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Reality Check

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 , http:// goo.gl/ic1eJ. unChristian. A quick review.

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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 Kevin Bowman, kevinb@cordovachurch.com Dave Davis, daved@cordovachurch.com PowerPoint download, http://goo.gl/ic1eJ

  2. unChristian

  3. A quick review • This class will focus on outsiders’ perceptions of Christianity, why they matter, and how Christians can respond to them • “Outsider” population is growing with each new generation; we’ll focus on Busters & Mosaics, ages 16-29 • This generation shares some unique traits which influence their perceptions of Christianity • Relationships; experiences; tolerance; connected • We are obligated; God wants us to care about these “outsiders” because He loves them

  4. Shared perceptions • Six broad themes • Hypocritical • Get saved! • Antihomosexual • Sheltered • Too political • Judgmental

  5. What shapes perceptions? • Firsthand encounters with Christians & Christianity • Good news: we have relationships & influence • Not-so-good news: the message we send • 59% is experience at churches; 50% relationships; 48% other religions; 40% parents • Media has an influence, yes • Can’t be our “out” – the things we do matter more • Painful encounters; bad personal experiences • 60% more likely among 16-29 year olds

  6. Catch-22 • These perceptions are particularly tough on Christians aged 16-29 • They are often embarrassed to be called Christians because of Christians; reluctant of being associated with the “brand” • Young Christians fear that claiming their faith may actually undermine their credibility & ability to connect with people

  7. Reality check & why it matters • Think these perceptions don’t describe you? • Too bad; they do. • Oh, and you should care because • What people think about Christians influences how they respond to us – people’s attitudes drive their actions • What people think about Christians should help us be objective • What people think about Christians can change

  8. Hypocritical • Current perception • Christians say one thing but live something entirely different. • Goal perception • Christians are transparent about their flaws and act first, talk second.

  9. A universal reality • Hypocrisy is often an accepted practice among 16-29 year olds. It’s seen as a means to an end: • Can get ahead while avoiding conflict • A way to craft and maintain an “image” • Perhaps necessary to obtain wealth & fame • Not surprised at Christian hypocrisy • We have an image to protect & maintain too

  10. Issue #1 - the lifestyle gap • Let’s talk – what are some similarities and differences in the way Christians and non-Christians live their lives? • Statistically, the things Christians do in any given month are pretty much the same as the things non-Christians do • Gambling; consuming pornography; getting drunk or high; fighting or abusing someone; lying; seeking revenge; being mean spirited(30% vs. 35%, at least one) • Own a bible, church on Sunday, giving • Christian lives don’t match Christian beliefs • 84% know a Christian; 15% see them living differently

  11. Issue #2 - Christian Priorities • What are some of the top priorities for Christians to pursue in terms of their faith? (Matthew 23:23; Galatians 3:3 & 5:1)

  12. Standard deviation • We’ve set ourselves up for failure, and invited an image of hypocrisy, by prioritizing “being good” as #1 • Christians age 16-29 face a generation of older believers who put a high priority on avoiding sin as a measurement of faith • This priority presents a temptation to give a false pretense of holiness; to make ourselves look like we have tamed our struggle with sin (1 John 1:8)

  13. Masks

  14. Next week • Finishing up hypocrisy • Start talking about salvation tunnel-vision • Feedback & resources • Kevin Bowman, kevinb@cordovachurch.com • Dave Davis, daved@cordovachurch.com • PowerPoint download, http://goo.gl/ic1eJ

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