Reality Check

1. Reality Check What a new generation really thinks about Christianity … and why it matters Kevin Bowman, kevinb@cordovachurch.com Dave Davis, daved@cordovachurch.com PowerPoint download, www.cordovachurch.com/reality

2. Sheltered • Current perception • Christians are boring, un-intelligent, old-fashioned and out of touch with reality • Goal perception • Christians are engaged, informed and offer sophisticated responses to the issues people face

3. Recap • Cultural relevancy & the need to pass the baton • The church must be able to reach today’s varied sub-cultures • Our image & branding problem • Looking in, outsiders do not see everything that Christianity has to offer (salvation, community, etc.) • Why this perception • We don’t understand the “real world;” we’ve reduced faith to attendance & not sinning; we’re not willing to think; we live in a bubble

4. A faith that doesn’t make sense • The young thrive on unexpected experiences & enjoy searching for new sources of input; willing to try almost anything • They grew up as one of the most “protected” generations & enjoy defying the “safe life” • They resist simple answers, favor mystery, and are OK with ambiguity • They enjoy spending time with those who believe differently, as a way to push & expand their opinions • A faith that is not willing to address thorny issues is not useful or attractive

5. The “good old days” are gone • Today’s youth do not lead what we’d consider to be “conventional” lifestyles • But they have no less needs; perhaps even greater • The cultural environment has changed more than we can comprehend • Responding with, “Every generation faces this gap; we toughed-it out & you should too,” doesn’t acknowledge the scope of this shift • Businesses are adapting & changing; schools are, our government is. The church must also.

6. The Buster & Mosaic normal • Non-traditional family structure (1:20 vs. 1:3) • Sex: earlier, more partners, marriage not required, widespread divorce • More frequently use drugs, alcohol, profanity • More feel lonely, unfulfilled, & stressed-out • Desperation & suicide more prevalent

7. A painful contrast • The fact that Christianity does offer so much makes this perception hurt even more • Christianity does offer a sophisticated, livable response to the nature of the world • Christianity does offer a fulfilling, contextualized life • Outsiders don’t see Christian contributions pushing culture forward through arts, literature, science, social justice, music, government, etc. • We are not meeting cultural expectations

8. Call to action • Accepting responsibility • It is our duty to help a broken world, but it’s not easy or intuitive • The world won’t come to our doorstep, we have to embrace our task with humility & energy • God wants us in the gritty & raw places in people’s lives • Not being fearful & being prepared • Do not be afraid to engage the world & all it’s rough edges; be confident & do so in love • We must be influencers; we cannot wait for or assume someone else will address the world’s doubts • Not being offended & being in, not of • Being shocked by outsiders natural behavior often causes us to isolate ourselves or go on “crusades” which harm our image • The culture may be offensive, but we cannot take offense • Need both purity & proximity; living our message

9. Next quarter • Being culturally-relevant through a worship-filled life • Feedback & resources • Kevin Bowman, kevinb@cordovachurch.com • Dave Davis, daved@cordovachurch.com • PowerPoint download, www.cordovachurch.com/reality