UnChristian

Posted on January 7th, 2008 by Brian Sparks.
Categories: Blogs.

I picked up a book from my local Christian Book store. I am a George Barna reader, so I found this book covered in shrink wrap thinking that it must be good if you can’t preread it in the store. At first I was disappointed with the Title. UnChristian. But this book is talking about people who have never been Christians. Shouldn’t this book be titled NonChristians. To say it was Un would first mean that it was, then it wasn’t. Then as I began that first chapter I came to find out that nonBelievers were referring to “Christians” as “UnChristian” meaning that they believe in Christian values and may even believe in a historical Christ, but do not believe that today’s American churches actually reflect what they believe. Therefore nonBelievers were calling us UnChristians.

There is a huge falling out with younger generations. They are leaving churches. We first had this rude awakening at the church where I serve at. But as I did some research in our own area, I have found that this is happening all over. Why are they leaving? I personally believe its not the music (we are a good blended church). So what is really happening with this generation? What is happening with my generation?

3 comments.

Kevin

Comment on January 8th, 2008.

These are good questions Brian. I don’t think most young people plan to leave church when they transition out of high school, but many do. I think we’re failing to help young people get connected to ministry through their unique giftedness. Teens are expected to come to church, sit in class and treat the older folks nice. When they are grown then we can use them. But by the time they are grown, we’ve conditioned them to a lifestyle that sees church as disconnected from where they are and what they have to offer. I don’t think its about music at all. It’s about helping them early on in life take ownership in ministry and body life.

Matt

Comment on January 8th, 2008.

Brian,

I agree. However, at the same time, I see many of our students here at church staying connected. Now this may just be an anamoly, but I’m not sure. And even more so, what is the answer…well, I’m not sure we know that either. However, I think real Christianity draws people whereas fake religion drives them away. So, I’ll let the rest speak for itself.

John

Comment on January 9th, 2008.

I would agree that it is not the music (even though some posts on my blog might lead you believe that is my feeling). I think the reason I feel the way my blog says is that I feel “connected with the worship service with a certain kind of music. That is me. I do feel that Kevin said it very well …. we need to help them feel connected to ministry. A pastor friend of mine says that everytime someone joins the church he FINDS them a place to serve. In the class he taught he said if you don’t have a place that fits their unique gift then make one. The main point he made all through the semester was Get them involved. One thing I thought was so awesome at my home church was getting the young people involved in teacher a younger class. We need to teach them and LEAD them to be examples and to minister to the younger ones below them. The more involved we get them in ministering to others the more connected they will be.
We need to get out of our padded (and airconditioned) pew and get the church in the street ministering to the needs of others. We need to reconnect the church to the people on the outside. We need to connect our young people to this ministry as well BUT first we have to lead by example.

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