Reaching Millennials

The most recent edition of the Reporter, the official newspaper of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS), included a front page article on a research project on young-adult retention.  You need look no further than most local Lutheran congregations to see the void when it comes to Millennials (in the article are defined as those ages 22-37).  This is not a problem that is limited to one denomination.  Every mainline Protestant Denomination is experiencing a decline.  The LCMS has probably done a better job of retaining their young adults than most, but there is still a noticeable void when it comes to actively engaged young adults. 

While it might be easy to just write-off Millennials as the lost generation and focus on today’s teens and college students, I am not ready to give up on young adults.  My experience is that many Millennials who have drifted away are now searching for a church once they get married and start families.  Unfortunately they are often affiliating with large non-denominational churches where they can hang out with their peers.  This troubles me.  As I shared in my book Relevant: The Church as it Relates to Millennials, sacramental theology speaks to much of what Millennials are looking for. The problem is creating a welcoming environment.  

The afore mentioned article does reach some conclusions on Millennials.  They are based on both research and focus groups.

1) There is a desire to connect at church with people in their own peer group, but an even higher priority for many Millennials is good theology.  This does create a dilemma for most Lutheran churches.  We have the theology, but lack the young people.

2) They are interested in building relationships, receiving advice from and being mentored by church members who are outside their age group.  In my mind the challenge here is to get older adults engaged in such relationships.

3) They want the church to talk about the difficult issues such as mental health, sexuality and the environment.  This might require us to listen and accept their opinions, even if we do not agree with them.

From my perspective, this presents a challenge within the context of our current faith communities.  I still maintain the church of the future will look vastly different than the church of today.  I see more alternative ministries like coffee houses and internet café’s.  I see churches being in the community through apartment and community ministries.  I think the future lies in connecting with people through their mobile devices, instead of in the pew.  All this requires church members who are open to change, willing to listen and prepared and equipped to be Jesus in a changing world.  

What are You Doing December 26th?

As a child I had a problem with December 26^th.  I was probably typical of many kids.  You anticipate the holiday and there is a natural letdown once the celebration has passed. On two different occasions I distinctly remember being sick on the day after Christmas.  The second time I distinctly remember my mom blaming it on too many sweets the day before.  As I reflect back, I think it was more “post-Christmas syndrome.”  

Our children have taken care of any post-Christmas letdown this year.  Our family celebration is scheduled for December 26^th.    Since all three of our kids are involved in full-time ministry scheduling family events is a bit of challenge.    That will make it a three day celebration.  Christmas Eve Barb and I will be involved in the worship services at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church; she playing keyboard with the orchestra and myself in the bass section of the choir.  Christmas Day we will spend wrapping gifts and in other preparations.  Our youngest Son, Mark, and daughter, Katie and her family will stop by in the evening for some family time.  Then the big day…

For Christians who observe the church calendar, it is not supposed to be this way.  Christmastide is a twelve day celebration.  It begins on Christmas, December 25^th, but extends to Epiphany, January 6.  Orthodox Christians traditionally have celebrated Christ’s birth on January 6^th, the day we celebrate the visit of the Magi. 

I would like to propose the celebration of Christ’s Birth should be observed 365 days a year.  The same should be said for Easter.  If Jesus is the Immanuel, “God with us,” should not he be part of our lives 24/7 every day of the year.  Simeon caught the message.  He was the man who is mentioned in Luke 2, “It had been promised to him that he would not die before he had seen the Christ.” (Luke 2:26).  Simeon proclaims that he could now die in peace because, “my eyes have seen your (Jesus') salvation.”  (Luke 2:29)  It does not end there, however.  Simeon goes on to state, “which has been prepared for all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2:30)  Following in Simeon’s legacy we are to be proclaiming that good news through our words and action every day of our lives. 

Pew Research released some disturbing statistic in 2017 regarding the decline in the celebrating of Christmas as a “religious” holiday.  While 90% of those polled reported celebrating Christmas, only 46% viewed it as a “more religious holiday,” down from 51% in 2013.  Perhaps the reason for the decline is rooted in the unfortunate fact we have done a poor job of “proclaiming that message of peace.”   We need to be people of hope in the midst of a world and culture that so desperately needs to hear that message. That message needs to be lived out on December 26th, and through the rest of the year.

Christmas Carols: Give me The Traditional Contemporary

One of joys of the Christmas season is the music that serves as the backdrop for my celebration.  Unlike some, I do try to maintain some parameters.  The first Sunday in Advent, not Thanksgiving, marks the beginning of the season.  And I will continue to enjoy the music of the season right through to Epiphany.  It seems like each of the traditional carols has a memory attached to it.  Years of caroling with church youth groups and singing in a choir on Christmas Eve probable have something to do with that.  I still get moved singing Silent Night by candlelight on Christmas Eve, and Joy to The World is always an  appropriate way to put an exclamation point on that service.   I guess I have taught my children well,  Both carols are on the schedule to be sung at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church this Christmas Eve.  I will be singing bass, while our daughter, Katie, directs the orchestra and choir.  

I have grown to love many of the contemporary Christmas songs as well.  The message of the birth of the Christ Child knows no bounds when it comes to hymns of praise.  Here are five of my favorites.   I hope you will find time to listen to them. 

Emmanuel/Hallowed Manger Ground, by Chris Tomlin and Ed Cash

While Chris Tomlin is known for some of his upbeat songs like Your Grace is Enough, he also has the ability to take the traditional and make it new.  Chris Tomlin also seems to have  with a sense of Church history.  Consider this verse:

“What fear we had in the silent age,

400 hundred years, could he be found.

Then broken by a baby cry,

Rejoice in the hallowed manger ground.

Emmanuel, God incarnate here to dwell”

Breath of Heaven, by Amy Grant and Chris Eaton

Amy Grant’s lyrics give us some insight into Mary’s feelings and thoughts as she carried the infant Jesus in her womb.

“I have traveled many moonless nights

Cold and weary with a babe inside

And I’ve wondered what I’ve done Holy Father,

You have come and chosen me to bear your son….

Breath of Heaven

Welcome to Our World, by Chris Rice

One of my fondest memories is listening to our three children sing this song.

“Wrap our injured flesh around you,

Breath our air and walk our sod.

Rob our sins and make us holy,

Perfect Son of God.

Welcome to our World.”

Manger Throne, by Julie Miller

To my knowledge this gem can only be found on the City of a Hill Christmas Time CD.  On the album it is sung by Mac Powell of Third Day.

“What kind of king would leave his throne,

In heaven to make the earth his home.

While men seek fame and great renowned

In lowliness, Our King comes down.”

All is Well, Words by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Music by Michael W. Smith

One of the anticipated highlights of this Christmas Eve is singing this song with the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church choir and orchestra.

“All is well, all is well.

Let there be peace of earth.

Christ has come, go and tell,

That He is in a manger. 

Sing Alleluia.”

A Blessed Christmastide to you and your family.

Pass the Torch.

George Herbert Walker Bush and Legacy

We have spent the last week reflecting on the passing of President George Herbert Walker Bush.  In particular I appreciated the “Christ –Centered” focus and the traditional liturgical worship of the Episcopal Church.  Over the last couple of decades I have drifted more toward contemporary music when it comes to worship.  It was nice to hear the traditional hymns.  It took me back to my roots growing up at St. James Lutheran Church in Grosse Pointe, Michigan and my early ministry years at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Downers Grove, Illinois.

It is well known that President Bush #41 did not like the “L Word.”  Yet, there is no doubt that he did leave a legacy.  When you watched, and listened to his friends and family you could see the imprint he had left on their lives.  I suspect some of his disdain for the “L” word is rooted in the fact that it implies that our earthy mission is accomplished.  If we humbly believe it is God’s desire that we live each day as his disciples, our mission is not accomplished until we take our last breath.  Only then will others have a full view of our lives.  Those who follow us will define our legacy.

With that in mind, here are some things I have learned from President George Herbert Walker Bush.

Love your enemies.  President Bush gained a reputation for being able to work with people who disagreed with him and perhaps even disliked him.  I need to do a better job of building bridges rather than walls.

The expedient thing is not always the right thing.  He had promised, “no more taxes” but when it was clear that raising taxes was the best option he went ahead fully knowing it might cost him an election.

Learn to laugh at yourself.  POTUS 41 did have some quirky mannerisms.  No one capitalized on them more than comedian Dana Carvey.  Instead of ignoring or even criticizing those who poked fun at him, he embraced them.  He and Dana Carvey had a great friendship.

Embrace the hope that we have in Jesus.  George H. W. Bush knew his Savior.  He believed that Jesus had died for his sins and rose again from the dead.  He looked forward to the eternal reunion that awaits those who die in the Lord. 

Rest in peace George Herbert Walker Bush.  Mission accomplished.

Hersey: Maybe We Have Something to Learn from Millennials

I often hear comments from some of my older adult peers that young folks have lost their way when it comes to holding traditional Christian beliefs.  The criticism is that even teens and young adult who have been brought up in the church have not been properly instructed in basic doctrine.  And even if they were taught the core doctrines they have diluted them as they have tried to blend Christian believe with the world view.  I recently read a new report from Ligonier Ministries that examined the state of theology in the United States.  The survey was conducted by Lifeway Research and based on interviews with 3,000 Americans.  This is the third such survey, with previous studies done in 2014 and 2016. 

What is especially troubling, to me, is that many Evangelical Christians are “deeply confused” about some core Christian doctrines.  Overall Jesus is still viewed as the Savior of the World.  For example, a majority agreed that Jesus died on the cross for their sins and that he rose from the dead.   On the negative side, they rejected the Bible’s teaching on (1) the gravity of man’s sin, (2) the importance of the church’s gathering together for worship, and (3) the Holy Spirit,”  More than two-thirds (69%) of Americans disagree that the smallest sin deserves eternal damnation—and 58 percent strongly disagree. Ligonier finds this “alarming.”  A majority of US adults (58%) said that worshiping alone or with one’s family is a valid replacement for regularly attending church. Only 30 percent disagree.  A majority of US adults (59%) say that the Holy Spirit is a force, not a personal being.

Other disturbing findings include:  “Most people are basically good” (52%) and “God accepts the worship of all religions” (51%).  Strangely, while most evangelicals strongly believe in justification by faith alone, they are confused about the person of Jesus Christ. On one hand, virtually all evangelicals express support for Trinitarian doctrine. Yet at the same time, most agree that Jesus is the first and greatest being created by God, which was a view espoused by the ancient heretic Arius.

Surprisingly, Millennials provided one of the bright spots.  The number of Americans ages 18 to 34 with evangelical beliefs (as defined by LifeWay Research) “rose significantly” from 14 percent in 2016 to 18 percent in 2018. Ligonier also noted a “large increase” in Millennials affirming that salvation is found in Christ alone (62%, up from 53% in 2016) and that Jesus Christ will return to judge the world (64%, up from 55% in 2016).  “There has been a significant change for the better among Millennials across a range of questions when compared to previous State of Theology surveys—so much so that they score higher than any other age group in several areas,” stated Ligonier. “Whether this is an anomaly or will continue unabated in future years remains to be seen.”

If there is a message here, it is in the need to be constantly in the word, checking our personal beliefs against what God actually tells us in the Bible.  Additionally there is the need to be in constant conversation with others on issues of faith.  “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17).  Perhaps some of that conversation needs to be across generation.  Maybe we have something to learn from Millennials.

Has God Left the Window Open?

It is easy to be discouraged about the future when we hear some of the statistic when it comes to today’s teens.  The social group identified as Gen Z’s does seem to do most of their communicating through their mobile devices.   Their world also seems to revolve around social media.   Their values often do not match up with what we view as God’s desires.  While it is true that less than 4% of today’s teens have a biblical world view, what happens if we focus on the minority who do believe in Jesus and have made a commitment to follow him? There is a pretty good chance these are the teens that attend our church and participate in our youth group. 

The research on Generation Z done by the Barna Group indicates church-going teens are holding to traditional Christian beliefs.   Ninety nine percent (99%) of engaged Christian teens believe that “Jesus is the divine Son of God.”  They also believe that “Jesus was a real person who was crucified by Rome and was actually raised from the dead” (94%).  The also hold to the belief that “faith in Jesus is the only way to God” (96%).  They also share some of the same beliefs on moral issues as older adult Christians.  In response to the statement “Marriage should be a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman” 91% agreed.  On the issue of abortion, 80% of engaged Christian teens agreed.  They also believe that “lying is morally wrong” (77%) and “Sex before marriage is morally wrong” (76%).  As a point of comparison, only 14% of unchurched teens viewed “sex before marriage” as wrong and only 35% believed that “marriage should be a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman.”

There are some other things that we know about this generation of teens. 

Having grown up post 9/11 they are driven to make a difference.  They want to make the world a better place.

Many are already charting their future education and careers beginning in middle school.  They often have a vision of where they want to be in five years.

They value history and want to learn from previous generations.

Unlike previous generations, they enjoy hanging out with their parents and families. 

As a result we have a unique window of opportunity.  Over the next ten to twelve years we have a chance to change the direction of the church.  I truly believe this is the generation of teens who could potentially reverse the years of decline.  The challenge comes in how we equip engaged Christian teens to be disciples .  I am not just referring to training professional church workers.  We are going to need young people to move into all kinds of positions from lawyers to plumbers.  I think the future lies in equipping them to be disciples of Jesus wherever they serve.  It involves training them to not only defend their faith but to relate to the world in an evangelical manner that leaves unbelievers want to know more about what makes us tick.  Where exactly is our hope found?   They need to see the Jesus in us.

I recently previewed a new presentation: Why I am Excited about the Future of the Church.  My target audience is older adult Christian.  My challenge to them is to step up and pass the torch of faith to this generation of teens.  Get to know them.  Listen to them.  Focus on building a relationship that will allow us to share our story and mentor them in their faith.  It also means making sure youth and children’s ministry remains a high priority within our congregations.

God has left the window open.  I am praying for a fresh wind of change will blow through the church.  Pass the torch.

Thanksgiving Prayer

Mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, turkey and dressing,

            desserts as far as the eye can see.

It’s a spread worthy of this

            stuff’em-till-they-drop-in-front-of-the-TV holiday.

For a day that started with such a noble purpose,

            we’ve certainly managed to pervert it.

Lord, I’m confronted by the fact that Thanksgiving

            no longer has much to do about giving thanks.

The focus is on gluttony and sports and

            only momentarily on You.

For some people, the question may even be

            “Why say thank You?”

            I work hard for all this.

It’s so easy to overlook You in

            the good times, Lord.

But you never forget us.

You send the rain on the just and the unjust,

            whether we say thanks or not.

Our tables overflow and bank accounts bulge

            whether we remember you or not.

What a great God You are.

And nowhere is Your greatness more apparent

            than on the cross.

You sent Your only son to save us-

            a  gift freely given with no expectation of repayment.

Nor can repay the great price-and

            Our thanks Yous seem insignificant.

But thank you Lord, for the

            bounty on our table,

            for family and friends,

            for possessions and jobs,

            and for the extras to numerous to count.

A special thank You for the gift I treasure most,

            my salvation.

Words cannot express my gratitude.  Amen.

Real Men Pray: Prayer Thoughts for Husbands and Fathers

Thomas Couser

CPH, 1996

Millennial Monopoly

One of the most talked about items last Christmas was the Millennial Nativity.  There was an attempt to not offend that generation by marketing it as the “Hipster Nativity” but there were too many cues referencing Millennial culture.  In case you missed it, Mary was holding a Starbucks cup and Joseph was taking a selfie on his iPhone.  The Magi were riding Segways and came bearing gifts packaged in Amazon boxes. 

Now, just in time for this Christmas Hasbro has released "Monopoly for Millennials."  The cover encourages players to take a break from the rat race because "adulting is hard."   Instead of collecting as much cash as possible, players are challenged to rack up the most Experiences to win. Players travel around the game board discovering and visiting cool places to eat, shop, and relax. They interact with other players via Chance and Community Chest cards, (which are super relatable).   There is no Boardwalk or Park Place in this game.  It says on the front of the box, "Forget real estate. You can't afford to buy it anyway."

I’ve been reading the online comments regarding this game that are coming from Millennials.  They are more than a little bit offended.  I cannot image many of them investing in the game.  To be honest, I cannot blame them.  Millennials have perhaps become the most decried and lampooned generation ever.  There are countless videos on Youtube that mock Millennials and their culture.  Perhaps, it is time to say, “Enough is enough.”

Has they have aged; Millennials have kind of blended in.  Many have married, started families and purchased homes.  Some of them have even found their way back to church, although most still prefer non-denominational mega churches to mainline congregations.  While they still can seem a little self-absorbed, as I look around I see the same characteristic in some of my peers. 

Monopoly for Millennials; let’s stop playing games and embrace them for who they are.  Learn to know them, love them and pass the torch to them.

Students Living in Fear

The most recent mass shooting took place in a country and western club in Thousand Oaks, California.  The affluent community of Thousand Oaks has a reputation for being one of the safest cities in the United States.  Once again many of those inside the Borderline Bar and Grill were young adults celebrating the weekly College Night.  The event only reinforces the conclusion reached in The Barna Report on Generation Z: Real Safety is a Myth for this group.  

This is the cohort that has grown up post 9/11.   The threat of domestic and international terrorism is all they have known.  We are coming up on the 10^th anniversary of the Columbine Massacre.  At the time it seemed like an isolated tragedy.  Unfortunately school shootings have become almost weekly occurrences. 

  

The November 5, 20188 issue of Time Magazine focused on the issue of gun control.  One article referenced the experience of a middle school music teacher in Dallas.  Each year Beth Poquette Drew asks her students to create a “respect agreement” outlining how they would treat each other. This year in addition to the “listen to each other” and “respect each other’s space” one of the first things to come up was “Don’t shoot each other.”  A reality is both kids and their parents live each day in constant fear.

An obvious response for the Christian community is to offer our children, teens and young adults a safe place, but it needs to go further than just an increased sense of safety.  We can keep the doors locked, provide our staff with training, and install security cameras, but the security measures need to only be the beginning.  We need to covey the peace and confidence that can only come through faith in Jesus Christ. 

Living in fear is nothing new to the church. First Century Christians lived in constant fear that the next knock on the door might mean they were headed to prison.  Many of them were martyred but still they not only kept the faith but shouted it from the rooftops.  The scriptures are full of reminders that as Christians we are to live fearlessly.  “The Lord is with me, I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me” (Psalm 118:6).  Yet to today in parts of the world Christians meet in secret because to do so publicly would put them at risk. 

Paul reminded Timothy, “God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, love, self -discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7).  As adults we need to not only provide a safe place but model that fearless spirit and live boldly and confidently without fear.   

Election Day 2018: A Reason for Hope

Today was midterm Election Day.  I took advantage of early voting. I can do that at our local City Hall.  It is a matter of convenience; for some unknown reason I have to drive past another voting location to get to my assigned polling place. Voting in advance did not mean I avoided some Election Day politicking.

Our current State Representative, Matt Rinaldi, has the reputation of being the most outspoken conservative in the Texas House.  Obviously, he is a Republican.  His Democratic opponent, Julie Johnson, has made it clear she takes a more liberal view of all the issues.  Matt Rinaldi is strong border control, gun right and school vouchers.  Julie Johnson’s stance is the exact opposite on all the issue. 

My encounter with Election Day electioneering took place when I stopped by our local library, which just happens to be the polling place I pass should I choose to go to my assigned spot. Today I was greeted by a young man representing Matt Rinaldi and two women who were supporting the efforts of Julie Johnson.  Surprisingly, they were all smiling and standing in close in close proximity. 

The conversation began with me assuring them that I had already cast my vote. They all thanked me.  My next question was how it was going?  I was curious on the overall mood of the voters. They all agreed that people were more passionate then they had anticipated.  It confirmed my opinion that there is a lot of emotion on both sides of the issue.

I did leave the conversation with a bit of hope.  Even when another Julie Johnson campaign worker showed up, making it 3-1 in favor of the Democrats, the tenor of the discussion stayed positive.  We all agreed that we were troubled by the deep divide when it comes to key issues.  Like me they are concerned about the anger and bitterness expressed by our leaders. 

Oh yes, I had to pass by the same campaign workers on my way back to my car. They were engaged in friendly conversation and I smiled and thanked them.   I can only pray the atmosphere is contagious.  It is amazing what happens when we smile and listen to each other. 

The Lost Souls of Honduras

In 2001the United States was heavily involved in addressing a humanitarian crisis.  The potential tragedy was created by a Civil War in the African country of Sudan. Thousands of young boys were displaced or orphaned during that war.  Many of them traveled a great distance across Africa to reach refugee camps. The Christian community responded to the plight of the Lost Boys of Sudan. Lutheran Social Service and Catholic Charities were two of the organizations that took part in ministering to the need. Over 3,800 Sudanese were placed in 38 different cities around the U.S.  Local churches took a key role in the process by sponsoring Sudanese Refugees and helping them become oriented to life in America.

I mention the story of the Lost Boys at this time because we are our country is facing another humanitarian crisis, but in this case I am afraid the welcome mat is not out. I am referring to the throng of refugees who are traveling on foot across Mexico. Most of them are fleeing the hostile political environment and the difficult economic situation in Honduras.   This time instead of organizing a response to minister to their basic needs and ultimately a desire for a better life, the goal is to turn them away.  There is a plan in place to send federal troops to the border to prevent them from entering our country.

It leads me to ask the question: What would Jesus do if he were the one meeting them at the border?  I am confident he would welcome them, make sure they were fed and provided with shelter.  That is the kind of Savior he is.  The Gospels are full of examples of his compassion and mercy for those who are lost.   Since the church is called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, I would hope our sense of compassion and charity would compel us to treat the Central American refugees much like the Lost boys of Sudan. I am not suggesting an immediate free pass.  Obviously there is a need to interview each adult and vetting process to weed out the troublemakers.  Once cleared for entry the immigrants would then  the matched with a local church  who would take on the responsibility for getting them integrated into our culture. 

I also see a secondary benefit to organizing a welcoming party.  We are not only sending a message to the world that we are a benevolent nation, but we are showing the teens and young adult around us an example of compassion.  A majority of teens and young adults hold a more open perspective when it comes to immigration.  Millennials and members of Generation Z are often more tolerant of those who  come from different cultures and even belief systems.  Perhaps this is an opportunity to work along-side them to solve a humanitarian crisis and be Jesus in a very broken world.

Election 2018: The Taylor Swift Effect?

Taylor Swift created quite a stir a few weeks back when she openly endorsed several Democratic candidates in the mid-term election.  She also encouraged her 112 million social media followers to register to vote so that their voices could be heard as well.  If you are over sixty you might not even be aware of who Taylor Swift is. She is a very popular singer who presents a pretty clean image. Some in the media have labeled her "America's Sweetheart.”  Michelle Obama presented her with a humanitarian award while she was First Lady.  She also noted that her daughters were big fans. Taylor Swift is also a Millennial whose audience is a mix of her peers and members of Generation Z.

While it is hard to measure the exact impact, in the less than 48 hours after Swift's post, Vote.org saw more than 105,000 new voter registrations through its site.  During a typical twenty-four hour period Vote.org sees an average of 14,078 visitors. In actuality, the “Taylor Swift effect” might be the tip of the iceberg.   The Associated Press recently reported that since July there has been an increased interest in this year’s mid-term election among those ages 18-35.   The research showed a remarkable increase in interest from July, 2018 to September, 2018.  In July 41% of those polled said they were interested in the midterm election but that number had swelled to 64% in September.  There also seemed to be increased optimism as the percentage of those who were “hopeful” increased from 40% to 55% in the two month period.  Those who felt “helpless” regarding the midterm election declined slightly from 40% to 36%.

Millennials have an inconsistent track record when it come voting.  They showed up strong in support of Barrack Obama but for the most part they ignored the 2016 Presidential Election. Now we will have to wait until November 6^th to see if they will show up at the ballot box. Either way, there is no denying that they have the potential to change the political direction of our country, and their passions and interest are vastly different than anything we have seen before.  It is only a matter of time till we have our first Millennial President.

What's Driving Today's Teens

I ran on the track team in high school.  I was half miler.  I was not particularly good but I wanted to go out for at least one sport.  Some of my buddies were on the team and two of them also ran the half mile.  I did upset them and the coach my sophomore year.  I quit the team.  There was a more important item on my agenda.  I had just turned sixteen and was eligible to take drivers education after school.  Getting your license was a rite of passage.  I could have waited until school was out and taken drivers education in summer school, but that would have meant delaying my freedom for at least four month. 

All that said, it was still a few months till I could get behind the wheel by myself.  The only driving as part of the class was in a fenced in a parking lot.  All the cars were Plymouth Valiants equipped with automatic transmissions.  Our 1959 Chevy station wagon had a stick shift.  I spent a lot of Sunday afternoons, with my dad beside me, driving around a mall parking lot.  I mastered most of it but my dad insisted that I be able to start the car from a standing stop on a steep grade.  Personally, I think it was delaying tactic but on an August Tuesday afternoon at 4:00 PM (how’s that for a memory) my dad took off of work early so I could take my driving test. I passed the first time.  Funny, I was never asked to start on an incline or parallel parking. I still had to share the car with my dad, and there were also a lot of restrictions.   I had my license and that meant eventual freedom.

Things have changed.  Getting your driver’s license evidently is not as big a deal these days.  The number of high school seniors who have a license to drive has been on a steady decline for over a decade.  In 1975 88% of 12^th grades had their license and 86% of them had driven a car at least once in the previous year.  According to the most recent Monitoring the Future survey, done in 2015, the number of seniors who had their license to drive had dropped to 72%. Surprisingly, the number who reported that had driven a car was slightly higher 74%. 

Those who study teen culture have identified a couple of contributing factors.

Some teens do not want the responsibility that comes with driving.

In a world that puts so much emphasis on security, having your parents drive you around in not that big a deal.  Some kids really enjoy having mom and dad around.

There is also something to be said for the overly structured life many high school students live.  Some don’t have the time needed to learn to drive.

It still seems strange that we have gone from parents saying, “Can’t we put this off for a while,” to “I am tired of being your personal chauffeur. Isn’t it time you got your license?”

Guess Who Believes in New Age Religion

We hear a lot about “New Age” religion.  For definition purposes “New Age” beliefs include but are not limited to believing in reincarnation, psychics, horoscopes or the presence of spiritual energy in physical things like tree or mountains.  Millennials, in particular, have gained a reputation for trying to blend “New Age” beliefs with Christianity.  A new study done by Pew Research produced some shocking insights.  Many adult Christians hold to at least one “New Age” belief. 

According to the survey 62% of all Americans believe at least one “New Age” practice.  Surprisingly, Christians (61%) are just as likely and non-Christians to believe in at least one “New Age” practice.  Evangelicals (47%) are the least likely to hold “New Age” beliefs and Catholics (70%) the most likely.  Surprisingly, members of mainline denominations are more like (67%) than the general population to believe in at least one “New Age” behavior.  What is even more startling to me is that adults age 50-66 (66%) are just as likely as young adults ages 18-29 (65%) to hold to at least one of the “New Age” beliefs.  So much for the theory that Millennials are to blame for watering down the Christian faith.

As a Christian, it is hard for me to comprehend how someone who believes in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior would consult the daily horoscope before beginning each day.  Being born in March, I have been told I am a Pisces, but I have never given much thought to what that means.  When faced with a difficult decision I will pray for wisdom and wait for the Holy Spirit to guide me.  I am not much for good luck charms and even feel guilty when reading that slip of paper inside the fortune cookie. 

It is no wonder the teens and young adults are forming their own hybrid version of Christianity.  Many of those who are supposed to be mentoring them are sending mixed messages.  There is no room for astrology, psychics or Ouija Boards in the lives of those who see Jesus as their eternal hope.  

The November Election: Will the Millennials Show Up

We live in a very contentious environment.  Not since the tumultuous sixties have we been so strongly divided.  It is hard to know where to start when identifying the issues that have created the gap between us.  Gay rights, Black Lives Matter and gun control are among the topics that have created the rift.  It also seems as if everyone has an opinion on the current administration.  The Congress is divided along party lines and there is more finger pointing than there is discussion on how to solve the problems.  Like in the Vietnam War era, the divide seems to be generational.  A majority of older American want to “Make America Great Again” while Millennials and members of Generation Z ask “What’s so great about it?” 

Like the Baby Boomers of the sixties, many Millennials hold views that run counter to those of older Americans.  As a voting block they now also outnumber Baby Boomers, but to this point have not always gone to the polls to express those interests.  An article in the September 27, 2018 edition of the Dallas Morning News leads me to believe Millennials might be ready to step-up and go to the ballot box.  The source of the data was a recent survey conducted by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.  According to the survey 64% of those ages 15-34 were interested in the upcoming election.  That is up from 41% in just two months since July, 2018.  Fifty-five percent (55%) were hopeful about the election, up from 40% two month earlier.  The percentage of those who felt helpless about the election has dropped from 40% in July to 36% in September.  In addition, fewer (34%) of those polled felt overwhelmed by the election process, that is down from 43% in June.

If the study is correct, that is a remarkable swing in a short period of time.  In two month time it seems like more young adults are interested in making a difference at the ballot box.  That might also be reflected in the number of Millennials who are anxious about the election, almost half (49%), a big increase from the 36% who expressed anxiety in July.  The real question still remains: will Millennials actually follow through and show up on November 6?

The fact that their interest in the election has grown remarkably in just two months leads me to believe they might be ready to express their opinion at the ballot boxes.  Either way, those of us over 65 need to be ready for the eventual swing in national leadership.  The Millennials have already impacted the world of business, finance and communication.  I strongly believe the polling process is next.   I am confident there will be a big change in the leadership in Washington within the next ten years. 

Understanding Millennial Givers

Millennials have a reputation for being self-absorbed but I recently read an article in the Business Insider that caused me reconsider that.  The piece focused on the work of Generation Resources, a millennial led organization dedicated to social change and equality.  Generation Resources is made up of 600 wealthy millennials working to redistribute some of their inherited, earned and future wealth to make the world a better place.  Generation Resources has sixteen chapters across the U.S.  Their primary focus is skill building and training.  They want to equip their peers to make a difference.

The executive director of Generation Resources is Iimay Ho, the 32 year old daughter of a wealthy insurance executive.  Ho stands to inherit a million dollars but she does not want to use the money, or her current financial resources, for luxury vacations or an extravagant lifestyle.  Her perspective reflects the organization.  "Our mission is to organize young wealthy people in the top 10% to use their money to support racial and economic justice," Ho said. "We do that by providing a clear role, training, and skills to support the working class through giving."

Generation Resources has donated to several causes.   They gave $2,000 to support Turning the Tide, which focuses on stopping police and ICE collaborations leading to more deportations.  They posted a $2,000 bond to release someone from ICE detention.  The have also raised $135,000 for the Social Justice Fund which addresses the cause of social, economic and environmental inequalities.

I personally am not surprised by this.  Many millennials do support organizations and efforts that align with their interests and passions. Scores of millennials are seeking jobs and positions in the non-profit sector because they desire to make a difference.  Countless millennials also have an entrepreneurial spirit, leading them to start their own non-profit organizations.

Unfortunately millennials are not passionate about giving to churches or religious organizations, even if they are members.  There are two factors at work here.  If they have grown up in the church they see it as being part of their lives that will always be there.  They give little thought to the fact that someone must support the church so the building is maintained and the staff paid.  Secondly, they are not big on supporting and maintaining institutions.  That is especially the case for institutions that seem out of touch and incapable to meeting their needs.

From my perspective, here are some ways we can reverse the trend;

Realize the future is not in building new churches or even remodeling old ones.  The church must learn to focus on ministry outside of its walls

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We must engage millennials and except them for who they are.  In the process we might begin to understand what excites them and determine how we might partner with them in pursuing those passions.

Stop playing the numbers game in terms of church attendance and membership.  In the fast-paced world in which millennials live they do not think about long-term affiliations.  They are more interested in partnering with those who want to help them pursue their passions and concerns.

Churches that get the message and adapt will continue to have a relevant ministry.  Those that do not are on the road to extinction.

Good News about College Students

At the time of year when many college students are beginning another school year a new study provides some encouraging words on what they are looking for as they prepare for a future career.  The assumption is their primary focus is on profession development and preparing for a career, with the goal of financial security.  Pastors, youth ministry professionals and their parents have always been concerned about their spiritual welfare while on campus.  The report from the Barna Group seems to indicate a desire on the part of students to grow in their discipleship while planning for their future.  Many want to be able to integrate their faith into their future career.

A majority of college students see higher education as a path to gainful employment (69%) and financial security (55%).  The percentage was considerably higher for practicing Christian college students (75%), but many of them want much more than just an education.   Three in ten (31%) of practicing Christian college students expressed an interest in continued professional development that focused on integrating faith and applying it to a career.  Twenty-six percent (26%) were looking for a workshop or similar one-time event to help them integrate their future career with their faith.  Twenty percent (20%) wanted an even deeper experience through involvement in a hub or small group.

Where at one point we would had to rely on letter writing, or an occasional phone call or campus visit, staying engaged with contemporary college students is much easier.  Social media, Face Time and email are tools that are readily available.  It does require an ongoing commitment.  It also means being fervent in our prayers for young people during these critical years.

Many adults are under the impression that members of Generation Z (those born since the beginning of this century) are like the Millennial Generation that preceded them.  Wrong!  That includes many of today’s college who might be classified as Millennials but in actuality are more like members of Generation Z.  The reality is the opportunity to disciple the next generation appears to be there.  Now it is imperative that we step up a seize it.