Change or Die: That is the Question

One of the respected voices when it comes to the church and ministry in a changing world is Thom Rainer.  Thom Rainer is the current president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, an entity of the Southern Baptist Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.  He and his son, Jess Rainer, wrote one of the early books on the millennial generation.  One of his most recent books is Autopsy of a Deceased Church. Considering that title, I was not surprised by one of his recent quotes: “Unfortunately, when faced with a life or death choice, most churches end up choosing death over change and life.”  The comment was included in an article on how an aging church can begin to change. 

My experience tends to reinforce that statement.   As I drive around north Dallas I see a lot of large churches that now stand vacant, or almost empty.  I recall a visit with one young pastor who had been assigned out of seminary to a once vibrant church.  As you drive by the church the facilities still look impressive, and include a large education building.  When he informed me that he had responsibility for youth and children’s ministry I pictured an exciting program teeming with kids.  I was shocked at his comments, “I have been there six months and am exhausted from searching the closets looking for kids.  They do not need a youth pastor, but they have always had one so I occupy the office.”  He went on to inform me that worship attendance averaged less than one hundred.  It was only because some of the members had deep pockets that they managed to stay open.    The neighborhood around the church has changed, but obviously the ministry of the church had not.

Resistance to change is something I know too well.  I spent most of my adult life ministering to teenagers and their families.  In every case I was called to serve in churches that had lots of history and tradition.  Teenagers tend to be agents of change, willing to push the envelope.  I was often perceived as the “front person” for that change.  Early in my ministry I found myself in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.  I was serving the “mother church” in a town of less than 40,000 with five Lutheran Churches.  Talk about traditions!  That congregation was only a few years from holding its last regular service in the German Language.  It was into that setting that we introduced guitars and contemporary worship.  It was a rocky road but today Trinity is still a thriving church that offers contemporary worship, in addition to traditional services.

Thom Rainer offered some ideas on how aging church can reverse the trend.  The first tip sounds pretty simple: successful ministry in a church begins with the power of prayer.  The second tip also sounds easy: churches who are reaching young adults have seniors who are intentionally making relationships with younger Christians.  Two simple steps: Set a goal to change and then commit that goal to the Lord, then go out a seek relationships.  Unfortunately it often can be more of a challenge.  How do we build relationships with young adults?  I believe it starts with a change in attitude.  Think about it, you probably have contact with young people.  Perhaps they are coworkers or neighbors.  Others might be those we intersect with casually; the clerk at the convenience store or the receptionist who greets us when we visit the doctor or dentist. 

I would add another hint; stop thinking of every young person you meet as a potential church member and see them rather as a lost soul.  We need to move from the traditional model of church membership to a missional lifestyle that allows us to be Jesus in the world.   When we live that lifestyle it permeates other aspects of our lives.  In the end, that is what the church is.  The church is not a building, or even a group of believers.  The church is individual disciples of Jesus Christ living out the mission that He initiated. 

Millennials Vote for Bernie

As I have shared in the past, that while Millennials are not always politically engaged they will make their voice heard when the issue concerns them.   Presidential elections are just such an issue.  For that reason we need to take their opinion on the presidential candidates seriously.  So, how do you feel about a president who admits to socialist leanings?  That’s right.  Bernie Sanders is the leading candidate among young voters.  I had read one survey done by the Millennials website, Ypulse, and I thought that make sense because they are a voice for the young generation.  Now United Press International (UPI) has published the results of a similar survey that confirms the results.  Bernie Sanders garnered 54% compared to second place Hillary Clinton (26%).  That is pretty decisive.

The realization that we might actually elect an individual who views themselves more as a socialist than and champion of capitalism sent me back to my government textbook.  Socialism can be defined as any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods.  Capitalism is just the opposite, with corporate or private ownership.  The fact that our nation was built on the free-enterprise, capitalist philosophy leaves me troubled when I hear the word “Socialist.”

So what is behind this strong shift to the political left?  Let’s examine the way that Millennials think:

They are the generation that has endorsed the legality of drugs, same-sex marriage and have created a competitive world through social media.

They want jobs, affordable education and security for their future.

The typical millennial is well aware that most politicians are full of hollow words, broken promises and they all have a certain flair for public relations.

In the final analysis; Millennials want more for themselves.  I recently heard one of my peers refer to them as the “Me-lennials.”  They want political leaders who share their value system and are responsive to their needs.  Bernie Sanders is the closest to that.  In fact, you could make a case that he is the only candidate who speaks to those under the age of thirty. 

Fortunately we are still a full year away from the presidential election.  I would like to think that the next twelve months are an opportunity to make a difference.  If you are uncomfortable with a political trend, now is the time to make your voice heard.  It does not happen through rallies that proclaim a more conservative agenda.  It happens through relationship with those whose opinions differ from ours.  If we have two camps that are on opposite sides of the fence shouting at each other, nothing will change.  In the end the loudest voice will win.  When we venture into the enemy camp and engage them in conversation (note I did not say debate), we have an opportunity to influence.  Get to know the millennials in your network and listen to them.  In the process, they might actually listen and respect you and your opinion. 

Generation Gap

I am part of a volunteer program that provides hospitality service in the Dallas-Fort Worth community.  Because of the time commitment involved most of the volunteers are senior citizens who are retired.  As part of the program we are furnished with our uniforms. Since I joined the program we have worn a rather traditional jacket, with an optional vest.  The primary feature, however, is a cowboy hat.  I have always enjoyed wearing the uniform and often get comments, especially about the hat.

 

About a year ago we were informed that we would be getting new uniforms within two years.  Recently we were allowed to see images of what the new uniforms would look like.  Last week I attended a meeting where we were allowed to make comments.  One of my male colleagues actually modeled a prototype of the uniform.  In my mind the new apparel looks sharp.  If the changes come to fruition the men will be wearing light gray business suits, with a white shirt and a bright orange tie, but no hats.   In my mind the women have a lot of options, one of which is a dress in a similar shade of orange as the men’s ties.  Alternatives are similar gray slacks or skirts with a white blouse.   While I sincerely liked the new look, many of my colleagues were not happy.  Many in fact were angry and borderline irate.  They like the traditional look of the current apparel.  One gentleman commented that with the bright colors (orange tie and matching scarf for the women), we looked like clowns.  In the process of the discussion it was revealed that much of the decision was made by younger members of the organization.  The motive was to update our look to appeal to the clientele we are supposed to serve. 

Based on my experience in attempting to help older adults understand the shift in culture, I felt compelled to comment.  We might be volunteers but we are still in the service business.  It is important for us to project an image that appeals to those we desire to serve.  What we are wearing should not be what we like.  Rather, we should consider what others find appealing.  Their needs should come before ours. 

As I think about it, there are some parallels between my experience with my fellow volunteers and the church.  I often hear similar complaints from older church members, referencing change.   How can we worship using that style of music, or how can we have a church without having a Sunday school?  Uniforms: What is this with our pastors wearing an open-collar shirt, and people attending church in jeans? 

The reality is change is going to happen, so deal with it.  If we only think in terms of what we feel comfortable with, we are going to have a dwindling audience to appeal to.  In the case of the church, we can only anticipate even more empty pews in the future.

IT'S NOT ABOUT ME!

Perhaps you have seen the video of the young women taking “selfies” while attending a baseball game.  If you have not viewed it you can find it on my Facebook page.  The video is almost as funny as it is sad.  That the young ladies are so self-absorbed is what makes it disturbing.  In actuality I should not be surprised.  In fact, I am part of the problem.  Facebook and Twitter might be called “social media” but it is easy to make them personal promotional tools.  We post things about ourselves with the expectation that others will view them.  In the process we are putting the focus on ourselves.

 One of the characteristics that “experts” have tagged on Millennials is that they are self-absorbed.  Watching the video might reinforce that conclusion.  But, considering the way many of us use social media, I am not sure that cannot be said for our entire culture.  Makes me wonder if having a camera on my cellular device is a good idea, but then I do not recall the last time I took a picture with a camera.  I even have a selfie with my ninety-four year old mother.  I will show it to you if you just ask and no, I did not attempt to explain the term “selfie” to her. 

As I have shared before, one of the core values of our church, The Crossing Church-Dallas is “It’s not about me.”  It is based on Jesus’ total sacrifice.  His earthly ministry was all about meeting the needs of others.  With the exception of the times that he slipped off to for prayer and time with his Father, Jesus seems oblivious to his own needs. 

If there is to be change in the trend away from our societies narcissistic tendencies it needs to start with me.  I am going to make a new commitment to share less about my personal life, and more about my desire to impact the lives of Millennials.  I would encourage you to do the same. It's not about you.