ARE WE A PEOPLE AT HALF TIME? - Leadership Network

Worship for the
Next Generation
Much has been written in recent years
regarding the generation some are
calling “X.” I’d like to offer you a
“snapshot” of these folks that I’ve
assembled primarily from three sources:
a book by Kevin Graham Ford, Jesus for
a New Generation, conversations with
Bill Easum, and the recent “Gen X” conference
held at Community Church of
Joy in Glendale, Arizona.
A General Snapshot
The following is a snapshot of this group
using generalizations that are most
descriptive for me.
Fear—All the good jobs are taken, and I’m
under too much pressure to succeed.
Anger—My family has ceased functioning;
there is nothing to look forward to.
Recreation—Life, sex, chemicals, and
relationships are recreation.
Polarization—Although the boomers
promised they would change the world,
racism, hate, and cultural division have not
gone away.
Cynicism—You can hear my hopelessness
in the cynical nature of my music and
comedy.
Independence—I will live my own life,
develop my own values, and live apart
from the demands of this society.
Visual influence—I grew up watching
Sesame Street and MTV. I don’t read well
and I don’t learn in an academic system
based on text.
Little regard for authority and systems—
I’m not “anti” authority and systems; I just
don’t care.
Music as global language—Music is the
language of my heart. If you want to know
me, listen to my music.
In this “snapshot,” we see a picture of a
generation detached and without hope. As
this generation looks to the church or,
more accurately, as the church tries to
minister to this generation, we must ask,
“What are you looking for”
I am looking for something spiritual—not
necessarily something religious.
I am looking for people who are honest—
not necessarily impressive.
I want to be deeply involved in a radical
movement—not casually connected to an
organization that doesn’t have a mission.
I want to be involved—I’m not content to
be a spectator of life.
I want to be challenged with high
standards that invite me to a compelling
vision.
I want to explore all the options—there
can’t be just “one world view.”
This generation carries a great deal of
emotional pain and if we intend to minister
to this group, we need to learn about their
pain. We need to understand how they
view the world. Most importantly, we need
to demonstrate authentic, honest love.
Over and over, this generation is inviting
the church to “get to know me.”
What Does The Church
Have To Offer
Reconciliation for a generation who feels
alienated from each other and from the
American dream.
Restoration of trust for an abused and
betrayed generation.
Safety for a generation victimized by
violence and crime.
Real love for a generation who has been
“burned” by authority and systems.
Mission to something larger than
themselves for a generation who feels
unwanted and unneeded.
Faith That Works For A
Generation In Need Of A Radical,
Life-Transforming Experience
Churches who are serious about this kind
of ministry might examine three key areas:
(1) the large group—the occasion,
worship event, gathering space, that calls
this group together; (2) the small group—
the safe place to “get to know me” and
find support for making things work; and
(3) a reason to be—the mission, cause,
outgrowth that motivates this group to
truly change the world.
These three dynamics seem to work
together in some mystical kind of way.
Large-group events need the intimacy of
small-group and purpose of mission in
order to be meaningful. Small groups need
the energy and inertia of large groups and
the focus of mission in order to draw and
compel. Mission focus needs the celebration
of large group event and the intimacy
of small group in order to be sustained.
What Are The Implications For
Worship For The Next Generation
1) Worship (or evangelism event) alone is
not enough to sufficiently energize this
group. Worship or event is one part of a
larger effort to engage and involve.
2) Worship must be visual. Video and
computer graphic projections will need to
be an integral part of this event. A film
license will be needed along with your
CCLI license.
3) Technology of all sorts—sound, lighting,
video, Internet, laser, hologram—all
will become factors as we move into a new
millennium in worship.
4) Worship will need to be real, radical,
and have an “edge.” This generation will
not respond to a “praise band” approach or
a presentational event.
4