Part 1 – the need for change is part of the church New generations largely regard the church with contempt. This has led many to think that the world is coming to an end. Not so. New generations have the same spiritual needs as people have in the past. They just don’t find those needs met in churches. This generation won’t be worked with in the same way as older generations. This requires a change on the part of church... Read more
The sky is falling! Run, run, another technology development will be our doom! Much of our world has always been virtual. Stories around campfires, the Greek Classics, Shakespeare, the Bible, novels, movies – all transport us to the world of other people and often teach us something. It’s a way to experience life through others’ eyes or through an experience that represents a different reality. Technology simply makes these things more possible. Change is our normal Technology drove the world... Read more
Plaguing churches today is differences over LGBTQIA acceptance. The word “sodomite” became synonymous with “the sin of Sodom,” and gay life, and the objection is over same sex relationships. The interpretation of the destruction of the city of Sodom seems to be interpreted according to perspective. Working with new generations (Gen Z) – Series The power of words It’s important to look deeply at language (symbols) and what they mean. I’m not a Hebrew scholar so I avoid interpreting. I... Read more
The church has gone through change after change after change. The most recent change during another era of conscience is acceptance of LGBTQIA, which some reject and split church denominations over. Jesus made some changes while ignoring other things because his primary change is in people’s hearts. Then they make change. Leviticus 18 the forbidden sex acts. Is this love? What I will do is ask you to use the stricter standard of law that asks, “Beyond a reasonable doubt?”... Read more
Were the changes in church history merited in previous articles in this series? What I will do is ask you to use the stricter standard of law that asks, “Beyond a reasonable doubt?” Or at least appeal to the lesser standard of civil law, “More likely than not.” The standard of belief and conduct for Christianity is love. Working with new generations (Gen Z) – Series Religion is locally and culturally situated. In reaction to the rapid technologically driven changes... Read more
Working with new generations (Gen Z) – Series This series looks at change within the church, and the need for future change to address the spiritual needs of people age 15 to 30. It rejects the notion that the church doesn’t change. Various eras are identified in which change occurred. My labels on eras aren’t meant as formal categories. The Great Awakening This movement began in the 1800s. This “born again” movement saw the development of evangelical Congregationalist, Presbyterian, Baptist,... Read more
Working with new generations (Gen Z) – Series This series looks at change within the church, and the need for future change to address the spiritual needs of people age 15 to 30. It rejects the notion that the church doesn’t change. Various eras are described. My labels on eras aren’t meant as formal categories. The era of conscience and reformation, and the beginning of hate Around 1455 the printing press began to make Bibles widely available. The Protestant Reformation,... Read more
Working with new generations (Gen Z) – Series The organized church was another major change, and began to solidify in around 300 CE when Roman Emperor Constantine made it the religion of the State. At the end of that era (around 400 CE) the Bible became an official canon of books as the Century closed, long after Constantine’s death. The “official canon” varies by denomination. Portions of this article used History of Christianity – Wikipedia as a reference. In the... Read more
Working with new generations (Gen Z) – Series We always look for stability, particularly as it supports our treasured beliefs and our identity. Churches offer a piece of both. We fear change, especially if it undermines financial security. “When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. “And they came to Him and woke... Read more
Part 1 – the need for change New generations largely regard the church with contempt. This has led many to think that the world is coming to an end. Not so at all. New generations have the same spiritual needs as people have had in the past, they just don’t find those needs met in churches. This generation won’t be worked with in the same way as older generations. A change on the part of church leaders is needed to... Read more
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In