"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice...." Proverbs 29:2

 

INTRODUCTION

There's an opportunity in these challenging times to proclaim the cause of Christ in a fresh, bold and genuine way that, if seized, would have an impact on multiple generations to come!
 

BuilderS, Boomers and Busters

At any one time, there are basically three generations on the earth, and God speaks to them all. However, right now, fifty percent of the world's 6.5 billion inhabitants are under 20. A global youth culture is forming, and Christians must learn to adjust to it. Some are already claiming that the church must be completely re-invented.

 

SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE

The newly-forming youth culture depends less on scientific and rational thought and tends more toward seeking to experience spiritual things personally. Those seeking spiritual experience will be disappointed by a church offering only information about God. Young people want to participate more, not just listen. They want to experience God with all five senses: taste, touch, smell, hearing and sight!

 

VALUE ADDED CHRISTIANITY

Recently, George Barna's statistical research found that, "Christianity has arguably added more value to American culture than any other religion, philosophy, ideology or community. Yet, contemporary Americans are hard pressed to identify any specific value added. On the other hand, partly due to the nature of today’s media, they have no problem identifying the faults of the churches and Christian people. In a period of history where image is reality, and life-changing decisions are made on the basis of such images, the Christian Church is in desperate need of a more positive and accessible image."

 

THE REAL THING!

Being real, authentic and honest are the most prized values of this generation. They can spot a phony a mile off, and they won’t follow one! Any effort to be seen as someone other than who you are will be viewed by them as insincere. You can only be just a pale imitation of someone else! Always be yourself, because the people that matter won’t mind, and the ones that mind don’t matter!

 

CHANNELING

Righteousness, audacity and standing for a cause are also very important to this generation, and seasoned leaders know how to channel youthful drive into a worthy cause.

 

Christianity 2011 will demand authenticity, authority and audacity. Let the church be a safe haven for these components to flourish in the next generation. Our future depends on it!