Encounter With the Cat Girl

I had an appointment yesterday with two of my friends to talk about their ministry to millennials.  Wil and Heather live in Austin Ranch, an apartment community north of Dallas that is known as a “millennial enclave.”  I am Starbucks regular but they suggested meeting at a local coffee shop adjacent to the development. To say that the crowd was eclectic might be the ultimate understatement.  I could have predicted that based on my initial encounter.  I got in line to order my coffee and found myself standing behind a young girl wearing cat ears.  Okay, I thought to myself, but then I noticed she had a tail.  Needless to say my curiosity was aroused .  You can add the fact that she was dressed in black with the exception of the white ears that protruded from the top of her head. 

After being served I took a seat at a table.  Soon I found the “Cat Girl” sitting adjacent to me.   I got out my computer to prepare for our meeting when I got a text from my friends saying they were running a little late.  “Opportunity,” I thought.  The girl had ordered food so I knew she was going to be there a while.  I got up to grab a napkin, and my way back I complemented he on her unique outfit.  She smiled and stated that she and a friend liked cats.  The the outfit was pretty much standard for them.  “I work as a waitress, but I don’t wear this when I am working,” she continued.  Assuming her to be in her early twenties, I inquired where she had gone to high school. “I am working to finish my GED,” she responded.  “Eventually I want to go to art school.”  By this time my friends had arrived, so I thank her for the conversation.  “It was nice talking to you,” she replied.

It was brief conversation, and it is doubtful we will ever cross paths again, but I hope I left an impression.  It would have been easy to label her as “weird” and stayed at a distance, but I was genuinely interested in her.  In the process I hope she began to realize that some older adults care about her and want to get to know her. That is the effort it is going to take to change the gap that has occurred between generations.   I would encourage you to do the same. 

It is easy to label someone who has body piercing, or covered with tattoos as being weird.  In God's eyes their is a uniqueness and brokenness in each of us.In this case it meant wearing a tail. How will they know they are loved and accepted without us acknowledging them?  Maybe in the process they will begin to see Jesus through us.

The Future of Youth Ministry

In my last blog I wrote about the cultural shift that has taken place in our country.  Some behaviors, cohabitation and homosexuality have become acceptable.  The millennial generation is leading the cultural revolution.  Over 60% of millennials not only view cohabitation as acceptable but advantageous. They have a similar perspective on the Gay-Lesbian issue.  As I noted, I still view such behavior as being contrary to God’s desire for his people.  I also believe a majority of my peers share that opinion.  As stated in the blog entry, I still maintain the local church needs to stand with parents in equipping young people to make choices that run according to God’s plan.  That begins by not only teaching young people God’s Word but applying it.  It also means standing with them as they grapple with the application of God’s Word in their life.

 

As I pointed out at the close of that article, I still view a strong youth, college and young adult ministry .  Trained youth and education professionals can play a vital role in that process.  I aone of the key components ism a member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) and within our denomination that role in many cases in filled by directors of Christian education (DCE).  DCE’s and others who fill such positions are not “Pied Pipers” but trained professionals who equip others to join them in their ministry. 

I am blessed to be member of the Texas District of the LCMS.  Texas has more trained DCE’s than any other district.  Our local DFW-DCE Cluster has over twenty active members.  A major factor in the strong DCE presence in Texas is that Concordia University of Texas trains more DCE’s than any other school in the Concordia University System.  We also are blessed to have a District President who is strongly supportive of Christian education and youth ministry. 

While I feel fortunate to be in such a fertile area when it comes to DCE and youth ministry, I have a concern for the church at large.  DCE’s are rostered by our church body as Commissioned Ministers but I fear an effort to downplay that office of the ministry.  I sense a desire to centralize training so that all workers are trained at the seminary.  Men are trained to be pastors and women are trained to be deaconess. 

I most certainly do not want to downplay the role of the parish pastor; lest I offend my two sons both of whom are ordained.  The reality is that most pastors are generalist.  Even those who have a passion for youth ministry usually have to shoulder other responsibilities.  While many DCE’s are generalist, a good number are children or youth ministry specialist.  In such cases, their focus is mentoring young people in the faith and equipping others to do the same. 

Equipping and supporting DCE’s and those who play similar roles is an important component in passing the torch to the next generation. 

Shacking Up or Cohabitation?

According to Webster, shacking up is to live together as spouses without being married.  The term carries a lot of negative connotation; “Did you hear who is shacking up?”  As Christians we take a negative view of such behavior because we view it as a violation of God’s desire for his people.  The marriage relationship is sacred, and a couple should be legally married prior to living together

In an attempt to soften the offense, the term now used to define living together outside of marriage is “cohabitation.”  If a recent study done by Pew Research is on target it is working.  Cohabitation has become politically correct while couching a behavior that is of itself morally wrong.  In our contemporary culture, cohabitation is not only seen as acceptable but viewed as a good idea, and it is not just a matter of convenience or saving money.  The top reason given for cohabitation was "testing compatibility." 

We can shake our heads and comment that it is just another sign that our moral fabric is gradually being torn to shreds.  In actually it does not change who we are, or even more important who God is.  As God’s people we respect the holy estate of marriage. But we recognize that even those who live in sin fall under God’s grace.  In my humble opinion the answer is found in God’s word.  We not only need to be into God’s word on a daily basis, but we need to encourage others to do so as well.  This is especially the case with teens and young adults.  It is not enough to expect the instruction that they received on the Sixth Commandment to have taken root.

That is why young and young adult ministry should be a vital component.  That is especially the case with college age young adults.  The typical campus environment is fertile ground for a young Christian to find their values called into question.  Another reality is that most traditional campus ministries do not appeal to millennials.  The link between God’s desire for them and the reality of their situation should be their support system back home.  That contact across the miles is vital, and in the world of social media and facetime it is a lot easier.  We just need to be intentional in our effort.

WHAT KIND OF A LIGHT ARE WE?

There is no question the church does not the cultural influence it once held.  If I had any doubt, a recent report from Pew Research confirmed it.  I would have expected millennials to view the church as a non-factor when it comes to social issues. The unfortunate reality is over half of practicing Christians believe the church has lost its influence as well.  In the minds of many we have become salt that has lost its flavor (Matthew 5:13-14).

If you are of the opinion that the church should not be a voice when it comes to social issues you need to spend some time reading Matthew 5-7.  Jesus longest discourse contains numerous references to social issues.  Adultery, divorce, business ethics and care for the homeless and needy are all covered.  After the Beatitudes, which serve as a preface, Jesus calls his disciples to be the “light to the world”

Let there be little doubt, the world knows where the church stands on social issues.  We are against abortion and value life in all forms.  We deplore violence and are in opposition to racism in all forms.  Those opinions are fortified as stand around the coffee pot on Sunday morning, as we reflect on how our country sinks further into moral decline.  The sentiments are further reinforced as we conservative voices on radio talk shows and via social media. I am moved to ask; what kind of light are we?

Millennials have gotten the message.  They know what we stand against, and as a result we are known more for what we are against than for what we stand for.  I fear we have become the flavor-less salt Jesus warned about.  I am left to wonder if we are the “resounding bell and clanging cymbal” Paul warned about in 1 Corinthians 13.  I have to ask, where is the love that Paul reflects on in the rest of that chapter? “Love is patient and kind.  It does not envy or boast.  It is not proud.” (1 Corinthians 13:5).  If we read further we read that love does not dishonor others and keeps no record of wrong.  If we need an example of that love we need look no further than Jesus, who almost seemed drawn to those whose lifestyle ran counter to the law.  I fear we are viewed more as the Pharisees of biblical times, than as Jesus. 

That makes me sad, but it also challenges me to do what I can to change the perception. 

Overcoming The Great Divide

We are a divided country.  I cannot recall a time since the tumultuous sixties when our opinions on the issues are more varied.  Should we build a wall along the border and deport undocumented immigrants?  Should we allow people to use the bathroom of their choice?  Is the “Black Lives Matter” on target, meaning racism still exists in our country?    

There is little doubt that much of the division is rooted in the generation gap.  As a rule, older adults tend to be more conservative and young adults more liberal, but now it is not that simple.  Even among Millennials there tends to be some difference of opinion when it comes to topics like immigration and racism.  White Millennials tend to be less passionate about both issues.  One thing  Millennials hold in common is a low opinion of Donald Trump and most view him as a racist (73%). Beyond that topic things become a little unclear. 

When it comes to the deportation of undocumented immigrants, half of White Millennials (51%) are in favor.  We would expect Hispanic Millennials (18%) to stand against deportation, but Asians (25%) and Blacks (32%) also believe undocumented immigrants should not be deported.  On the issue of racism, Black Millennials have the strongest opinion with 80% agreeing with the “Black Lives Matter” movement.  While other Millennials might share that view, White Millennials are almost split with 54% agreeing it is an issue.  The reality is that even within a generational group we are a country that is very conflicted. 

I recently attended the City of Dallas sponsored vigil for the murdered police officers.  Thousands of people were there and it was a very diverse crowd.  All generations and races were present, and while the speakers provided an obvious Christian perspective other faiths were represented.  I saw a couple of Buddhist monks and at one point a group of Sheik men stood next to me.  Lesson learned: when we stand together and listen to each other we are taking steps toward breaking down the walls that divide us. 

The same theme applies to bridging the divide between older and young adults.  If we, as a Christian community, hope to reach the Millennial generation with the Gospel it must begin by listening to them and seeking to understand them.

Why Can’t We Just Get Along?

I grew up on the eastside of the Detroit.  During my elementary school years we lived close to the city limits but that all changed when the board of education bought all the houses on our block to expand the local school.  Most of our neighbors moved to the suburbs, but my parents made the decision to move in closer to the central city.  I am convinced that was a conscious decision on their part.  When most White people were preparing to flee the city, my parents reinvested in the city.  They lived in that house on Bedford for over forty years.  They remained there through the Riots of 67 and the countless ethnic changes and the economic decline.  Few of the original neighbors were left when my parent's declining health forced them to sell the house and move to a senior community.

How did my parents survive living in that neighborhood through all those transitions?  I would credit that on my dad and his passionate desire to get along with all people.  I can still picture my dad sitting on the front porch greeting anyone who would pass by.  The color of the skin or the clothes they wore made no difference.  He enjoyed talking with anyone about anything.  As a result, as my parent’s health declined their neighbors embraced and took care of them.  I honestly never worried about my parent’s safety in spite of the fact that they lived in a neighborhood where crime was an issue. 

I thought of my dad and his, “why can’t we all just get along attitude,” this weekend in the wake of the murder of five policemen here in Dallas.  Let me also say that Dallas is wonderful city, and for the tensions between police and the minority communities are low.  The downtown Dallas is vibrant and alive and I have always considered it safe.  Yet even in the midst of even a healthy community hatred can develop.  Hatred when it is allowed to fester can lead to violence. 

I am not saying that we could have prevented Micah Johnson from going on a shooting rampaged that targeted police officers.  I do believe that treating all people we meet with respect can make a difference.  Whether they live in a gated community in North Dallas or under a bridge downtown, each person is a unique child of God.  Only when we strive to love, respect and “Be Jesus” in the lives of the people we meet,” will we begin to see a change.  

Accept and Move On

We recently celebrated the anniversary of the birth of our great country.  The Fourth of July always provides time to reflect on our nation’s heritage and celebrate the freedom that we have.  It is also a time for reflection and perhaps to consider our present situation.  In light of the present political climate and what is perceived by many as a shift away from the values we cherish as Christian. I have also heard a lot of fear about the future of our nation. 

While I share some of the concerns, especially when it comes to the presumptive candidates to be our next leader, I also have to consider what it means to be a disciple of Jesus at such a time as this.  While I might struggle with the positions of our president, both current and future, I also need to consider the statutes on which our country was founded.  We have always been a nation built on freedom and diversity.  That comes with being a country made up of immigrants who bring various backgrounds, customs and even religious beliefs.  In this present time we might also add sexual values and orientation to the list of things that make us different as a population. 

I would like to propose that we might want to revive the WWJD campaign.  As Jesus disciples I believe we need to ponder on what would Jesus do given our circumstances?  In the process we might even discover some parallels.  Jesus lived in a political climate that reflected values that were different from what he had been taught.  He also taught and lived a lifestyle that ran counter to what the traditional Jewish leaders expected.  What does this mean?

What other people say and do does not affect who I am.  We are called to be in the world but not of the world.

We cannot stop teaching and living out what we believe are God’s desires for his creation. 

We need to love the broken and lost.  Without a relationship with them, they will never have the opportunity to see Jesus in us.

I believe we need to accept the realities of our present culture and move on in attempting to reach them with the Good News of the gospel.