Interruption or Disruption?

One of the main topics of conversations among church experts is whether Christians view the pandemic as an interruption or a disruption.  Listening to respected voices like Thom Rainer, David Kinnaman and Carey Nieuhof I am convinced it is going to be a new world when the restrictions are lifted and we can return to our houses of worship.  It is naïve to think the current situation is just an interruption of our “normal” church activities.  I was involved in a podcast a few weeks back during which we concluded this pandemic is really a societal reset.  The way we do worship and function as a community of faith is going to look very different in the future.  Those who struggle with change need to fasten their seat-belts. 

If you doubt that the pandemic has disrupted the way we experienced worship just three months ago consider some of the implications;

Hospitality: What do we do about the Sunday morning social hour?  If it happens at all it is going to look different if we cannot gather in small groups.  The days of handshakes and hugs are also in the past.  Probably no more snacks and coffee either.

Childcare: What kind of restriction will there be on the church nursery?  Will parents even want their children to be exposed to other people?  This also plays into how we do children’s and youth ministry in the future.  It is hard to picture youth mission trips and retreats happening in a world where we can cram twelve kids into a van.  

Setting: What kind of adjustments will we need to make in our worship space?  It is almost a sure bet we will have to allow more space between families. As long as we are wearing face mask, singing is out of the question.  With social distancing rules, how can we have a choir or vocal ensemble.

All of the above pale in comparison to the challenging issue of how do we disciple people in the post-pandemic world?  Some even question if there will be fewer people to disciple.  Is it possible some people might never come back, choosing to worship online on a regular basis?

I am currently working on a new book in which I examine what the church might look in the future. In many ways the pandemic has accelerated the process.  Some are predicting that up to one-third of churches will close and just go away as a result of COVID-19.  Those churches won’t just look different… they will disappear. 

In the midst of this we do have the assurance that God is faithful.  The church, as the people of God, will still exist post the pandemic.  I, for one, am excited to see what the church is going to look like five or ten years from now.  In many ways this is the opportunity to renew and reprioritize in a way few thought possible. 

Look Who is on the Front Line

I will admit it; I owe Millennials an apology.  I was one of those who poked fun at them.  I chuckled when I was introduced to the Millennial Nativity scene, with Mary holding her latte from Starbucks, Joseph taking selfies on his iphone and the Magi arriving on segaways, rather than camels.  I laughed at the satirical video promoting a ministry to sponsor a Millennial in the same way we do a child in Africa.  

The pandemic has brought out the best in the Millennial Generation.  As a cohort they have risen to the top and might be the heroes of this international crisis.  They had a reputation for being narcissistic and lazy.  Known as the “Trophy Kids,” we mocked their need for constant affirmation.  Sorry, but we under estimated the determination, caring and compassionate nature of these young folks.  They have become the warriors in this battle. 

The Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation have heeded the warning and sheltered at home.  The members of Generation X have worried about the economic impact and how the pandemic has affected they 401 K’s.  The youngest cohort, Gen Z;s, seemed to be the least concern, almost as if to say “party on, what’s the big deal.”  Millennials on the other hand have risen to the top and taken the lead in getting us through this catastrophe.  Many of them are the first responders and front-line medical personnel who are daily fighting the battle.  They are the ones who have most easily adjusted to working at home, after all it was always their preference.

The generation that had a reputation as being self-focused as suddenly become the caretakers.  They are the ones who are encouraging their parents to shelter at home, often taking on the responsibility to make sure their needs are met.  When everything is settled and we are able to again gather in groups and move about without fear, we will owe the young folks who got us through this a word of thanks. 

I was wrong… Millennials are getting us through this.

Celebrating The Class of 2020

I spent eleven years of the staff at Lutheran High School of Dallas (now called Dallas Lutheran School) as a counselor.  I often refer to those as my best years in ministry.  I had been in church youth ministry for twenty-seven years.  In parish youth ministry kids drift into your life a couple times a week.  To be honest, most of my time was spent planning, rather than hanging with kids.  In a school environment I was with kids eight hours or more five days a week.  I got to relate to students as a counselor, teacher, coach and even friend.

 

May was always my favorite month of the school year.  Sure, there was anticipation of the end of the school year and the summer break, but there was also so much to celebrate.  I enjoyed walking along-side the seniors as they closed out their high school education and anticipated the future.  Many of them took on a new level of maturity. I never much of a prom and party guy, I was more into personal celebrations.  I knew the students who had struggled academically and were now going to be able to celebrate their accomplishments.  I enjoyed worshiping at the baccalaureate service but probably even more the fellowship that followed.  I especially valued the commencement experience and as we took time to celebrate each student. 

I am grieving from afar this particular commencement season.  The Class of 2020 is experiencing graduation in a way life no other.  The pandemic means no prom, no senior parties and honors convocation.  It there is a commencement ceremony it is either going to be delayed or look very different.  I am left wondering how you can have a graduation celebration without hugs. 

I would ask that you take time to recognize the graduating seniors in your life.  That will be easy for those who are part of your family, children and grandchildren, but I would ask you to think about the young people you know through your church and neighborhood.  A card and personal note probably will have more meaning now than ever.  Most of all lift them up in prayers.  These seniors are going to need patience and courage like no class before.  They are graduating into a world full of unknowns.  There are questions about what the college experience will look like in the future.  There might even be economic unknowns.  Family financial situations might have changed to the point that college has to be delayed.  The economic environment will also be impacted if they are looking for a job. 

With our encouragement, the Class of 2020 will be able to use this experience to change the world like not other.  After all, they have already survived a pandemic.