True Religion 1
I went to a workshop today on "Reaching Millennials." Millennials are the generation just after me, those who are ages 12-32 currently, the generation that my kids are both a part of. They are currently the largest generation in American history, having just recently passed the Baby Boomers in size. And they are also a generation that the church largely struggles to connect with. I want to share, over the next few days, a few reasons why...and invite your input as to how we, the church of Jesus Christ, can overcome the obstacles. It's not impossible, for Jesus calls us to reach Millennials just as with every other generation.
One of the biggest characteristics (and all characteristics are, by nature, generalizations, so don't be offended if this doesn't fit every person in that age group) of Millennials is their view on religion. They see themselves as "spiritual, but not religious," which leaves them free to "pick and choose" what they want to believe and what they don't want to believe. The Bible—well, that's associated with "religion," and if it happens to apply or contain something they like, then that's good. But they are as likely to find "truth" in the writings of Buddhism, Hinduism or Islam. They might call themselves a Christian, but that doesn't necessarily mean what we think it means. (In some respects, this is "popular" or "movie star" religion.)
Their emphasis, rather than on belief, is on doing good, and doing it now. And certainly, the Christian faith is one in which we are called to do good, to make a difference for the sake of others and for Christ. As James put it, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (James 1:27). Jesus went about "doing good," healing people and bringing hope. But the Biblical faith is one in which "good works" should flow out of our relationship with Jesus. We do it because we love him. We respond in gratitude with our deeds. No longer so among this youngest generation, according to research, and that causes me to wonder: is the emphasis on "doing good" one that is substituting for being saved by grace? Are we looking at a generation that has been raised to believe we are saved by good works, by what we do?
I'm going to be doing more thinking on this tomorrow...
One of the biggest characteristics (and all characteristics are, by nature, generalizations, so don't be offended if this doesn't fit every person in that age group) of Millennials is their view on religion. They see themselves as "spiritual, but not religious," which leaves them free to "pick and choose" what they want to believe and what they don't want to believe. The Bible—well, that's associated with "religion," and if it happens to apply or contain something they like, then that's good. But they are as likely to find "truth" in the writings of Buddhism, Hinduism or Islam. They might call themselves a Christian, but that doesn't necessarily mean what we think it means. (In some respects, this is "popular" or "movie star" religion.)
Their emphasis, rather than on belief, is on doing good, and doing it now. And certainly, the Christian faith is one in which we are called to do good, to make a difference for the sake of others and for Christ. As James put it, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (James 1:27). Jesus went about "doing good," healing people and bringing hope. But the Biblical faith is one in which "good works" should flow out of our relationship with Jesus. We do it because we love him. We respond in gratitude with our deeds. No longer so among this youngest generation, according to research, and that causes me to wonder: is the emphasis on "doing good" one that is substituting for being saved by grace? Are we looking at a generation that has been raised to believe we are saved by good works, by what we do?
I'm going to be doing more thinking on this tomorrow...
From what I've read and have experienced, there is little, if any discussion, about the effect of the good works. The missional outreach (or civic duty or whatever you want to call it) is the reward in itself.(Heaven/salvation isn't on the radar!)
ReplyDeleteIt seems to flow out of the viewed hypocrisy of the church which is supposed to be making a difference in the world, but gets too caught up its wrangling about differences, right/wrong, holiness and such. These Millennials are simply bypassing the church and going straight to the needs that too often are overlooked. It's a generation that (more generalities) has been instilled with justice, equality, and fairness for all humanity and I believe their actions are addressing these core values.
Just my two cents...
Looking forward to your insights.
Peace ><>
Chris
Mr. Nunley nails it with his last paragraph.
ReplyDeleteOur generation sees the hypocrisy of the church (Well most churches) and we make a conscious decision to lead instead of follow. All too often we see the morality and values the church "represents" but actions (or lack of action) that speaks to different beliefs.
The greatest way to understand my generation is not by "studying" us. I STRONGLY believe if you want to know more about something, you should experience it. Want to know more about our generation and where our hearts are then ask, listen, and refrained from judgement.
All to often I cannot get my beliefs across without some backlash from a churchgoer. Then assumptions are made on my faith based on their opinions on what I should or shouldn't be doing while they are doing nothing more than filling a pew each Sunday. (All this does is cause upset and disconnect us from the church)
Chris, I agree with you. My questions (which is really what they are at this point) have more to do with how we communicate the good news (evangelical gospel + social justice, as I mused about in my blog for today) in this context.
ReplyDeleteZack, the communication goes both ways between generations. It's an overgeneralization to say "most churches" do this or that, as you (nor I) have been in or a part of "most churches." I can only speak, really, for the church I currently serve, which is seeking to actively make a difference in the community (most notably on the issue of hunger) and provide leadership in that throughout our community. We've also been active and intentional about seeking leadership in all generations, including the younger generations, and looking for input/action there. Are we perfect? No. Are there "pew sitters"? Yes. Do we get it right every time? No. But we're trying.
These are really just ponderings. This is very personal to me, since my kids are part of this "generation."