A Generational Trend
I see a generational trend that I want to address.
It seems to me that emerging generations don't want watered-down, dumbed-down, or soft-sell versions of the truth. I think they want to be challenged and confronted. I'm not talking about Bible thumping. We need to do it persuasively and thoughtfully and prayerfully. But I have this growing sense that the people I pastor want me to get in their face more often.
To be perfectly honest, I think I was a preaching wimp early on in ministry. I was afraid of tough topics or controversial topics. I wanted to preach things that pleased everyone. But as the years have passed, I have realized that you aren't doing anybody any favors if you don't talk about tough stuff. Even if people disagree with you. At least you force them to think. Any maybe it's an opportunity to learn how to agree to disagree but still love each other. In too many instances, the church is answering questions no one is asking. We dance around the things people really think about and care about.
I think emerging generations want us to make them think, challenge them to change, and confront their sin. That's my sixth sense. And whether they want us to or not, that is part of our calling. I'm afraid that there is a strong temptation among younger preachers to just scratch where people itch. But Paul warns Timothy against that (II Timothy 4:3).
Does that resonate with anybody?
A few ideas if you want to start talking about what people are actually thinking about. One of our open-source series is The Elephant in the Church. All of the graphics and videos are free. Love to see some churches take on the obvious truths that everyone ignores. And don't just use ours. Come up with your own. You may have very different elephants running around your church than NCC.
Here's another idea. My friend Michael Kelly at Threads has done a great job with his new study The Tough Sayings of Jesus II. If you're anything like me, you tend to read faster when you come to the parts of the Bible you don't understand or aren't obeying. Maybe that is where we need to slow down!
It seems to me that emerging generations don't want watered-down, dumbed-down, or soft-sell versions of the truth. I think they want to be challenged and confronted. I'm not talking about Bible thumping. We need to do it persuasively and thoughtfully and prayerfully. But I have this growing sense that the people I pastor want me to get in their face more often.
To be perfectly honest, I think I was a preaching wimp early on in ministry. I was afraid of tough topics or controversial topics. I wanted to preach things that pleased everyone. But as the years have passed, I have realized that you aren't doing anybody any favors if you don't talk about tough stuff. Even if people disagree with you. At least you force them to think. Any maybe it's an opportunity to learn how to agree to disagree but still love each other. In too many instances, the church is answering questions no one is asking. We dance around the things people really think about and care about.
I think emerging generations want us to make them think, challenge them to change, and confront their sin. That's my sixth sense. And whether they want us to or not, that is part of our calling. I'm afraid that there is a strong temptation among younger preachers to just scratch where people itch. But Paul warns Timothy against that (II Timothy 4:3).
Does that resonate with anybody?
A few ideas if you want to start talking about what people are actually thinking about. One of our open-source series is The Elephant in the Church. All of the graphics and videos are free. Love to see some churches take on the obvious truths that everyone ignores. And don't just use ours. Come up with your own. You may have very different elephants running around your church than NCC.
Here's another idea. My friend Michael Kelly at Threads has done a great job with his new study The Tough Sayings of Jesus II. If you're anything like me, you tend to read faster when you come to the parts of the Bible you don't understand or aren't obeying. Maybe that is where we need to slow down!
19 Comments:
Right on Mark! We are preaching thru the Bible (Gen-Rev) and we are currently in Numbers. Our service creative team all commented that God seems REALLY DIFFICULT! In fact we called the series "An Inconvenient God". We are dealing with the fact the God sometimes requires things from us that we don't want to give - and if we don't there may be consequences. I was pretty nervous about the material, but it has been HUGE at both of our campuses. I guess we all forgot that "the TRUTH will set us free"!
Ryan Day
Dayton, OH
ryanday.wordpress.com
hey mark,
i really resonate with this. my second series here at RCC is called "tough pills." we are looking at what jesus had to say for himself, about himself and about how we should live.
little did i know how difficult this series would be! :) but i have found that our church has responded really well...
matt morgan
Reston Community Church
www.towncenterchurch.com
Definitely resonates with me and I so agree.
I'm not sure if I agree young preachers are scratching people where they itch though. I'm thinking that younger preachers are more apt to confront sin more so than a generation prior.
Can I be honest? I have zero respect for people who let me slide. I want to be confronted about places in my life where I need to grow. I firmly believe that every generation should be better than the last. I don't go to church to verify that I am a good person. I go to become a better version of myself.
If we really take Jesus and his message seriously, then we will put ourselves in a regular position of accountability and growth. I used to fear these groups, but I am in one right now that calls me on more than just myu spiritual discipline. My life has dramatically improved due to regular and consistent confrontation. An act that my parents even avoided during my "growing up" years. It takes tremendous courage, stamina and character to love someone that much.
(I am not passionate about this at all...;-P)
www.abbydufy.typepad.com
i kinda wrote about this very thing today...
Thank you for this post! This is so true. I'm a youth pastor and the most successful messages I've delivered have been those that are not Mickey Mouse Club, but the truth uncensored. People respond to the word especially when it cuts them to the heart. Iron sharpens iron through friction. This creates heat and a lack of comfort, but in the end that which is uncomfortable is sharper and better off. People will thank you for the life change even if it is hard to swallow. Thanks!
Spot on! From where I stand, most churches are doing church the way they did 60-70 years ago.
Peace!
Right on track, Mark - I hope that Tough Sayings holds the same sentiment. Thanks for the shoutout.
Michael Kelley
Mark, I really appreciate this post! As a young pastor just gaining more courage, I needed to hear your words today as am encouragement to keep on. After all, some of the best leaders deal with some of the toughest stuff!
Thanks man!
NOAH
Love it. The best friends I have ever had are those who love me enough to be in my face. Wish I had more of them.
Tell it Mark! You nailed it right in the head!!
Mark!
Great stuff!
I believe this is why Islam is growing so fast and why Rush Limbaugh, et al are so popular... because they speak strongly, with conviction, and without compromise. Whatever you may think about either Islam or talk radio, you must admit, both are continually expanding their influence.
It's time that we preachers step up and bring the word with strength, conviction, and authority. It's time we "man up" and speak as prophets! I think we'd be amazed at the results!
OK, rant over...
I agree...What I am also picking up is that they want more of the Bible...not just topical preaching...or preaching on issues...any ideas on that?
I'm a firm believer in preaching the full counsel of God. When that happens, conviction is inevitable. While I believe topical studies are necessary, preaching through whole books of the Bible has the advantage of not allowing you to skip the tough portions. When you dig things out chapter by chapter, verse by verse, you cannot avoid preaching on sin. That is convicting to the preacher and the people being preached at.
Preach the Word and God will be honored. Preach your words and you will be honored.
Well said!!! I have been finding this more and more true with our students. They walk out of our services wanting to be challenged and wanting to hear a clear and concise message with the Truth. As a preacher, it's very freeing and allows for better communication. Thanks!
Ryan Gluth
As a pastor just finsihing a sermon on a tricky subject I'll keep these wise words in mind!
This post has been removed by the author.
Mark,
That is the ticket! Just this last Wed. @ our youth meeting we had a set of sisters who were in deep conflict. Normally, we try to smooth things over and let it pass, but not this time! We confronted the "sinner" and the "righteously indigent" about being a Matthew 5:9 peacemaker...That is not to say that everyone left the group happy and at peace with each other...BUT when Sunday rolled around apologies to both parties had been said, and clarifying texts were sent.
Because we did not hide from the truth, but followed the Lord's example in Matthew 7:5 (get the log out of your own eye)-Our group is stronger and more secure in the Love of the Lord than ever! Praise the Lord!
mark...you nailed it. i'm seeing this every week with my sr highers. even this week we beamed in eldredge's new book tour simulcast on "walking with God". we jumped off during the q&a and did our own thing locally. it was an incredible dialog with the students. but even some of the adult leaders are looking for more. hunger, thrist, desire for more. very encouraging.
Post a Comment
<< Home