Bob's Blog

"I just don't get college-age," was a plea more than a statement from my pastor friend. I took a bite out of my grande burrito and managed to get out a question, "What do you mean?" "Well," he continued, "they just seem so flaky and selfish. If you don't have a band leading worship or candles and incense burning, they go some place that does. And I don't understand their postmodern thinking or whatever you call it." As he dug into his fries, he made a sad conclusion, "Maybe we're just a church that can't reach them or maybe it's me." As we finished our meal, I tried to encourage him that his church isn't the only one struggling to reach a younger generation. In fact, they might be the perfect church to reach this age group. With that statement, he gave me a puzzled look and asked me to explain.

"It's all about the D Word," I told him. The look on his face meant that I did not connect. "I meant discipleship." I shared with him how this age group desires to have mature believers in their lives, walking along side them as they move into adulthood. For this generation, discipleship is not merely meeting once a week going through a workbook; rather it's investing in a relationship. I find that trust is key for this age group. Can they trust me? Do I live a life of integrity? Does what I say match up to how I live? If it does, then they give me the right to disciple them. I'm welcomed into their network of friends and invited to hang out with them. They get the chance to observe my life as a follower of Jesus, to see how I handle certain situations in everyday life (when the cashier gives back too much change, do I return the money?). In short, discipleship is 24/7. I'm open to house calls, phone and text messages, and personal questions. I am open to being watched and observed, and to sharing myself in a mutual relationship because my life is not my own. I am to be like Jesus.

I have noticed that when churches are focused on discipleship, it doesn't matter if you have a great worship band or if you're a "relevant" church, young Christians want to know their faith. They enjoy and need older Christans to pour into their lives, to guide and lead them as they enter adulthood. Ed Stetzer, one of Christianity's leading researchers on young Christians in America, stated, "Too many youth groups are holding tanks with pizza. There's no life transformation taking place." Stetzer continues, "People are looking for a faith that can change them to be a part of a changing world." Disciples of Jesus are changed people, and what draws college-age people to church is no different from what drew people to Christ in the first century. It's all about the D Word.

In the past week, news media have been reporting that some states are no longer offering state-funded loans for college education. Most of these loans are in the form of grants that the state would offer with low interest payments. States, such as Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Michigan are suspending state-funded college loans due to the lending crisis that has hit most major mortgage companies. The cost for higher education continues to climb beyond the reach of most families, and with the loan industry impact on the economy, some states are struggling to cover the basic needs of government.

Many parents of soon-to-be college students are in crisis mode, trying to figure out how to provide for their children's future education. They are feeling the squeeze financially because of increasing tuition rates and the unstable environment of the economy. Some students are opting for community college, only to see tuitions rise at these schools, which slows their pace to reach a four-year institution. So, what can be done to help both parents and students during these times? Here are a couple of suggestions.

• Start applying early for financial aid and grants. Most parents and students are starting their investigation too late to find financial help. You should be looking into these areas by the time your child is heading into high school. Some high schools offer college financial seminars during students' freshmen year.
• Suggest that your church offer its own college financial seminars. You can host your own college financial seminar for parents of your church and around your community. And don't just gear it towards parents of high school students, but open it up to all parents. It's never too early to start thinking about how you'll pay for college.
• Start a money account for your child. There are plenty of saving programs that banks provide for college education. Do your homework to find out which savings plan is best for you.
• Research financial programs. I'm always surprised by how many parents and students do not take advantage of the free money that is out there. Whether it is a matching grant provided by your work, a service group that your son/daughter belongs to like Scouts, church denominational aid, or other groups that are willing to assist young people make their college dreams come true, there is no excuse for not looking into these programs.

Unfortunately, with the forecast for future unrest in our economy, it looks like other states are going to follow suit and cut back on state-funded loans. Hopefully, with these helps, you'll be able to get a little closer to providing the financial needs for your child's education.

Have you seen the newest Internet buzz that will soon hit the TV screen? It's called Quarterlife (not to be confused with Quaker Life) and it aired last week on NBC. Quarterlife is a web-based series centered around the social network of friends in their twenties. The show was launched on the Internet and it got such a following that NBC picked it up for the spring season. Most of the characters that are featured on Quarterlife are artists or activists who are trying to navigate through their post-college years. Ben Silverman, co-chairman of NBC, is relying on the shows younger audience making the crossover from the net to television, "The show is like a common college hall for the post graduate set." Already a big hit, you might want to catch this show that reveals twentysomethings in real time.