Don't Mention the Name... Be the Name

If you watch much television you have probably seen the new McDonalds commercial featuring comedian Mindy Kaling.  At first viewing you might not even know that it is a commercial for the hamburger chain.  The sponsor is never actually mentioned.  The only indication that it is a McDonald commercial are the colors used; she is wearing a yellow dress on a red background. The point of the ad is that there is a place where Coke taste better than anyplace else.  Viewer are told to google the statement “that place where Coke taste so good” to find the answer; McDonalds.

McDonalds’ sales have declined in recent years.  Starbucks has passed them in sales.  A big reason is millennials do not frequent their restaurants.  The new commercials are aimed at millennials.  The actor, best known for the television series, The Mindy Project, is popular among young adults.  Millennials also use google when looking for information.  While they probably are not going to actually respond to the prompt to type in the question, they are intrigued by an ad that acknowledges google.

I have to wonder how churches might use the same approach: “Where is the one place where you will be loved and accepted for who you are?”  “Where can you go to find hope and security?”  The days when we can put out a sign or billboard to attract people of our church is quickly fading.  Even sending out bulk mail announcements inviting people to our services is going to show little results.  Simply having a website and Facebook page is not going to attract millennials.

My point is that perhaps each of us has the potential to be a walking, breathing commercial for the church.  When we exhibit a sense of hope and security in a troubled world we are a living testimonial to Jesus.  When we show grace and unconditional love toward the people we meet, we are promoting our Savior.  Standing on the street corner or even around the coffee pot at the office and talking about Jesus is not going to be real effective.  Today’s teens and young adults need to meet Jesus through us when we speak his message without using words.

Teens Still Like a Good Story

Teenagers still like a good story.  During my youth ministry day I could always get the kids to focus when I told them a good story. It also helped when there was some humor involved.  A recent study of members of Generation Z, today’s current children and teens, seems to indicate they are not different.  The study was done by U.S.-based AdReaction explored their attitudes toward advertising formats.  Fifty-six (56%) of those polled said an ad must tell a good story.  That was the number three response to humor (72%) and good music (58%).  Surprisingly, have a celebrity involved in the ad was not all that important (26%).

How does this apply to the church and our message, you might ask?  To start with we have a great story to tell.  It is story of God’s love expressed in Jesus Christ and message of love and grace he lived.  During this season of Easter it is a story of hope and eternal life.  It is a message we must live out every day.  We live in a world where people long for hope.  When we live confidently and expectantly in the midst of turmoil and change, we are being Easter people.  When we look at death itself as nothing to fear, we are Resurrection People.  When are directing that message at teens and young adults we probably need to make sure we include some wholesome humor and good music as well. 

I believe is also means telling our personal stories of how Jesus has impacted our lives.  We all have faith stories to tell and in the right format those narratives need to be related.  Within our circle of family and friends there can be numerous opportunities, but what about relating to those we do not know?  I sincerely believe we can share that story with them as well.  The story must first be told through our actions.  When we are open and express love and concern for them.   That might mean listening to their story, and in the process they might ask to hear ours.

Holy Week Reflections

With all my years in ministry, I have many memories of Holy Week.  This morning one particular one came to mind.  The church I was serving had a tradition of having seven midday Good Friday services based on the last words of Christ.  For three hours, beginning at noon, the pastor and I took turns leading the twenty minutes services.  People, both members and those from the community, drifted through.

 

One year as I concluded the last service, a young man approached me smiling.  “I made it through,” he announced.  I suddenly realized that he had been present at every service that I had led.  His commitment was to be present for the full three hours.  I was somewhat familiar with the young man who was both a husband and father.  The pastor and I had prayed for him and his family.  He owned his own business and the long hours had taken a toll on his personal life.  Nice house, fancy car and a marriage that was on the brink of collapse.  He and his wife were casual members, showing up once or twice a month.  I suspected his commitment to attend all seven Good Friday services was an attempt to turn things around.  Unfortunately, the young man was like man Christians.  In a time of trouble and turmoil, he cried out to the Lord and wanted to renew his commitment.  In this case, the commitment was short-lived and in time his marriage failed and we lost track of him and his wife. 

Holy Week is a sacred time, as we contemplate the cross and the price Jesus paid for our sins.  On Easter we celebrate the Resurrection victory and the eternal life we have gained.  But the observance of Holy Week is not a panacea for what trouble us and our world.  That only comes through an ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ.  That is the message we must share with the world.  Every week should be a Holy Week, just as every day must be Holy Day.  Our ongoing relationship with Jesus is what should set us apart, in a good way I might add, from the rest of the world.  There should be no room for negativity and fear.  The cross is still sits on the hillside and the tomb is empty. 

Pass the Torch and celebrate Jesus with those you meet this week… especially with those millennials who might happen to stop by on Easter.

We All Want to be Fixers

We all want to be fixers.  If we have a problem around the house we analyze the situation and based on experience we develop a plan to fix it.  In certain situations we might even go online to search for a solution.  You can use Youtube to view instructions on almost anything.  At this point in my life I prefer another option.  I will call a professional to do the work for me.  It is usually worth the cost when I consider the time involved and the amount of ibuprofen it will take for me to recover.  With an older home, I have the plumber and electrician on speed dial.

Unfortunately we often want to want to treat people the same way we do home repair project.  We see the problem and immediately want to step in and help them fix it.  After all, we have lots of experience.  So when a friend or loved one is going through a difficult time we want to help them through it,  We offer our advice.  

It is the same thing with our kids.  When they have a problem or are going through a difficult time we want to step in a fix it.  I think it is important to know the difference being a manager and being a consultant.  Managers manage the affairs of others.  Consultants offer advice but only with certain conditions.  They always ask for permission before offering an opinion.  They then offer their insights and let the individual take the next step.  What the person does with the suggestion is their decision.  Also, consultants do not call up every other day and ask why they haven’t taken our wise counsel.

A couple of words of advice based on my experience based on my experience working with teen.  Giving advice breeds dependence.  The more we manage their life, the more they depend on us.  Secondly: who are they going to blame if the advice proves faulty.  In the long run we risk hurting a relationship by giving too much advice.

It can make life difficult and frustrating, especially if our kids are involved.  Ultimately we need to equip them to make the decisions and then set them free.  We can be consultants along the way, but ultimately they have to figure things out.  Along the way prayer helps.  We have to trust that God has them in the palm of His hand. 

What is the Big Deal About Truth?

It is a sad commentary on our culture that the word “truth” has become a hot topic.  From television news channels to major magazines, it seems as if everyone talking about truth.  Much of it was fueled by White House counselor Kellyanne Conway who introduced us to the term “alternative fact.”  She was explaining that a statement from White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer was not a lie.  A fact is a “fact.” There can be no such thing as an “alternative truth.”  Truth is reality in its truest form.  A truth is an indisputable fact, proposition or principle. A “lie” is the exact opposite, an “untruth".  A lie is a false statement made with the intent to deceive.  I am left to wonder how far we have fallen since George Washington made the statement, “I cannot tell a lie,” when asked if he did it. 

The search for truth, and its meaning, is nothing new.  In the midst of Jesus’ trial it is Pilate who inquired, “What is truth?”  Like many leaders today, he was in a dilemma.  Do I follow my conscience and do what is I know is right or listen to the demands of the world? It is ironic that Pilate posed the question to the individual who had defined himself as, “The way, the ‘truth’ and the life” (John 14:4).  Jesus promises to guide us into that “truth” by providing us with the Holy Spirit who will, “guide you into the truth” (John 16:13).  

In a world where we are constantly bombarded with a variety of messages it is more important than ever to look to the Holy Spirit to “guide us into the truth.”  More importantly, we are called to be people of “the Truth.” That is especially the case when we are surrounded by so many teens and young adults who like Pilate are asking “What is truth?”  It is our responsibility to let them see that there are two basic truth: The Law, “We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23) and the Gospel, “And we are justified by His grace that came through Christ Jesus (Romans 3:24).”  That is a reality that must be lived through our actions, otherwise our words are hallow.  

Redefining Sexuality

“So God created man in his image,

in the image of God he created him;

male and female he created them.”

(Genesis 1:27)

As a child of God I still believe the above is the way God created humanity.  There are men and there are women.  I am also aware that my perspective is viewed as “old fashion” and out of step by many in today’s world.  I try hard to accept that and not be intolerant.  I even have contact on regular basis with people who are gays and lesbians, some I even consider friends.  I really strive to love and accept people where they are at.  I sincerely believe that is what Jesus calls us to do.  I have grown comfortable with being uncomfortable, but now that comfort level is being challenged again.

The cover article in the most recent issue of Time Magazine focuses on how a new generation is changing the way we view genders.  Millennials seem to be at the forefront in the change. According to Time, “A growing number of young people are moving beyond the idea that we live in a world where sexuality and gender come in only two forms.”  You might think be thinking, sure there is gay, and lesbian and transgender, etc. but it is more complicated than that.  According to time article, Facebook now has sixty options for user’s gender.  That includes options like, queer, bisexual and non-binary.  If the article is correct, 20% of millennials identify as something other than strictly straight or cisgender (someone who identifies with the sex they were assigned at birth).  Now granted, the survey might be biased since it was done the LGBTQ advocacy organization GLAAD, but even if it is half that at 10%, we are dealing with a good segment of society.  According the same survey, 7% of baby boomers also claim a sexual orientation that is outside what I consider traditional.

As I tried to process this new information three thoughts come to mind.  First off: None of this changes who I am.  My belief is still that God created two distinct sexes, male and female.  I also believe marriage is the sacred estate involving one man and one woman.  God promises to bless such unions.  Secondly: The search for identity is nothing new for teens and young adults.  In the past the quest to discover “who I am” focused on personality, talents and self-image.  In our diverse culture where young people are exposed to so many different messages it is to be expected that some might to try to define their sexual identity as well.  The final reality is that teens and young adults often do not have the resources to always make wise choices.  Experts tell us that the brain is not fully developed until the mid-twenties.  As a result young people are not always able to process their feelings and emotions.  In light of that, it is easy to see how even their sexual identity might be called into question.  Part of that search for identity might mean incorporating what they have learned in church with what the world is saying. 

Where does all this leave us?  First off, I think we need to continue to model God’s plan in our own personal lives.  That means practicing our own sexuality in a wholesome and God-pleasing manner.  That includes the sanctity of marriage.  I believe it also challenges us to be available to listen to and mentor young people as they struggle with contemporary issues like their own sexual identity.  Don’t jump to conclusions and don’t preach.  Lastly, we need to continue to be people who practice grace.  It is a challenge to love people where they are at, but I think that is what Jesus calls us to do.  We are called to love others unconditionally, even if we do not agree with them, or the lifestyle they chose.

Facebook is Not Cool

I enjoy Facebook. When I last checked, I had over 1,250 “friends” on the social media site.  I have found it a great way to stay in touch with family out of state, network with friends and keep up with people who were part of my ministry at one time.  I have also found Facebook a great way to network with people who want to follow my ministry.  I have tried Twitter, and still have account but quite frankly have never gotten in to it.  It probably has something to do with having to limit myself to one hundred and forty-four characters.  I guess I am too wordy for that.

I recently read an article that caused me to reconsider my time on Facebook. Evidently Facebook is for “old people” and if I want to stay in touch with millennials my time would be better invested elsewhere.  It seems that Facebook is not cool.  While it is still the top social media site, many young adults are avoiding it.  While 70% of Americans access Facebook on a weekly basis, but only 36% of those users are ages 18-34.  While that is still a good number of young adults, it pales in comparison to other social media sites. 

For millennials, Instagram and Snapchat are where the action is.  Instagram is a distant second to Facebook in popularity with 32% of American using the service weekly, but almost half (46%) of those are millennials.  Snapchat is the fourth most popular behind Twitter with 25% of American accessing the service weekly, but over half of those (53%) are between the ages of 18-34.  By my calculations that means over 80% of millennials use those services. 

I guess I should not be surprised.  For one thing, young folks have avoided Facebook because so many “older adults,” like their parents, utilize the social media site.  I think a better reason is that Instagram and Snapchat allows them to communicate in a way that is more in their comfort zone.  Both rely more on visual images than words.  Instagram is not just about pictures.  Recently it has offered the option of video and even live streaming.  Snapchat introduced the concept of using your phone’s camera has a way to send messages.   An additional advantage is the fact that messages disappear as soon as they are read.  Sound to me like you can even say anything you want without being held accountable.

If there is a message here, it is that those who want to communicate with millennials need to learn to speak their language and communicate on their level.  As for me, I will continue to use Facebook, even if it makes me “uncool, but am going to have to check out this Instagram thing, at least.