churches” in America, there is not one county in all of the United
States that has a greater churched population than it did 10 years ago. In
1991, the number of evangelicals in Asia surpassed the number of evangelicals
in the whole of the western world and the gap is increasing exponentially. In
1920, there were 27 churches for every 10,000 Americans. Today there are fewer
than 10 churches per 10,000 Americans. The institutional Christian church is dying. It has become disconnected and irrelevant to
a generation of 35 yr. olds and younger.
This generation has grown up, informed and educated, in a
technologically-defined world. It is possible to watch an event around the world,
as it is happening, talk or text immediately to anyone around the world and
overthrow governments through social media (Facebook). The arts are important to this generation.
They are enamored with creativity and diversity. As a matter of fact, literature abounds,
theatre is strong and their music is diverse, complex and seriously
misunderstood by some of us old folks.
Jesus stepped out of heaven into our situation. He made the incredible
effort to get to us where we are, identify with our struggles, pains and
confusion. He appealed to us at a very real and understanding level. Making
Himself of no reputation, coming in the form of a bondservant, and coming in
the likeness of men. (Phil. 2:7) Though He was willing and obedient, His
“body” (the church) is not so willing to lay aside self-interest, preferences
and traditions while the last two generations are becoming so disconnected from
Church they do not know Noah or Daniel. They cannot find Genesis in a borrowed
Bible and seriously misunderstand a misrepresented Jesus and His love for
them. I have little patience for undue
criticism that blasts their music, dress, body piercings, tattoos or lack of
interest in politics and the things of God or education, especially from anyone
that makes no effort to understand. This generation is defined by broken homes
and a morally destitute culture delivered to them by our generation. They have been taught that truth is relative,
abortion is ok, marriage is optional and God is out there somewhere if he even
exists. Evolution is the accepted
science of the elite and any other position is non-sense, making the Bible
irrelevant, if not a joke. Societal and religious leaders have proven to be
people with no integrity who are not willing to work hard for a cause bigger
than self. This generation has few examples of those who are willing to press
through all the “stuff” to help with the problem. All too often, our efforts to worship and
reach the disaffected are answering questions that no one is asking and fixing
problems that few are experiencing. We throw the Gospel at them. We should be carrying it to them. Our labor
of love to flesh out the Gospel will help to dispel cynicism and confusion. The
average age of many churches around us is creeping up year upon year. It is becoming increasingly difficult to
retain a younger generation. They recognize their needs are not being addressed or
even acknowledged. Leadership and an older generation must become informed,
concerned and creative in reaching an inquisitive generation. Christ has promised they will be reached. My
desire is that He would do it through us and the ministry of the local church. Let’s
be learners and not the learned.
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