Bob's Blog

Fusion At Momentum East

2008-07-14T15:00:00.002-12:00

Momentum East will be taking place July 21-27 at Cedarville University. One of the many ministries that you'll find at Momentum will be Fusion, which is the college division at the conference. Fusion is geared towards ages 18-24 with an emphasis on teaching, training, and serving through the various outreaches that are provided throughout the week. Speakers at Fusion will include Chuck Bomar, formally the college pastor at Cornerstone Church in Simi valley, California and now lead pastor at the Colossae church plant in Portland, Oregon. Jim Swanson, Vice President of Student Affairs and Scott Feather, Dean of Chapel and Global Ministries of Grace College will also be a part of the Fusion experience. Worship for conference will be lead by Steve Fee from Buckhead Church in Atlanta, and an outreach day is planned for downtown Dayton.

Pray for this week that the Lord will continue to minister at Momentum the way He has done over the past forty years.

Fox News: The Y Factor in Politics

2008-07-09T12:57:00.002-12:00

Fox News aired a one-hour report covering the reasons why Gen Y/Millennials have become so important to both Obama and McCain for this years' election. A few notes from the segment.

Change - College-age want change for their future. After years of either a Clinton or Bush in the White House, they believe a new direction for our country is needed. This is the first opportunity to elect someone that has no ties with previous presidents and young voters are believing that they can make a real impact with who will be the next president for our country.

Hope - This generation was raised on "you can do anything if you put your mind to it" attitude and that's what they intend to do. With the highest percentage involved in volunteer work than any generation before them, they see a great future for this country. The candidate most likely to share their vision will get their vote this fall.

Justice - Millennials have a strong pull towards "righting the wrongs"in the world. Political "activism" is much more than handing out fliers or marching for your cause, but it's about rolling up your sleeves and getting the job done. Both McCain and Obama fit nicely into a "doers" mentality that characterizes this generation.

The Internet - It's the universe that Millennials live in and reaching this age group is better served through the Internet than through cable, news print or any other media outlet. Studies have shown that Gen Y spend as much as four to eight hours a day surfing the web. No longer do they get their political views from parents, cable news, or campus groups but through the Internet networks across America.

The program did not cover how young Christians are involving themselves in this years' presidential race. It did make notice that 5 out of 6 potential college-age voters lean towards voting for Obama. The Church in America, especially evangelicals, have had a significant influence on presidential elections for more than twenty years, but today younger Christians are more cautious in supporting one particular political view. They have seen the problems and baggage when the Church associates itself with one political party.

Momentum West: A Quick Report

2008-06-30T17:47:00.006-12:00

If you haven't heard already, I'm sure that someone will tell you that Momentum West was a huge success! God truly blessed the time as young Christians gathered together in worship and hearing God's call to reach the lost. For many that participated, this was the first time they had experienced a diverse culture or seen those who call the street their home, or encountered others who believed in another god. I hope you have the chance to talk with those that came to Momentum West and to hear the things that the Lord was revealing to them. If you're thinking about attending Momentum East, I would encourage you to go and be a part of what the Lord is doing through young people.

Southern Baptist Facing Some Tough Questions

2008-06-25T04:04:00.002-12:00

I came across an article that I think all denominations and other church groups (read Fellowships) would find interesting. The article, entitled Pastors Use Different Approaches to Retain, Woo Baptist, can be accessed at www.whittierdailynews.com.

The article contrasted two pastors within the Southern Baptist denomination. Both are in their 30's with growing congregations and are conservative in their theology, but they are very different in how they lead their ministry. One pastor led his congregation to sell their church and move into a high school. He wears casual clothing when he preaches and is environmentally concerned about our planet. The other pastor leads with hymns, teaches in a suit and tie, and questions the theories of global warming. The article states that this situation reflects the Southern Baptists' struggle with the direction and identity of their denomination, explaining that, "After five decades of growth, membership fell last year...growing numbers of Baptists see apparent lack of relevancy, and they blame not secular America and liberals but themselves for the problem."

The rest of the article talks about what the SBC is doing to turn the tide of dwindling membership and falling numbers of baptisms, but it is the words of their newly elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention, Rev. Johnny Hunt, that is the key to the article. In 1994, the Rev. Hunt established a pastor's school to recruit younger leadership for the Southern Baptist denomination. He is quoted as saying, "If we think the only ones leading are like us, then we're pretty narrow." He goes on to say, "We've tried to push them into our mold instead of letting them use their own creativity." Pastor Greear, one of the pastors highlighted in the article, shares how he wants the community his church is a part of to see his church as a positive and not a negative. He doesn't want people to see Southern Baptist preacher as "[an] angry guy with coifed hair and out-of-style suit who likes to pick on things." He still believes in the Southern Baptist identity and sees teaching the Scriptures, "...without compromising God's message..." as his duty as a pastor.

This is not an unusual situation for denominational churches. Many are seeking some answers for their diminishing memberships. Some think the answer is to break up denominations or churches that agree to work within a shared theological distinctive. I don't hold to that position. Too many of these churches lead independent congregations that connect with no one except those that meet their own church's need. Still, the facts are glaring: since the Gen X generation, the Church has been decreasing in numbers across denominational landscape, and Christianity is no longer seen as a viable faith among young Americans. The Southern Baptists are looking to fill the future void in leadership by targeting young potential leaders. Hopefully, other Christian denominations and churches that gather under a "fellowship" will follow in their footsteps before young Christians go to other places to find their voice.

College Ministry Round Table

2008-06-20T03:54:00.003-12:00

What is a Round Table? A Round Table brings people together who work and serve in a common area to share ideas. For Christians, it brings together those of us who might serve with children, youth, outreach, or in other ministries. It's a great time to share ideas, give insights, look at concerns, and to seek how ministry needs can be met. Many churches do not have the financial resources to start or maintain a college ministry, yet churches are seeing the importance of reaching to the college-age in their community. That's why CE National has started to gather those who serve the college-age community. These people may be full time on a church staff or a volunteer husband and wife team. The purpose is to bring together those who serve with this age group for mutual encouragement and to share ideas in how to minister to this generation. Our first one for the year will be held at Momentum West at the Bellflower Brethen Church. Some of our participants will be Kevin Ibanez from FlipSide Church, Brad Baker of Saddleback, Keith Ko at Bellflower Brethren, and others. We'll also be having a round table at Momentum East in Cedarville, Ohio. Look for more information at the conference or check CE's web page for the day and time.

If you would like to set up a College Ministry Round Table or like to know if there is one coming to your area, you can contact me through the CE web site or email me.

Bits N' Pieces: Millennial Reading

2008-06-13T04:06:00.007-12:00

Here are some articles and books I've come across the past few weeks that have some great insights and helps on Millennials.

Millennial Makeover: My Space, YouTube, & The Future of American Politics by Morely Winograd and Michael D. Hais

Millennials Incorporated: The Big Business of Recruiting, Managing and Retaining North America's New Generation of Young Professionals by Lisa Orrell

A Brief Guide for Teaching Millennial Learners by J. Bradley Garner

The "Millennials" Are Coming - A segment on the program of 60 Minutes originally aired November 11, 2007 and updated May 23, 2008
www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/08/60minutes/main3475210.shtml

American Camp Association - An interview with Neil Howe
www.acacamps.org/campmag/0701howe.php

If you have resources pertaining to Millennials, college-age or twenty-somethings, you can send them my way and I'll post them on this blog for those who are looking for ministry resources with this age group.

How A Younger Christian Generation...Part 3

2008-06-04T05:13:00.003-12:00

Here's the final observation on churches that are Millennial-led. These churches are:

Consumers - They are very similar to their parents in that they are market-driven. The difference is that their consumerism is also driven by choice. They still expect churches to provide a variety of ministries that will allow them to pick and choose what best suits them and offer the intimacy of close relationships. It's not unusual to see a Millennial-led church dominated by small group ministry and to have a number of traditional ministries (i.e Sunday school, midweek service, outreaches, etc...).
Artistic - The word design comes to mind when I think about this generation. The arts are not just for the artistic. Being creative is part of the Millennial church. That might come through the look and feel of their place of worship (be it a house, a cafe, a building, etc...), how they express themselves in worship, or how they evaluate life. They see themselves as the Offspring of the Creator, so the arts play a vital role for them.
Young - I know, this seems pretty obvious, but it is who they are so you've got to know this about them. The oldest are in their mid-twenties with miles to go in front of them. What their church looks like today will not be what it will look like in ten or twenty years.

I'll be looking at twenty-something churches in the next few months, with staff interviews, ministry observations and characteristics of what makes these churches unique.

How A Younger Christian Generation...Part 2

2008-05-27T02:40:00.003-12:00

Here is part 2 of a three part series on how a younger generation of Christians are shaping the Church for the future.

Culturally Relevant - This phrase seems to be over used and therefore misused at times. A culturally relevant Millennial church will reflect who they are as a Millennial generation in the context of their community. Whether that community is from the urban streets of south-side Chicago, or a picturesque suburb in Charlotte, North Carolina, to a small town in southwestern Arizona, to be relevant is to be the Church wherever you are planted.
Experiential - Postmodern believers experience God. There are dangers with only having an "experiential" relationship with God, but the main thought here is that they not only want to understand Him but to know Him relationally. Remember that relationships are key for this group and very much a part of how they connect with God.
Organic - This might not be as unique to this generation as some of the previous characteristics, but organic simply means that they are into the "ebb" and "flow" of life. Sometimes this is manifested in spontaneous gatherings for fellowship or the abrupt shutting down of a ministry. Are they uncommitted? Do they lack responsibility? No. They are like an amoeba that is there, gathers, forms into shape, splits, and is no longer there. Organic.
Leading Together - Although they do recognize leadership abilities and gifts in people, they tend to lead as a group. They share in the responsibilities of a project or give way to another strengths when the situation calls for it. That's why you won't see a pastor addressed as the Senior Pastor but instead will see titles such as Architect, Lead Pastor, Designer, and other names that denote leading within a creative community.

How A Younger Christian Generation Is Shaping the Church

2008-05-17T11:00:00.002-12:00

I teach a seminar on Millennials and their influence on the local church. Recently, I've been focusing on church plants or 'campus-based" churches by younger Christians, which is new within the Body. Only in ten years have we started to see churches being planted by twenty-something Millennials. As I observe these churches, a few characteristics pop out for me. These churches are:

Passionate About the Bible - They desire to understand their faith and how it relates to their world. It's not surprising to see mid-week or weekend studies that cover a book of the Bible.
Engaging the World - Their ministries tend to be outward focused, especially within their community. Many are involved in city services such as a teen program or a helps organization.
Highly Relational - Communities of friendships are their main source of network. It's not only a social web for them but a way that they can express the Gospel to those unfamiliar to the Church.
Participatory in Worship - They are not passive when they worship together. Many gatherings have a space and time for prayer (stations to kneel, stand or sit), communion (the band leads in worship to allow freedom to go and partake when you are ready), Scripture reading (as a projector posts the Scripture on a screen), and other acts of worship.
Made Up of a Community of Small Groups - Although they like small intimate groups (house churches, small group studies, etc...), they still want the ministries a "large" church can offer. That's why the Sunday morning (or Saturday evening) gathering is their celebration time (visitors, seekers, disciples, etc...), while their smaller gatherings (homes, campus, a bar, etc...) are where the main Body comes together.

Next week will continue with part two of How A Younger Christian Generation Is Shaping the Church.

New Book: Why We're Not Emergent

2008-05-11T10:58:00.002-12:00

In today's world, trends and movements come and go like LA sports fans. When a team in LA is hot, everyone is on board, but once it starts to cool off, LA fans look for what is next on the horizon. I watched a TV program that focused on how some young people (twenty-something) are now turning against such Millennial icons, like Facebook and text messaging. "It's almost like this game we play," commented this one student. "I mean be serious; do you really have that many friends?" The backlash is that many older Millennials (early to mid twenties) are looking for depth in their world. Some have closed their laptops for a few hours (they call it going "topless") just so that they can connect with people that are in the same room with them. Cell phones are turned off because there's this feeling that they've have lost the "know how" to communicate face to face, even to allow silence between friends to exist in a conversation. It's not so much a rebellion against shallowness but a desperate reaching out to connect in a deeper way with life, something that many twenty-somethings feel they have lost.

This brings us to a change I've noticed in talking with young Christians - the growing restlessness they feel with the Emergent movement. That stirring has to do more with the teachings of some of Emergent's leadership (as I do as well) than is does with the movement itself. Kevin DeYoung, a 30-year-old pastor at University Reformed Church in Lansing, Michigan, and Ted Kluck, author of three books and articles for ESPN and Sports Spectrum, have co-authored Why We're Not Emergent, a very entertaining and insightful book on the problems with the movement. What I like about the book, besides agreeing with many of their points on the dangers of Emergent, is that their perspective comes from the viewpoint of a younger generation (Kluck is 31). Instead of coming from the outside in to a generation of twenty-somethings, they see life from the same cultural level as Millennials, and they have some compelling arguments as to why Emergent does not satisfy the soul for this generation. It's a new and fresh read on a controversial topic that brings new insights for its readers, mainly because the two writers mesh their strengths together (DeYoung brings his pastoral/theological background while Kluck adds an "everyman" view) to make this a great book. They share some funny stories, as well as strong biblical thought for those looking for a fair critique on Emergent. Take a break from your laptop and pick up the book.

Connections: Nick Crespo College Pastor at Calvary Chapel in Albuquerque, New Mexico

2008-05-05T03:29:00.004-12:00

I met Nick Crespo and his wife Shaena on my recent trip to Israel. Nick led worship during our tour and does the same thing back at their home church at Calvary Chapel in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Both he and his wife just recently began overseeing the college group called Renovate. Before this ministry, Nick was the church's high school pastor for two years and has been involved in missions work in Puerto Rico working with youth and music. I asked Nick a few questions concerning college ministries. Here are some of his responses:

What specific characteristics do you see with your college age ministry that are different from your high school ministry?

College students actually want to be there! Don't get me wrong, we had many AMAZING and genuine students in high school. However, when we show up on a Thursday night we know EVERY ONE OF THEM is there because they want to be. Also, I had discovered that the myth that "college students are broke" is just a myth. Just this month we raised over $600 to send Bibles to captive nations and we raised money to send 52 blankets and Bibles to the Sudan. College students to me are UNIQUE in that they have a passion to make a difference and the FREEDOM to do so. They don't have families (spouse & kids) nor are they having to work full-time (most of them). Combine that passion to change the world and the freedom to do it = REVIVAL and TRANSFORMATION.

What ministries are you doing as a college group?

Globally, we are supporting regularly in various ways the persecuted church through Voice of the Martyrs. We are headed out this summer on a missions trip to Macedonia. Locally, we are teaming up with our local cancer hospice to help raise money for their big yearly rally. Many of our students are shaving their heads to raise funds and others are showing up to help at the event. This summer we decided to make it a summer of "love for the homeless." Albuquerque has a large homeless community. There is one organization that feeds 10,000 meals monthly to the homeless. In May/June we are doing funds to build them a new website. We will end the summers outreach by serving the homeless a meal. We also have discipleship groups that meet across the city and have a lot of cool stuff planned for the future.

Your church seems to have a good mix of younger to older adults on your staff. Why do you think that is?

I think we have a good mix because our senior pastor (Skip Heitzig) is "cool and hip" for an old guy:) He also goes way out of his way to encourage young people and disciple them. He teaches at the two schools/Bible colleges we have in-house. He also pours into the student ministry pastors and basically has made available to us endless resources.

Finally, I'm guessing that you are in your late twenties. Why do you think your church attracts people your age?

Our church is amazing! Skip is an incredible teacher - very relevant and age appropriate. Just check out our Wednesday night service and you'll get a glimpse of his heart (http://www.biblefrom30k.org/). It's the coolest church service on the planet, and I'm not saying that because I'm the worship leader. It just is.

You can reach Nick at his home church at Calvary Chapel of Albuquerque, Mew Mexico.

End Times Book Series By Joel Rosenberg

2008-04-30T07:52:00.005-12:00

CE National has recently made available Joel Rosenberg's books on the End Times, which are now on loan from their Lending Library. If you are interested in current and future events that are happening in the Middle East, then Rosenberg's End Times Series is a must for you to read. He also has a non-fiction work that came out a few years ago called Epicenter. This book gives his insights on current political events that connect with biblical prophecy. I wasn't very aware of his books until my recent trip to Israel. He was the keynote speaker at a conference in Jerusalem and many people on our tour were already familiar with his writings. Once I came home, I purchased his first book, The Last Jihad, and I couldn't put it down. I'm now into his second book (The Last Days) and can't wait to read the next three. I hope you take advantage of CE's Lending Library. They have a great volume of Christian literature for the whole family.

Israel: Where the Bible Comes Alive

2008-04-21T07:22:00.004-12:00

Once you've been to Israel, you'll never read your Bible the same. A friend who had traveled to Israel a few times told me that before I took my first trip over to the country. I wasn't sure what he meant, but once I arrived, I understood immediately. That was over ten years ago and I just returned from my second trip from the land of David, the Prophets and Jesus. Israel is a beautiful country with its Mediterranean lifestyle and diverse people. Farms that produce some of the best tasting fruits (bananas, pears, oranges) and vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes) cover the land. And there is no better place to eat bread and cheese than Israel.

What separates Israel from other places is, of coarse, Israel itself. For such a small Middle Eastern country, Israel is the center of the world in politics and religion. That's a lot to say for a country that is no bigger than New Jersey. It is the land and people that God has chosen that make Israel so special. As you travel through the country, you can't help but have a better understanding of Scripture. To see the places that Abraham and David lived and walked gives you a fresh perspective when reading the Old Testament. As you ride a boat on the Sea of Galilee, you imagine yourself almost two thousand years back, sailing with Jesus and His disciples.

While we traveled to the next destination, our guide would lead us in songs. One song in particular has stuck with me since I've been home. The song talks about how as the mountains surround Jerusalem, the Lord surrounds His people. Driving through the mountains to get to Jerusalem, you can see the truth in what we sang. It's amazing to see how often Jesus used the landscape, the world that He created, to communicate His truth to all those that would listen. If you've never been to Israel, I would urge you to go. Maybe sacrifice a few nights out at the local pizza place and put the money you save into your "Israel trip" jar. You'll be filled up in a much richer way.

Back in the USA

2008-04-15T04:56:00.002-12:00

I just returned from my trip into Israel. This was my second visit in the Holy Land and one that was special for me because I went with my mom. She always wanted to go and when we heard that Calvary Chapel of Albuquerque was going (she's a big fan of pastor Skip Heitzig), we signed up to head on over with the church.

I'll have more to share and hopefully some great pictures of my experience in Israel, and I'll share some thoughts on a conversation I had with Nick Crespo, Albuquerque's college pastor and worship leader. If you've never experienced or had the opportunity to visit this amazing land, you need to go. There is no place in the world more important politically or spiritually for those of us who call ourselves Christians. You won't regret going. Shalom.

Jesus Had A Small Group

2008-04-01T21:36:00.002-12:00

Years back, I was involved in a small group at the church were I was a youth pastor. I liked it because there was no one under the age of eighteen, and I didn't feel that I had to lead or even participate in the discussion. It was sort of a "hangout with the adults while others lead" time for me. When you put in 70+ hours a week with high-octane hormonal teens, you need a breather occasionally. So, small groups was a time to be with friends, eat munchies, and listen while others talked...and talked...and talked.

Lately, I've been researching twenty-somethings' ideas of what they like in small groups. Even the name "small group" seems out of date and boring. I've heard names like Life Transformation Groups, Clusters, Growth Groups, and whatever you can think of, just as long as you don't call them "small groups." And other than implying that it's small and there is more than two of you, what exactly do we mean by term "small groups"?

Jesus hung out with a small group, a handful of men (and some women) that traveled together, sharing life and connecting with the world around them. I try to imagine what that might have looked liked. Jesus was a leader, and the group didn't seem to have a problem with that. That seems very different from postmodern Christians, where young people like to lead by consensus. Everyone has input because everyone's voice is seen as having equal value. Can you see Jesus leading a twenty-something group today? "Uh...Jesus, you seem to be monopolizing the conversation tonight. Remember, we all have our points of view and no one answer is more important than another." Maybe it wouldn't be that bad.

So, I'm gathering information and working through this "small group" thing. There's a lot of material out there on small groups and I've accumulated plenty of insights from my friends and other twenty-somethings. Now, it's just putting it together and sharing my observations on how college-age and post college-age like to "do" small groups. I keep thinking about Jesus and His small group. Do you think there was someone in the group that didn't say much, enjoyed the munchies, and was just happy to be there?

I'll be out of the office for the next two weeks on a trip to Israel. I look forward in sharing with you my trip of the land and people of Israel.

It's All About the "D" Word

2008-03-28T08:03:00.002-12:00

"I just don't get college-age," was a plea more than a statement from my pastor friend. I took a bite out of my grande burrito and managed to get out a question, "What do you mean?" "Well," he continued, "they just seem so flaky and selfish. If you don't have a band leading worship or candles and incense burning, they go some place that does. And I don't understand their postmodern thinking or whatever you call it." As he dug into his fries, he made a sad conclusion, "Maybe we're just a church that can't reach them or maybe it's me." As we finished our meal, I tried to encourage him that his church isn't the only one struggling to reach a younger generation. In fact, they might be the perfect church to reach this age group. With that statement, he gave me a puzzled look and asked me to explain.

"It's all about the D Word," I told him. The look on his face meant that I did not connect. "I meant discipleship." I shared with him how this age group desires to have mature believers in their lives, walking along side them as they move into adulthood. For this generation, discipleship is not merely meeting once a week going through a workbook; rather it's investing in a relationship. I find that trust is key for this age group. Can they trust me? Do I live a life of integrity? Does what I say match up to how I live? If it does, then they give me the right to disciple them. I'm welcomed into their network of friends and invited to hang out with them. They get the chance to observe my life as a follower of Jesus, to see how I handle certain situations in everyday life (when the cashier gives back too much change, do I return the money?). In short, discipleship is 24/7. I'm open to house calls, phone and text messages, and personal questions. I am open to being watched and observed, and to sharing myself in a mutual relationship because my life is not my own. I am to be like Jesus.

I have noticed that when churches are focused on discipleship, it doesn't matter if you have a great worship band or if you're a "relevant" church, young Christians want to know their faith. They enjoy and need older Christans to pour into their lives, to guide and lead them as they enter adulthood. Ed Stetzer, one of Christianity's leading researchers on young Christians in America, stated, "Too many youth groups are holding tanks with pizza. There's no life transformation taking place." Stetzer continues, "People are looking for a faith that can change them to be a part of a changing world." Disciples of Jesus are changed people, and what draws college-age people to church is no different from what drew people to Christ in the first century. It's all about the D Word.

State Funded College Loans Being Dropped

2008-03-15T05:50:00.003-12:00

In the past week, news media have been reporting that some states are no longer offering state-funded loans for college education. Most of these loans are in the form of grants that the state would offer with low interest payments. States, such as Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Michigan are suspending state-funded college loans due to the lending crisis that has hit most major mortgage companies. The cost for higher education continues to climb beyond the reach of most families, and with the loan industry impact on the economy, some states are struggling to cover the basic needs of government.

Many parents of soon-to-be college students are in crisis mode, trying to figure out how to provide for their children's future education. They are feeling the squeeze financially because of increasing tuition rates and the unstable environment of the economy. Some students are opting for community college, only to see tuitions rise at these schools, which slows their pace to reach a four-year institution. So, what can be done to help both parents and students during these times? Here are a couple of suggestions.

Start applying early for financial aid and grants. Most parents and students are starting their investigation too late to find financial help. You should be looking into these areas by the time your child is heading into high school. Some high schools offer college financial seminars during students' freshmen year.
Suggest that your church offer its own college financial seminars. You can host your own college financial seminar for parents of your church and around your community. And don't just gear it towards parents of high school students, but open it up to all parents. It's never too early to start thinking about how you'll pay for college.
Start a money account for your child. There are plenty of saving programs that banks provide for college education. Do your homework to find out which savings plan is best for you.
Research financial programs. I'm always surprised by how many parents and students do not take advantage of the free money that is out there. Whether it is a matching grant provided by your work, a service group that your son/daughter belongs to like Scouts, church denominational aid, or other groups that are willing to assist young people make their college dreams come true, there is no excuse for not looking into these programs.

Unfortunately, with the forecast for future unrest in our economy, it looks like other states are going to follow suit and cut back on state-funded loans. Hopefully, with these helps, you'll be able to get a little closer to providing the financial needs for your child's education.

Quarterlife

2008-03-03T16:26:00.002-12:00

Have you seen the newest Internet buzz that will soon hit the TV screen? It's called Quarterlife (not to be confused with Quaker Life) and it aired last week on NBC. Quarterlife is a web-based series centered around the social network of friends in their twenties. The show was launched on the Internet and it got such a following that NBC picked it up for the spring season. Most of the characters that are featured on Quarterlife are artists or activists who are trying to navigate through their post-college years. Ben Silverman, co-chairman of NBC, is relying on the shows younger audience making the crossover from the net to television, "The show is like a common college hall for the post graduate set." Already a big hit, you might want to catch this show that reveals twentysomethings in real time.

Book Resources on Emergent

2008-02-26T16:58:00.004-12:00

I continue to get good questions about Emergent and Emerging Churches. Some of the questions that people ask have to do with the definition of the two terms (are they the same, different, or both?). There are questions about the theology or doctrine of Emergent. Most of the questions I get center around the Church, especially focusing on whether this movement is of God.

I believe that it's good for us to do our homework and to investigate any subject or topic that peeks our interest. We should be critical with all subjects that have to do with our faith (Critical meaning that we should do the hard work of investigating the facts). Here are some books that should be of help as you look more into the subject of Emergent and those emerging churches, who are a part of the postmodern generation.

A Generous Orthodoxy by Brian McLaren. No one can really grasp the Emergent flow without McLaren and to understand McLaren is to read this book. He is considered the Elder Statesman of the Continuing Conversation of Emergent (if you like what he says), or the Founder of a new Heretical Movement that is leading millions of young people astray. (for those who disagree with him). Either way, this is a good place to begin (his latest book, "Everything Must Change: Jesus, Global Crises, and a Revolution of Hope" is in stores).
The Emerging Church and They Like Jesus But Not the Church both by Dan Kimball. These books cover Dan Kimball's church in California and give you a great picture of what emerging churches look like. His thoughts and observations of how a young generation outside the Church perceives us is both challenging and convicting.
Emerging Churches by Eddie Gibbs and Ryan Bolger. I debated on this one but I kept it in because it gives an overview of Emergent leaders and their viewpoints. It's a good book for further resource on the subject.
An Emergent Theology for Emerging Churches by Ray Anderson. A very significant work because it's the first book specifically written to answer the question, "What is the theology of Emergent?" Eddie Gibbs and Ray Anderson are both professors at Fuller School of Theology.
Becoming Conversant with the Emerging Church by D. A. Carson. The first to reasonably critique the Emergent Movement. A must read to understand what the questions are concerning the Church and the future.
Truth and the New Kind of Christian by R. Scott Smith. It is my favorite book on the subject of Emergent. It is clear, well thought through, and kind in dealing with a highly volatile subject.

The Quest: Characteristics of a Millennial Church

2008-02-16T06:50:00.003-12:00

Everyday I'm usually emailing someone around the country talking about the Church. There are times that the discussion gets so good that the questions need more space to answer than an email can provide, and we decide to talk on the phone. I have even traveled to meet them and spend time picking their brains on certain church related issues.

Mike Jentes is one of those people that you have to spend more time with rather than merely communicating with through an email. Mike has a love for the local church and for young people. He oversees a church in Columbus, Ohio known as The Quest. It's a church mostly of younger people, committed to reaching the surrounding urban area of Columbus. I asked Mike what he thought were the essentials for a church led mostly by twenty-somethings. Here's what he shared.

Social Action - Mike stated that Millennials desire to move their faith into the market places, to the hopeless and the needy. That's why The Quest planted itself in urban Columbus, to love and live as Christ.
Highly Relational - The Quest is a gathering of multiple small house groups around the city of Columbus. Mike notes that this generation desires small group connections. Being small is ok with them and so is multi-ethnic.
Passionate About the Bible - They want the Scriptures to be brought into their everyday life. A key for this generation is revisiting discipleship and answering the question,"What does it mean to walk like Jesus?"

These young people want a church that is on mission and that connects in a dynamic group, even within a fellowship of churches or a denomination. In talking with Mike, I came away thinkng about two key questions. First, what are churches doing in reaching and keeping this postmodern generation? Second, how does a church (or a Fellowship) give voice to a younger generation? Culturally, the landscape is changing in our country, and that is true within our churches. I believe how we answer these questions and others like these will determine the look of the Church for future generations.

A Good Book to Pass Along: Who Stole My Church?

2008-02-07T11:02:00.000-12:00

I picked up Gordon MacDonald's book, Who Stole My Church? It's a good read, one of the first books I've read about the hurrdles that churches are experiencing as they transition from one generation to another. The book is written from the perspective of a fictional Builder/Boomer pastor trying to help his older congrgation to adjust to those who are younger in their church, and the new changes that come with them. What I like about the book is how MacDonald brings the reader into the narrative of the discussion. He draws you into the issues that many churches are struggling with across our country, without hammering you over the head as if you were in a debate.

I'm glad MacDonald wrote the book, because I think it's time for churches to address the concerns and struggles that are driving a wedge between generations in our congregations. Make no mistake about it, there are major differences between the Builder/Boomer generation (late forties and older) and those in their twenties and thirties (Gen X/Millennials). I tend to put the differences in three categories:

First, Gen X and their younger siblings, Millennials, have grown up in a post-modern world. They have a different worldview than those of their parents and grandparents generation.
Second, Gen X/Millennials are living in a post-Christian age. For their generation, the church is no longer seen as viable or relevant for them.
Third, this younger generation is a part of the digital explosion. We are just beginning to see the impact culturally of the internet and digital technology on them in shaping who they will be.

If you have a little time this week, go to your nearest bookstore and pick up a copy of McDonald's book. I'm taking it to a retreat next week in hopes of stimulating some good discussions. Look to see if what you read is a mirror of your church, and if so, maybe you can be the igniter of discussion about how your church will transition from one generation to the next.

The Best of the Best: Books on Millennials

2008-01-31T08:24:00.000-12:00

Reading for me is like sitting down to a plate of chili con carne, papas, and beans - I just can't get enough of it, especially when I'm reading on the topic of Millennials. There are many books out there that focus on the characteristic habits of Millennials, and you can spend countless hours (not to mention money) browsing the bookstores, trying to decide which one is worth your time to read. So, I decided to give you a little help by offering my "best of the best" list of books on Millennials. Here are a few books to get you started.

Millennials Rising: The Next Great Generation by Howe & Strauss. Actually, you should grab anything they put out and imediately sit down with a cup of coffee to read it. This book is considered the groundbreaker on Millennials.

Emerging Adulthood: The Winding Road from Late Teen Years through the Twenties by Jeffery Jensen Arnett. He's done more on revealing the cultural habits of Gen X and Gen Y than MTV, TMZ, and the CW combined. Okay, he's another one I would recommend you buy whatever he puts out.

Mind Your X's and Y's: Satisfying the 10 Cravings of a New Generation of Consumers by Lisa Johnson. I put this book on my list because it gives you a perspective that's different from the others. Millennials are the most marketed generation ever, and they know it. Her Reach Group research makes investing in the book worth it.

Generation Me by Jean Twenge. I threw this one in because not all who follow this generation think they are the greatest thing since sliced bread. The book contains a lot of great insights to potential pitfalls for this generation's future.

In another post, I'll share my "best of the best" on Millennials in the Church. If you have other book suggestions, I'd love to hear about some other great books to read on Gen Y. Remember, reading is power.

More on Politics and Gen Y

2008-01-23T04:30:00.000-12:00

Recently, I've been subbing at a Christian school in the history department. Sometimes, I'll open the class by directing their attention to the latest news around our world. My aim is to try to connect history (aka. "Why do we have to learn about old dead people?") to their world. Lately, I've talked about current primaries for each of the major political parties. The students aren't really clear about certain issues but seem to know who the candidates are, even if only because they've heard the pros and cons from their parents.

Most high school students are just beginning to grapple with issues related to government and economics, since they usually start taking these subjects in their senior year. By the time they are heading to college, most have some opinion about politics and some will be a part of the political process, whether through campus organizations or by some other means.

This year's candidates are recruiting heavily among young people, and many are trying to be candidates of "change," which resonates deeply with college age. Understanding how and why a younger generation becomes involved with politics can be a doorway into seeing the social landscape for a future generation. Churches should take note of young people as a whole and not put them into "compartments." We still need to reach and meet spiritual aspirations of younger generations, but this group sees themselves as a connected individual, which makes them a connected community. For Gen Y, such issues as health care, job security, terrorism, and debt make up the whole of who they are, just as much as their spiritual journey.

If you like to read more about Gen Y's thoughts concerning social issues, politics, and the current topics of the day, here are a few articles that a friend sent me. Business Week has a great write up on young adults and what concerns them the most today. Another article on The Hill reports on "Gen X and Gen Y Heading for Congress in November." These young people make up a generation that wants to change the wrongs in their world and is driven by social action. Though they may not picket the streets, they are a generation of doers. How we as the Church tap into this quality of theirs will determine much of what the Church will look like in the 21st Century.

Curriculum for College Age Ministries

2008-01-17T03:46:00.000-12:00

A question that I'm always asked by volunteer workers with college-age ministry is,"Do you know where I can find curriculum?" College-age ministry (normally ages 18-25) is a growing segment within churches that is often run by volunteers. Unlike paid staff, whose jobs allow for them to write their own curriculum, volunteers already work a full time job and don't have the time or the background to write fresh materials for their studies.

Some volunteers have surfed on the web to find their curriculum but have a hard time finding good resources. Most resources they do find are either senior high materials adapted for college-age or are simply not very good curriculum. Videos have been the main staple for teaching this age group, with Rob Bell's Nooma videos being among the best sellers (Rob Bell is the pastor of Mars Hill church in Michigan). The problem with most videos series is that they don't come with extended curriculum beyond the video and often fall short of solid teaching for a group that is looking to be challenged in their faith.

So where can one go to find good curriculum material for college-age ministries? One resource I'm finding to be a tremendous help in this area is a website called http://www.collegeleader.org/, run by Chuck Bomar, who has had years of experience in college ministries. He is a frequent speaker at conferences around the country on college ministries. He has published articles for major youth magazines on college-age issues . He is in the middle of writing his first book on college ministries and is finishing his work as college pastor at Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, California. His web site is becoming a resource hub for those who are looking for mentoring (which I am involved in), networking, and resources, especially curriculum. The best part is that many of the materials are either free or cost a dollar to download.

Take the time to check out his website. If you are looking for more resources than what the page offers, feel free to email him to find other places where you can find good, solid curriculum for your college ministry.

Kids in the Digital World

2008-01-03T10:02:00.000-12:00

Happy New Year everyone. I hope the coming year will bring joy to you and your family. Here's a overview of an article that I read in USA Weekend.

There is no doubt about it. I stink at video games. To prove my point, grade school kids have humbled me repeatedly, showing me no mercy with Xbox, Wii, and any other tech games that require a joystick. The worst part about it is that they mock me after they win, as if I disappointed them by not providing enough of a challenge for them. I say pick on someone your own size! Someday I'll get the hang of it, but not because I want to crush some kids dream of becoming the next Super Mario Galaxy champion. I like to stretch myself and keep learning.

Do you ever think about what it will be like here in America ten years from now? What are kids going to be like? Kids learn differently now than they did in any other previous generation in the U.S. They are a part of the digital age, using interactive games, talking books, and the Internet to learn. Gary Knell, CEO of Sesame Workshop, which addresses children's critical developmental needs through programs like Sesame Street, shared about this new transition in learning when he said,"Adults are immigrants and kids are natives." Other statistics support this. According to Kaiser Family Foundation report, American kids ages 8 to 18 spend on average 44.5 hours in front of a screen (USA Weekend, December 14-16, 2007), and the Entertainment Software Association claims that one third of video game players are under the age of 18.

Some experts in child development are wondering if this is good for children. They believe that the quick, constant stimulus of video media will hurt children's learning skills (Parent Coaching Institute). One study even suggested that Baby Einstein and Baby Genius actually hampered children's language development. Others have a different view, suggesting that a more healthy balance between electronic media and conventional learning is what parents should strive to teach their kids. Lisa Guernesy who authored the book, Into the Minds of Babes: How Screen Time affects Children from Birth to Age Five, suggests parents remember "the three C's: content, context, and your child." Judging from the concerns many parents have about too much screen time and those who are advocates of technology as a teaching tool, this seems to be the next big battle ground.

For the Church, we must consider another cultural trend. How much will technology play a part in local churches? How is the Internet playing a role for churches today? Are there hurdles that churches will face with younger Millennials? If kids are growing up with shorter attention spans (as some research suggest) but desire to engage in worship service, how will this affect the Sunday morning hour? Many churches are starting to wrestle with some of these questions. There are even conferences that help churches deal with the coming "digital age" nation. Ten years ago, Millennials were in high school and were champions of Nintendo and PlayStation. Now it's their younger cousins in elementary school who are kings of Wii and carry their own cell phones. Times change quickly, and for the Church, a whole new era is on the horizon.