Most see Christ followers as arrogant, intolerant, and narrow-minded. When you combine that perception with the fact that rather than asking if that is true, they are asking "do I want to be like you?" ... we have a problem. If the perception is one of arrogance, narrow-mindedness, and intolerance, then no; they do not want to be like us.
We have to get better. Connection is something they long for in a deep, life-changing sense. I recently spoke to a youth pastor in our area who thought that the connection and relationship that the former youth pastor at his church had with the kids was hindering his ability to lead. In actuality, that relationship could probably have helped in more ways than hinder it. Problem is, he is stuck in a mindset that says I'm competing with you; my church v. your church; my ministry v. your ministry.....makes me want to throw up.
True, Godly connection and ministry reaches well beyond any building and in the very fabric of community and relationship. We are dealing with a rapidly growing adult population that is reeling from broken trust, lies and deceit, brokeness, and aloneness. They are hurting like no generation before them has ever hurt. They are trying to write their life into a story in which they win, but they can't find the hope they are looking for in what the world has to offer. We, the church, have to step up and stop giving a great verbal explanation of hope, and start showing it in all that we do.
How many churches are in your area? How many of them are working together on a consistent basis to reach the community? What are you doing to reach the younger people in your church body? Investing in changing the perception of the narrow-minded, arrogance of Christ followers means developing life-long relationships. Relationships that constantly challenge each other to raise our game. Relationships that are strong and encouraging.
Church... your challenge is to find your place in this revolution. Figure out where it is that your local body needs you to serve in order to best reach a floundering generation of potential. This generation wants to be involved; they want to make a difference...help them!
Pastors....stop whining! No more building envy; no more blaming other people for not getting it done. If we are going to tell our congregations to love one another and work together in community...we better be the example.
I'm out.
