A Good Book to Pass Along: Who Stole My Church?
I picked up Gordon MacDonald's book, Who Stole My Church? It's a good read, one of the first books I've read about the hurrdles that churches are experiencing as they transition from one generation to another. The book is written from the perspective of a fictional Builder/Boomer pastor trying to help his older congrgation to adjust to those who are younger in their church, and the new changes that come with them. What I like about the book is how MacDonald brings the reader into the narrative of the discussion. He draws you into the issues that many churches are struggling with across our country, without hammering you over the head as if you were in a debate.
I'm glad MacDonald wrote the book, because I think it's time for churches to address the concerns and struggles that are driving a wedge between generations in our congregations. Make no mistake about it, there are major differences between the Builder/Boomer generation (late forties and older) and those in their twenties and thirties (Gen X/Millennials). I tend to put the differences in three categories:
I'm glad MacDonald wrote the book, because I think it's time for churches to address the concerns and struggles that are driving a wedge between generations in our congregations. Make no mistake about it, there are major differences between the Builder/Boomer generation (late forties and older) and those in their twenties and thirties (Gen X/Millennials). I tend to put the differences in three categories:
- First, Gen X and their younger siblings, Millennials, have grown up in a post-modern world. They have a different worldview than those of their parents and grandparents generation.
- Second, Gen X/Millennials are living in a post-Christian age. For their generation, the church is no longer seen as viable or relevant for them.
- Third, this younger generation is a part of the digital explosion. We are just beginning to see the impact culturally of the internet and digital technology on them in shaping who they will be.
If you have a little time this week, go to your nearest bookstore and pick up a copy of McDonald's book. I'm taking it to a retreat next week in hopes of stimulating some good discussions. Look to see if what you read is a mirror of your church, and if so, maybe you can be the igniter of discussion about how your church will transition from one generation to the next.
This entry was posted
on Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 11:02 AM.
You can skip to the end and leave a response.
I'm sorry sir, but I have to disagree with that assessment of my generation. In fact, I'm almost offended by those who are older defining who I (at 23) am and what I NEED about of my church.
Please, no post modern ideas, no exciting marketing, no focus on the "experience" of church and how happy Jesus will make me.
Give me the Bible, the whole Bible and nothing but the Bible. It is timeless, powerful, truth, and frankly sir, it is the hard to believe saving truth within that my generation is in desperate need of.
Don't strip God of His power to work in the ways He has for thousands of years despite changing times.
I disagree with anonymous. I think you accurately portray the differences in the generations. Of course, we all know there are always exceptions. (I know of a 77 yr. old godly man whose worldview is much like a millenial's) I haven't read the book yet, but I hope it addresses the anger and fear that is behind people's resentment regarding the changes in their traditional church culture experience. Thanks for the book recommendation!
I just finished reading this book and happened across your blog. It is an outstanding book and anonymour needs to read the book and then post his comments. Great Book and I'm recommending to several people. My kids, 24 and 22 are both reading and loving it. They are very involved in youth ministry and avid bible readers as well. God bless you and Anonymous.
Chris
Anonymouse, BTW, Chris...
The discussion on the Church in this postmodern world is needed. There is a new generation w/ a different world perspective that is challenging the Church as we transition into a new era. Thankfully, we have believers who are engaging in this world to bring Christ to them. That's what we're trying to do at CE National (and CollegeLeader). Thanks for the post.
Anonymous is very Pauline to say "it is the hard to believe saving truth within that my generation is in desperate need of."
Take Paul at Athens. He started his talk at the unknown God but went right on through to the tough issues of repentance, judgment and the resurrection from the dead. Some mocked. Paul didn't back up and say, "Okay, let's put aside Christ's resurrection from the dead and focus on something we can all agree on--the unknown God."
Paul was all things to all men in terms of eating or not eating meat, purification rites, etc., but not in his preaching. He didn't budge from the hard parts of the gospel either to win a hearing from Gentiles or a hearing from Jews.
In I Cor. Paul says that he focused on preaching the cross of Christ even knowing it was foolishness to Greeks and a stumblingblock to Jews. In other words, he knew it drove people of his day away.
In practical terms, current big losers of adherents continue to be precisely those who have tried to tweak the message to appeal to modern society--mainstream liberal denominations. Why chase a losing strategy?
Thanks for your comments, tdw. I hope more will begin to think through the issues that are hammering at the Church and its future.
» Post a Comment