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Reality Check

Reality Check. What a new generation really thinks about Christianity … and why it matters. Who are we & why this class?. Kevin Bowman. Dave Davis. Grew up “outside;” a good woman brought me “inside” 1 wife, 2 kids, 1 job Been at Cordova for 12yrs

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Reality Check

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  1. Reality Check What a new generation really thinks about Christianity … and why it matters

  2. Who are we & why this class? Kevin Bowman Dave Davis Grew up “outside;” a good woman brought me “inside” 1 wife, 2 kids, 1 job Been at Cordova for 12yrs Part Vulcan; like things to be logical & tangible; “path to faith” followed-suit This book and my “ah-ha!” moment • Product of the Joy Bus in the 1980s • Wife & two kids • Member at Cordova 27yrs • Deeply rooted in this congregation through relationship • Christian literature challenge & inspires me to open God’s word

  3. Perceptions • Just what exactly do you think the average person thinks about Christians & Christianity? • Why do you think these perceptions exist? • Do they reflect reality, or not? • Should these perceptions matter to Christians?

  4. Reality check • This class is an in-depth study which centers on these very questions • Things to keep in mind • The information is data-based; statistical research with depth & breadth (not just our opinion) • It’s not just data; it’s a thoughtful analysis of its implications on the state of society & Christianity

  5. Disclaimers • No hidden agenda – we will present information & discuss how that information impacts Christianity • Discussion will be scripturally grounded • Concepts might be challenging & perceptions may sting – but ultimately the knowledge should be empowering • We are genuinely open to feedback

  6. Some terminology • Outsiders • Those looking at the Christian faith from the outside • Christian • For the sake of this discussion: a follower of Christ who embodies service, compassion, humility, forgiveness, patience, kindness, peace, joy, goodness, and love • unChristian • What Christianity looks like to the outsider • Mosaics • The generation born between 1984-2002 (ages 10-28) • Busters • The generation born between 1965-1983 (ages 29-47)

  7. The Outsiders • Being “outside” is growing more common; each generation has more outsiders than the last • Older Mosaics & younger Busters = 24 million Americans • This class is based on the belief that God wants us to care about these “outsiders” because He loves them (2 Peter 3:9; Luke 15:28-32) • Perceptions that we’ll discuss aren’t just held by outsiders; those inside the church see this as well

  8. Pause & think • How is today’s youth (16-29) different from yesterday’s? How are they the same? Think of some characteristics…

  9. Busters & Mosaics vs. Boomers & Elders • The youth of today are different • Relationships reign supreme • Loyal to the tribe, yet fiercely individual • Crave new, eclectic experiences • Tolerate ambiguity & understand life is not perfect • A constant barrage of marketing & advertising makes them question everything; but willing to evaluate • Technology connects them to information & each other in ways us old folks often don’t appreciate • Looking for a faith they can experience, not just be a part of

  10. Busters & Mosaics vs. Boomers & Elders • We’re losing them • There is a growing resentment & hostility toward Christianity • In 1996, despite fewer active Christians, Christianity itself enjoyed a strong positive image among outsiders • Today, two of every five outsiders have a negative impression of Christianity • We can’t simply wait this out • Hoping that the youth will eventually “grow up” and “come home” won’t work • The church is obligated to recognize & understand this gap (2 Peter 3:9; Luke 15:11-32)

  11. The disconnect • We’ll look at these results as a set of six broad themes

  12. Six broad themes • Hypocritical • Get saved! • Antihomosexual • Sheltered • Too political • Judgmental

  13. Feedback • Kevin • kevinb@cordovachurch.com • Dave • ddavis@cordovachurch.com

  14. Perceptions: The favorable

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