On Second Thought . . .
A few days ago I stated an opinion about what people may be looking for when they visit a new church. Apparently there is more than one valid point of view. Imagine that! Not everyone sees things my way:) It may pay to get a second opinion.
I was sitting in a meeting as one of my colleagues was sharing his experiences in South America. As part of the requirements for a course he was teaching, he had his students visit 4 churches outside of their normal circle of churches. He asked them to evaluate the use of technology in the churches and their relative effectiveness in creating a good environment for worship and Body life.
To my surprise, the younger generation reported that they would rather go to a church where the technology was up to date than one where everything was shared through personal word of mouth, or more traditional ways of communicating. They revealed that their use of email, text messaging, cell phones and other media gave them the sense of community that kept them connected to their church. Apparently, the next generation experiences intimacy in fellowship totally different than what I may be accustomed to.
I guess it goes to show that pastors and other church leaders must evaluate the needs of their churches and develop unique ways for developing community within their congregations whether it is high tech or high touch.
The lesson to learn? Don't take anything anybody says at face value. You can profit from a second opinion.
I was sitting in a meeting as one of my colleagues was sharing his experiences in South America. As part of the requirements for a course he was teaching, he had his students visit 4 churches outside of their normal circle of churches. He asked them to evaluate the use of technology in the churches and their relative effectiveness in creating a good environment for worship and Body life.To my surprise, the younger generation reported that they would rather go to a church where the technology was up to date than one where everything was shared through personal word of mouth, or more traditional ways of communicating. They revealed that their use of email, text messaging, cell phones and other media gave them the sense of community that kept them connected to their church. Apparently, the next generation experiences intimacy in fellowship totally different than what I may be accustomed to.
I guess it goes to show that pastors and other church leaders must evaluate the needs of their churches and develop unique ways for developing community within their congregations whether it is high tech or high touch.
The lesson to learn? Don't take anything anybody says at face value. You can profit from a second opinion.
Labels: confirmation, second opinions
posted by metanoia at
6:50 PM
2 Comments:
Dr. Earl Creps in his book "Off-Road Disciplines" makes a wonderful point of using 'reverse mentoring.'
Basically, the older we get, the more we need to learn and re-learn from our younger peers regarding their culture (if we want to communicate effectively and understand their worldview.)
For a guy in his 50's, it hurts me to say he's cooler than anyone I know at ANY age. (He likes to tell people when he's speaking that he expects them to text at least once during his message--just as long as it's something positive about what he's saying...)
It is definitely a concept with much merit.
By
Pastor Shannon, at 8:36 PM
Shannon-
I agree that the young and the "older" have much to learn from each other.
However, I very much disagree with the portion about texting. I am in my 20s and although I grew up during a time where TV, cell phones, and the internet were commonplace, it was expected that at certain times (especially during family meals) none of these were utilized. It was a matter of respect for the time set apart for our family to spend together. I don't think it is too much to expect young people to refrain from text messaging, etc., during church as it helps them to learn to respect the time set aside for the Lord.
There should be a clear difference between using technology to serve the purposes of the Gospel, and trying so hard to be relevant that we disrespect the Gospel.
Natalie
By
Anonymous, at 3:47 PM
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