If I could pick one word that I think best describes this generation it would be the word distracted. I debated whether or not I really needed to take the time to argue my case, so instead of me writing about it, just look up at the people around you. What are they doing? Where are they looking (or not looking)? The next time you're at a restaurant, watch the people at the tables around you. The next time you're in class, at work, at home, or at the airport, take a minute to notice what the people around you are doing. Between … [Read more...]
Lord, Have Mercy!
Éleos is Greek for “mercy” as it is defined by loyalty to God’s covenant; pity; compassion. God’s éleos is stunning, and the Book of Nehemiah highlights it along with our need for a Savior and the lengths He goes to prove His love and mercy to us. In Nehemiah 9:6, the people begin praising the Lord, rehearsing all the wonderful things He did from Abram to the present, beautifully recounting the mercy of the Lord. Then in verse 16, their prayer takes a turn. “But our ancestors acted arrogantly; they became stiff-necked and did … [Read more...]
4 Key Questions For A Ministry In Decline
If you've been in a ministry leadership role with college students or young adults for any amount of time, you've seen it happen. If it hasn't happened to you yet, it will. Here’s the scenario: Your ministry is booming. People are showing up. Everyone seems engaged with others. There’s a general sense that you have things figured out in the collegiate/young adult ministry model. And then it happens. The bottom drops out from under you with no warning. Suddenly, people are skipping your Sunday morning gathering time. The missions … [Read more...]
4 Ways To Connect With Transient Young Adults
Transient is not a bad word. On any given Sunday in a young adult/collegiate ministry setting in our churches, we are likely to have a completely different crowd each week. Young adults work. They go on spontaneous trips. Family lives in different cities. Young adults are transient. They don’t stay in one place for very long – not because they don’t want to – it’s simply the pace of their lives in our modern-day culture. If we aren't aware of the transient pace of young adults and college students, it could greatly frustrate … [Read more...]
3 Scandalous Sides to Young Adult Ministry
This past weekend I read a scandalous story. It’s a story of cheating, being taken advantage of, and losing everything. But it’s one of the most wonderful stories ever told. My daily Bible reading took me to the Old Testament prophet Hosea and his story of marrying a girl named Gomer who was promiscuous in almost every way imaginable. But Hosea loved Gomer, even when Gomer didn't return that love. Hosea bought her back even though she was technically already his. He gave it all. She was unfaithful. He was faithful. Even in today’s … [Read more...]
3 Ways Churches Can Better Connect with Millennials
Every church looks different when it gathers to worship. I’m not talking about whether a church uses pews or folding chairs; whether the lead instrument is an organ or a bass guitar ; or whether it’s casual dress or suit and tie. I’m talking about the vast difference in the ages represented in church congregations. Over the past few weeks, I've been interacting with the question of where are the college students and young adults in modern-day churches? Recent reports have indicated a steady decline in Millennials being present in … [Read more...]