Bob's Blog

Here is part 2 of a three part series on how a younger generation of Christians are shaping the Church for the future.

• Culturally Relevant - This phrase seems to be over used and therefore misused at times. A culturally relevant Millennial church will reflect who they are as a Millennial generation in the context of their community. Whether that community is from the urban streets of south-side Chicago, or a picturesque suburb in Charlotte, North Carolina, to a small town in southwestern Arizona, to be relevant is to be the Church wherever you are planted.
• Experiential - Postmodern believers experience God. There are dangers with only having an "experiential" relationship with God, but the main thought here is that they not only want to understand Him but to know Him relationally. Remember that relationships are key for this group and very much a part of how they connect with God.
• Organic - This might not be as unique to this generation as some of the previous characteristics, but organic simply means that they are into the "ebb" and "flow" of life. Sometimes this is manifested in spontaneous gatherings for fellowship or the abrupt shutting down of a ministry. Are they uncommitted? Do they lack responsibility? No. They are like an amoeba that is there, gathers, forms into shape, splits, and is no longer there. Organic.
• Leading Together - Although they do recognize leadership abilities and gifts in people, they tend to lead as a group. They share in the responsibilities of a project or give way to another strengths when the situation calls for it. That's why you won't see a pastor addressed as the Senior Pastor but instead will see titles such as Architect, Lead Pastor, Designer, and other names that denote leading within a creative community.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 2:40 AM. You can skip to the end and leave a response.