on Millennials

  There is an ever increasing number of studies, reports, articles written, and many other publications being put out about how is the church going to reach the millennial generation. So, I thought I'd throw my two cents in and see if anyone has anything to say about this. First, let me say that I am part of the millennial generation. My experience is not typical at all, I've grown up in the church, went to Christian school, Christian college, and so on. My experience has had a lot of perks, but it also has had a few downsides: one of them is not being exposed to many non-Christian friends who I could have learned from and shared the gospel with. I would say those in their mid to late thirties kind of tow the line between being part of Gen X and being a millennial. Since, I am 28 I fall nicely into that camp. My experience and ideas in no way should be considered dogmatic, but the hope is that they will inspire and continue in my mind very meaningful conversations. Here's what I see:
1) Millennials desire genuine relationships with people of all ages.
  In an information, technology age there is nothing that will ever be able to replace genuine relationships and friendships with other people. This generation is faced with many issues that previous generations haven't faced to this degree. Good paying jobs are fewer, the cost of living is higher, and college debt grows each and every year. Most millennials desire a church where they can develop genuine friendships with people of all ages and feel that they are a valued part of the life of the church. A big mistake most churches make is asking or seeking the perspective or opinions of its teens and young adults.
  One big step of faith we can all take is to seek to develop a friendship with someone brand new that is either older or younger than we are. Be honest and open of your church's current situation, do people of all ages have a chance to make friendships and relationships here? Does our church value the opinions and ideas of the entire congregation? Good preaching and great music should be a goal of every congregation, but from what I've seen what keeps people coming back is a sense of welcoming and a sense they belong at your church.
2) Millennials are very big into social justice issues.
  Jesus was the ultimate champion of social justice. His desire was to preach hope to the poor, give sight to the blind, make the lame walk, and always proclaim the Kingdom of God is at hand. Churches when they reach millennials correctly tap into their passion for social justice and connect it to the great commission, properly framing issues of social justice as a way of reaching the lost and broken as Jesus would have. Social justice issues can be dividing in churches and especially among political and conservative lines, but I urge all churches and church leaders to submit their ideas and social justice areas of enthusiasm to the Lordship of Jesus and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, because they are hardly ever wrong in their leading and guiding of churches and church leaders.
3) Freedom of Expression is huge to Millennials
  Young adults are very unique as they are exposed to more ideas, thoughts, and expressions with the explosion of the Internet in the past 20 years. They desire a worship experience that lets them be themselves and explore who God is to them. The tough part is that many older folks' worship experience doesn't always line up to millennials desires or expectations in a worship setting. So, the question who is right? Well, the short answer is that both parties are. God is big enough and grand enough to be worshiped in many different ways and in many different styles and formats. It will take creativity, prayer, conversation, and guidance from a variety of sources to allow your worship experience to be a place where millennials and the older generations can feel comfortable and have the ability to express themselves.
  One great step leaders can take is to begin the conversation worship at its core and our Christian lives at their core aren't about what we can get but rather in what we can give back to God for all that He has so graciously given us. Unfortunately, there isn't a one size fits all model that works to reach all millennials. My encouragement is to be welcoming, value their opinion, and pray every day that God would allow and guide to be faithful and genuine in all you do.

Brittany Maynard

  Many of you reading this have come across the story about the Oregon woman, Brittany Maynard, who was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and chose to end her life this past Saturday. This has been a story that I've been wrestling with for about a month now because of its complex issues and what the Bible says and doesn't say about it. This is an issue I have a feeling will stay with me for quite some time, and I may and probably do differ in my views and beliefs than some of you reading this, but let's take a closer look at some of the issues presented here. As we delve into the issue let me be perfectly clear, when we are in the midst of horrific ordeals such as Ms. Maynard and her family was that can and does change our thinking.
1) Life is an incredible gift from God.
  David reminds us in Psalm 139 that God knows us (vs.1), has created our inmost being (vs. 13), knit us together in our mother's womb (vs. 13), and that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (vs. 14). This chapter as well as many others highlights God's high view of human life and the care and time it took to create everything on the planet.
  I'm guessing it is not an accident that God placed you on this earth in a specific family, in a specific location, with specific parents, and I think you get the point. Now, I will admit it is not fair that some are born into a life of riches and trust funds while others are born into a family that doesn't know where their next meal is coming from. My best advice if that bothers you is to voice your concerns to God about that and see where he will lead you.
  If we carry that thought out that it is no accident that God put you on this earth at a certain time and certain location, we can also be pretty certain that God will take us off this earth into life eternal when it is our time. Now, unfortunately we as human beings can often make many foolish mistakes and sadly end life before our time is up. Even if it is just a few days or moments, I know that every day on this earth is a precious gift that should be cherished. My fear is that God was going to be glorified in some way in Brittany's life before her God chose to take her. But, now God will have to use someone else.
2) Her struggle points to the truth that this world is not as it was intended to be.
  Death, pain, disease, hurt, brokenness, disappointment, and shame were not all part of the original creation. Could God wipe all of them out? Of course he could, but then God would also have to wipe and eliminate sin and when that happens we lose our ability to freely choose to love and serve God. So, we're left in a world that is controlled by an all-powerful, compassionate God but also has disease, death, and sin running rampant.
  The most crucial lesson of all is not for you to understand the struggle or attempt to rationalize why you are struggling but rather it is for you to know that God hears, feels, walks with you, and loves you no less in your struggles. Our faith needs to always hold on to the incredible truth that the world we live will one day be right and perfect by an all powerful, all mighty God.
3) We can learn to love and disagree all at the same time.
  One of the most damaging things that happens in many Christian circles is division over ideas. In the aftermath of Ms. Maynard's decision there will be many conversations in church Sunday school classes, on college campuses, over coffee, and in many other places. It is bound to happen this a big discussion and at times can be a very hot button issue. However, this is not a deal breaker for Christians in being in community with each other. This issue is incredibly difficult, especially for those who are facing a terminal diagnosis. Our prayers and hearts go out to Brittany's family for healing and comfort and for wisdom from the Holy Spirit to properly discern God's will for this complex issue.