I thought the fellas over at the swerve blog hit it out of the park with THIS post.
If you plan to reach the next generation for Christ, don’t ask them to believe what you believe, instead invite them to do what you do.
Beliefs are a dime a dozen. This generation has seen every variety of spiritual beliefs you could imagine (and many you couldn’t imagine).
They’re extremely turned off by people who don’t live what they claim to believe.
This generation doesn’t want to hear about what you believe. They want to see your beliefs in actions. And if you’re daring enough to live like Jesus, you’ll have a shot at reaching the next generation.
* If your version of Christianity is limited to what you’re against, you’ll not likely reach many.
* If, on the other hand, your faith is so alive you must feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick, and love the outcasts—all in the name of Christ, the King, you will attract interest.As strange as it might sound, if you truly live a missional and Spirit filled life, the young generation might join you and do what you do, then one day believe what you believe.
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On a personal note I still get frustrated at times when the older generation knee jerks against these kind of statements. I think their fear is that by saying, “if your version of Christianity is limited to what you’re against, you’ll not likely reach many” means that we, the younger generation, are bucking doctrine, absolute truth, and core values to the curb but WE ARE NOT!
I firmly believe that my generation cares about doctrine and absolute truth because it’s the basis for what drives us to action – a desire to live out the truths that have been taught to us.
I just think the younger generation has come to a place where we say, “If we are going to do this – let’s go do it!”
I like it and it refreshes me.
Filed under: Church, Culture, Personal, Reflection, Religous
