“Why is it that a generation that is so passionate about
making a difference rejects an institution that is all about making a
difference?” A pastor friend asked me that
question recently. He was referring to
today’s teens and young adults and their relationship with the church. Millennials and Gen Z’s are quick to respond
to the needs of children who live in poverty.
They can be passionate about protecting the environment. Members of Generation Z in particular want to
make a difference. Their goal is to make
the world a better place. It seems like
a perfect fit for young folks to want to partner with the church, a body that is
all about grace, mercy and compassion has its roots.
The unfortunate reality is almost a third of Millennials
and a quarter of Gen Z’s view Christians a hypocritical. From their perspective Christians talk a good
game but really do not carry through. Another
major stumbling block for people who have grown up in the world of STEM
education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) it is easy to see the
church in conflict with what they have been taught. An additional problem is their perception
that the church is not a place to ask question.
In the minds of some young people the church does not even want to discuss
issues like creation or moral issues.
A recent report from Pew Research added another aspect to
the question, why don’t Millennials and Gen Z’s like the church? The sad fact is they do like the church meddling
in the political arena. In the highly
charged, deeply divided atmosphere that currently exist; young people would
like to see the church quiet, perhaps in the role of peacemaker. If
anything, they want us to be praying for our leaders in general and not taking
sides.
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