It has been four weeks since the release of my new book Passing the Torch: Sharing Faith and Values with the Millennial Generation. I am a little overwhelmed by the initial response. While the book hasn't made any one's list of best sellers, I have gotten a lot of positive feedback. This book is my second attempt at self-publishing. My first book, Parenting Without Guilt: Avoiding the Seven Things Parents do to Screw-Up Their Kids, did alright in terms of sales but I never had that many invitations to talk about the book. This time is different and I am getting positive feedback and inquiries. I've concluded that while there are an abundance of books on parenting, there are not many authors who have tackled the topic of millennials.
What I am hearing is that people want to do something to reverse the trend: Teens and young adults are leaving the traditional church. This has been happening for over a decade but it seems like people are finally ready to take action. It's not enough just to be concerned, it takes a desire to understand and seek out millennials. It also means accepting those whose values and lifestyles might clash with what we believe. One criticism of the church is that it is not the place to ask questions or to discuss controversial issues. If you express an opinion that goes against the mainstream, you can expect get a "cold shoulder." That has to change.
The book attempts to help adults, especially those over forty, to begin to understand those under the age of thirty. It also includes strategies on how to begin to make a difference. The bottom line is we need to be people of hope in the midst of change. When we model our lives after Jesus, we can make a difference. Remember, Jesus always accepted and loved people for who they were. He calls us to do the same. You can check out the book at www.outskirtspress.com/passingthetorch. The book is available on Amazon.com in both standard and Kindle formats.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Ok, So What is Appropriate Attire?
It was my wife who brought it to my attention, yesterday. "I think it might be something you might want to comment on," she remarked. It was a radio report on the informality at which millennials approach job interviews. It seems for some, flip-flops, shorts and tees have become OK attire when interviewing for a job. Some young adults even bring along a friend, or a parent. One young lady even showed up for a job interview accompanied by her cat. "What are they thinking," I was caused to wonder.
Then today I met a young man at the airport that caused me to reconsider. He was wearing a loud Hawaiian shirt, tattered shorts and sandals. He hammered away at his laptop while he also chatted on the phone. During a break in the action he asked me if I knew where the closest Starbucks was. When he returned I stuck up a conversation. It turns out he is partner, with a college friend, in a social media consulting business. They have around a dozen employees and work with other small companies. They help them use social media to spread their message. When I commented about the report mentioned previously, he just laughed. "Our employees work at home, so they might be naked for all I know," he commented. "I do have a three piece suit, because I know certain clients expect that image," he concluded.
I guess it's a matter of adapting to the situation. I am sure there is a big difference in the dress code at a law firm, as opposed to a social media giant like Facebook. Come to think of it, I can draw from experience. In retirement, we get around to the churches where our kids are involved in ministry. Most Sundays we attend The Crossing Church in Dallas where our son, Mark, is lead pastor. It tends to be a younger crowd and the atmosphere is informal. On those Sundays I can wear jeans and and open collar shirt. Our daughter is assistant director of music at Prince of Peace in Carrollton. If we are attending the 8:00 am traditional service I will usually wear a sportcoat and tie, but if it's one of the contemporary services I can get by with an open collar shirt and slacks. I dress in a similar fashion if we are going to Aledo, Texas to visit The Summit where our other son, Peter, is lead pastor.
Perhaps that is what we need to be sharing with the younger generation. It's OK to be yourself, but you also need to consider the expectations of others. What's appropriate? That's doesn't just include how we dress, but the kind of language we use and degree of etiquette. To be honest, I don't think God really cares about how we look. Rather like in the case of David (1 Samuel 16:7), he judges the heart.
Then today I met a young man at the airport that caused me to reconsider. He was wearing a loud Hawaiian shirt, tattered shorts and sandals. He hammered away at his laptop while he also chatted on the phone. During a break in the action he asked me if I knew where the closest Starbucks was. When he returned I stuck up a conversation. It turns out he is partner, with a college friend, in a social media consulting business. They have around a dozen employees and work with other small companies. They help them use social media to spread their message. When I commented about the report mentioned previously, he just laughed. "Our employees work at home, so they might be naked for all I know," he commented. "I do have a three piece suit, because I know certain clients expect that image," he concluded.
I guess it's a matter of adapting to the situation. I am sure there is a big difference in the dress code at a law firm, as opposed to a social media giant like Facebook. Come to think of it, I can draw from experience. In retirement, we get around to the churches where our kids are involved in ministry. Most Sundays we attend The Crossing Church in Dallas where our son, Mark, is lead pastor. It tends to be a younger crowd and the atmosphere is informal. On those Sundays I can wear jeans and and open collar shirt. Our daughter is assistant director of music at Prince of Peace in Carrollton. If we are attending the 8:00 am traditional service I will usually wear a sportcoat and tie, but if it's one of the contemporary services I can get by with an open collar shirt and slacks. I dress in a similar fashion if we are going to Aledo, Texas to visit The Summit where our other son, Peter, is lead pastor.
Perhaps that is what we need to be sharing with the younger generation. It's OK to be yourself, but you also need to consider the expectations of others. What's appropriate? That's doesn't just include how we dress, but the kind of language we use and degree of etiquette. To be honest, I don't think God really cares about how we look. Rather like in the case of David (1 Samuel 16:7), he judges the heart.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Reflections on Baseball and the Way we Share the Score
We came home last evening after spending four days with our three grandsons (ages 9, 7 & 5), while our son, Peter, and his wife attended a conference in Florida. The boys are in the middle of little league season and they pretty much live baseball. In the between games and practices, they play baseball in the backyard on a diamond they have set up. They also follow their favorite teams, and players. They have MLB-TV so they can pretty much watch any game. They also each have at least one fantasy team that they manage. The first one up each morning turns on the TV to the MLB Network to get the recap from the previous evening so they can update their brothers when they wake up. They take great pride in having the information first.
I couldn't help but think of how different it is to my childhood experience. Few games were on TV and we had to rely on the morning paper to update us on the scores from around the league. Late at night during the summer I would lie in bed and listen to the late games on the radio. My dad had rigged up an antenna on a pole outside that allowed me to pick-up stations from around the Midwest. I could listen to the Reds, Pirates, Cardinals, Cubs and White Sox. There were no west coast teams in those days, so everything pretty much was done by 11:00 PM.
I still am in awe when it comes to the way we get our information today. By the time I open the paper in the morning the scores from the previous evening are old news. On any particular evening I have a choice of multiple games to watch. It's not uncommon to be following my favorite team, The Detroit Tigers, on my i-phone, while watching the Texas Rangers on TV.
Many of the same things apply when it comes to how we access God's word. I still prefer my leather-bound Thompson's Chain Reference NIV Bible when it comes to devotions and Bible study, but I also have an app on my i-phone that allows me to read any chapter in the Bible from multiple translations and paraphrases. The same app has commentaries and a Bible dictionary. Amazing technology!
With all these changes, one thing remains constant. God's story remains the same and there is never a doubt when it comes to what the final outcome of the contest is going to be. The way God's story is told through our lives changes constantly though. When it comes to sharing that story with others, it is still best conveyed in a one-on-one personal way. Verbal communication is still the best way to pass the torch.
I couldn't help but think of how different it is to my childhood experience. Few games were on TV and we had to rely on the morning paper to update us on the scores from around the league. Late at night during the summer I would lie in bed and listen to the late games on the radio. My dad had rigged up an antenna on a pole outside that allowed me to pick-up stations from around the Midwest. I could listen to the Reds, Pirates, Cardinals, Cubs and White Sox. There were no west coast teams in those days, so everything pretty much was done by 11:00 PM.
I still am in awe when it comes to the way we get our information today. By the time I open the paper in the morning the scores from the previous evening are old news. On any particular evening I have a choice of multiple games to watch. It's not uncommon to be following my favorite team, The Detroit Tigers, on my i-phone, while watching the Texas Rangers on TV.
Many of the same things apply when it comes to how we access God's word. I still prefer my leather-bound Thompson's Chain Reference NIV Bible when it comes to devotions and Bible study, but I also have an app on my i-phone that allows me to read any chapter in the Bible from multiple translations and paraphrases. The same app has commentaries and a Bible dictionary. Amazing technology!
With all these changes, one thing remains constant. God's story remains the same and there is never a doubt when it comes to what the final outcome of the contest is going to be. The way God's story is told through our lives changes constantly though. When it comes to sharing that story with others, it is still best conveyed in a one-on-one personal way. Verbal communication is still the best way to pass the torch.
Monday, April 15, 2013
A Shift in Public Opinion on Marijuana: The Millennial Effect
I was born in 1946. That makes me a baby boomer. Boomers were born between 1946 and the mid-60's. Dad's came home from World War II ready to settle down and start families. The average married couple had four children. My generation impacted our society in a way no other generation had. To begin with, we comprised the largest population group in American history. We flooded the educational system: As an example. the community colleges were initially created to serve us. Now a new generation, that outnumbers even the baby boomers, is impacting our culture. In shear numbers the millennials, those born between 1984 and 2002, will dwarf my generation, and we are just beginning to feel their effect.
I was reminded of that again last week when I read a new report by the Barna Group. According to their research done earlier this year, for the first time a majority of Americans favor the legalization of marijuana. The margin is small, 51% in favor and 45% opposed, but the shift has begun. I can say that because of the significant 11% swing in public opinion in the last two years. You might ask: How can that be? More and more millennials are becoming part of the adult population and according to the Barna folks, 65% of millennials favor the legalization of pot. Warning: Before you start throwing stones you need to know that 50% of baby boomers also support the legalization of marijuana. Another indication is the fact that 24 states have already taken steps to decriminalize the drug.
I am not here to take a stand on the issue, although I do have an opinion. I can see the issue from both sides. As long as pot is illegal those desiring to use it will have to deal with the criminal element to get it. That means supporting the Mexican Drug Cartel and well, you get the picture. Marijuana is a gateway drug and the folks to peddle it will be glad to sell you something stronger. To legalize it takes away that risk, but I also know the marijuana is a drug. It promotes a lifestyle that I struggle to see as God-pleasing. It also comes with health risks. Let the debate go on.
I do know that we can never allow the court of public opinion influence who we are a God's people. It's up to each of us to dig into God's Word and determine how it applies to our walk of discipleship. To be honest, I don't believe God is going to condemn someone one to hell for smoking a joint, in the same way he is going to have mercy on those who commit other vices. So, what should we be doing:
Be open to the opinions of others. Learn to listen and to love them for who they are, I think that's what Jesus would want us to do.
Don't be so quick to judge. Remember, we are all sinners in God's eyes.
Our actions will always speak the loudest. Teens and young adults are watching to see how we run our lives. At all times we need to be an example of hope, unconditional love and discipleship.
I was reminded of that again last week when I read a new report by the Barna Group. According to their research done earlier this year, for the first time a majority of Americans favor the legalization of marijuana. The margin is small, 51% in favor and 45% opposed, but the shift has begun. I can say that because of the significant 11% swing in public opinion in the last two years. You might ask: How can that be? More and more millennials are becoming part of the adult population and according to the Barna folks, 65% of millennials favor the legalization of pot. Warning: Before you start throwing stones you need to know that 50% of baby boomers also support the legalization of marijuana. Another indication is the fact that 24 states have already taken steps to decriminalize the drug.
I am not here to take a stand on the issue, although I do have an opinion. I can see the issue from both sides. As long as pot is illegal those desiring to use it will have to deal with the criminal element to get it. That means supporting the Mexican Drug Cartel and well, you get the picture. Marijuana is a gateway drug and the folks to peddle it will be glad to sell you something stronger. To legalize it takes away that risk, but I also know the marijuana is a drug. It promotes a lifestyle that I struggle to see as God-pleasing. It also comes with health risks. Let the debate go on.
I do know that we can never allow the court of public opinion influence who we are a God's people. It's up to each of us to dig into God's Word and determine how it applies to our walk of discipleship. To be honest, I don't believe God is going to condemn someone one to hell for smoking a joint, in the same way he is going to have mercy on those who commit other vices. So, what should we be doing:
Be open to the opinions of others. Learn to listen and to love them for who they are, I think that's what Jesus would want us to do.
Don't be so quick to judge. Remember, we are all sinners in God's eyes.
Our actions will always speak the loudest. Teens and young adults are watching to see how we run our lives. At all times we need to be an example of hope, unconditional love and discipleship.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Americans Seek Wisdom, Not Salvation, in the Bible
Americans still value the Bible, just not in the same way they have in the past. That is one conclusion I reached when reviewing a recent study done by The Barna Group. According the research, 88% of American own a Bible, and 80% of us view the Bible as being sacred. 77% of Americans feel our country needs the Bible, with 32% reporting our nations problems could be solved if more people read the scriptures. The media and corporate greed are viewed as the other reasons our country is in moral decline.
Millennials, more than older adults, turn to the Bible for wisdom when it comes to life issues. Help with parenting was the top reason, with 42% of millennials listing in as a reason for turning to the Bible. Dealing with family conflicts was the next most popular reason with 40%. One third of millennials (33%) saw the Bible as a source of wisdom when it came to death or illness. For those over thirty: 22% sought insights on parenting, 24% on dealing with family conflict and 17% on death and illness issues. Among the conclusions: millennials seemed to be intrigued by the role of the Bible in providing guidance and wisdom. "It is a surprising expression of openness to Christianity amidst a generational cohort that is increasingly post-religious," notes the report.
While I have always found the scriptures helpful when dealing with life issues, I find it more as a source of hope and comfort. I would never think of using the Bible as a parenting manual or a guide on how to run a successful business. Only in the Bible can I find the incredible story of God's relationship with His people. More than that, only in the Gospels can I read of Jesus' suffering, death and Resurrection. Through the Epistles I am challenged in my walk of discipleship and service. In the Book of Revelation I find comfort in reading that the battle is won and I can gain a glimpse of the glory that awaits me in heaven.
Those of us who find our hope in the Good News of salvation found in Jesus Christ need to continue to share that message. The most effective way is not with words, but rather through our actions. The way we handle the issues of our everyday life should bear testimony to who we are as people of God. Our reactions in time of crisis, even when facing death, should attest to the hope we have in Jesus. We are always Easter people.
Millennials, more than older adults, turn to the Bible for wisdom when it comes to life issues. Help with parenting was the top reason, with 42% of millennials listing in as a reason for turning to the Bible. Dealing with family conflicts was the next most popular reason with 40%. One third of millennials (33%) saw the Bible as a source of wisdom when it came to death or illness. For those over thirty: 22% sought insights on parenting, 24% on dealing with family conflict and 17% on death and illness issues. Among the conclusions: millennials seemed to be intrigued by the role of the Bible in providing guidance and wisdom. "It is a surprising expression of openness to Christianity amidst a generational cohort that is increasingly post-religious," notes the report.
While I have always found the scriptures helpful when dealing with life issues, I find it more as a source of hope and comfort. I would never think of using the Bible as a parenting manual or a guide on how to run a successful business. Only in the Bible can I find the incredible story of God's relationship with His people. More than that, only in the Gospels can I read of Jesus' suffering, death and Resurrection. Through the Epistles I am challenged in my walk of discipleship and service. In the Book of Revelation I find comfort in reading that the battle is won and I can gain a glimpse of the glory that awaits me in heaven.
Those of us who find our hope in the Good News of salvation found in Jesus Christ need to continue to share that message. The most effective way is not with words, but rather through our actions. The way we handle the issues of our everyday life should bear testimony to who we are as people of God. Our reactions in time of crisis, even when facing death, should attest to the hope we have in Jesus. We are always Easter people.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Easter: A Lesson from Mr. Munzel
I grew up in Detroit in the 50's and 60's. It was a great city, nothing like the urban wasteland of today. I grew up surrounded by family: Grandparents and aunts and uncles all lived in the same neighborhood. Church was a big part of our lives. We went to St. James Lutheran Church and George Kurz was the only pastor I knew till I left for college. Pastor Kurz was not the only mentor I had. I was surrounded by Sunday school teachers. confirmation sponsors, youth leaders and a volunteer who coached out boys basketball team. One of the major influences on my spiritual development was Carl Munzel. Mr. Munzel was the organist and choir director. My parents sang in the choir, I joined the children's choir when in third grade and moved up through the ranks. During my junior year in high school the senior choir had a shortage of treble voices and I was asked to join the bass section.
It was during Lent of that year that Carl Munzel taught me an important lesson. His words still ring in my ear as I prepare to celebrate another Easter. Lent was a busy time for our choir. In addition to singing every Sunday, we sang for every Lenten service, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. This particular Lent we must have been struggling to transition from "Stricken, Smitten and Afflicted" to "Jesus Christ is Risen Today. Our lack of enthusiasm for the anthems he had selected for Easter finally got the best of him. He rose up from the piano bench and stood before us with anger in his eyes. "Where would we be without Easter. Christmas is a great celebration, but if the Baby Jesus hadn't died and risen again we would have no hope."
We are Easter People. That means we are people of hope in the midst of a changing world. That is the Good News we must celebrate this Easter, but it's also the message of hope we need to be share with all the children, youth and young adults in our lives. Pass the torch.
It was during Lent of that year that Carl Munzel taught me an important lesson. His words still ring in my ear as I prepare to celebrate another Easter. Lent was a busy time for our choir. In addition to singing every Sunday, we sang for every Lenten service, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. This particular Lent we must have been struggling to transition from "Stricken, Smitten and Afflicted" to "Jesus Christ is Risen Today. Our lack of enthusiasm for the anthems he had selected for Easter finally got the best of him. He rose up from the piano bench and stood before us with anger in his eyes. "Where would we be without Easter. Christmas is a great celebration, but if the Baby Jesus hadn't died and risen again we would have no hope."
We are Easter People. That means we are people of hope in the midst of a changing world. That is the Good News we must celebrate this Easter, but it's also the message of hope we need to be share with all the children, youth and young adults in our lives. Pass the torch.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Same-Sex Marriage: Public Opinion has Shifted
If you doubt the impact of the millennial generation, consider the impact they have had when it comes to public opinion on same-sex marriage. Last week The Pew Research Center released the data on a survey done earlier this month. According to their survey of 1,501 American adults, 70% of millennial adults favor same-sex marriage. That compares with 49% of generation X and 38% of baby boomers. Overall, 49% of Americans support the issue, as opposed to 44% who stand against it. That is a reverse from ten years ago when 58% opposed and 33% favored. Experts attribute the shift to millennials (those born after 1980) who joined the adult population. It's not surprising that Rob Bell, a spokesmen for millennials when it comes to religious issues, last week announced his support for same-sex marriage.
According the study, in the last ten years 14% of the population have changed their opinion from being opposed to being in favor of the issue. Only 2% have reversed their opinion from supporting the issue to now being opposed. The study did identify the reasons for the change in opinion, with the greatest reason being they now know someone who is a homosexual. 18% of those polled indicated they were just accepting the world view. I suspect that Rob Bell is one of those who is just bending to popular opinion.
We can never allow the court of public opinion to effect who we are as Children of God. As I read the Scriptures, God's desire is that marriage be the union between one man and one woman. Over the course of history, there have been consequeunces when people have violated that. If you watched the History Channel presentation of The Bible, you saw the account of Sodom and Gomorrah graphically depicted. I know this puts me in the minority these day, and makes me politically incorrect, but I still know what God intended. I also know that we need love those who hold different opinions or who practice behaviors that we find offensive. Jesus always loved the sinner, it was their sin he found offensive. When it comes to that I know he finds many of my thoughts and behaviors detestable. Still, I know what God desires of us.
According the study, in the last ten years 14% of the population have changed their opinion from being opposed to being in favor of the issue. Only 2% have reversed their opinion from supporting the issue to now being opposed. The study did identify the reasons for the change in opinion, with the greatest reason being they now know someone who is a homosexual. 18% of those polled indicated they were just accepting the world view. I suspect that Rob Bell is one of those who is just bending to popular opinion.
We can never allow the court of public opinion to effect who we are as Children of God. As I read the Scriptures, God's desire is that marriage be the union between one man and one woman. Over the course of history, there have been consequeunces when people have violated that. If you watched the History Channel presentation of The Bible, you saw the account of Sodom and Gomorrah graphically depicted. I know this puts me in the minority these day, and makes me politically incorrect, but I still know what God intended. I also know that we need love those who hold different opinions or who practice behaviors that we find offensive. Jesus always loved the sinner, it was their sin he found offensive. When it comes to that I know he finds many of my thoughts and behaviors detestable. Still, I know what God desires of us.
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