Resource

I thought I would post an article from The Barna Group today.  This is a study from a few years ago that researched what teenagers are looking for out of an experience with church. 

There are few things I'd like to comment on:

1 - I think it is important for us to remember that we are not selling a product.  Sometimes it is tempting to think: "This is what the people want, so this is what we should be."  If acquiesced to the popular demands of teenagers, I have a feeling we would do nothing but lock-ins and ski retreats, and we would leave the chaperons at home.  As the article states, wants and needs are not always the same thing.  We must be very intentional in preaching the truth of the gospel in every aspect of our students' lives.

2 - I think studies like this, however, are incredibly useful.  The beauty of the gospel is that it transcends all generations and all trends.  The things that students are looking for, the gospel supplies.  Its says that kids are looking for a connection to God, the gospel declares the good news that everyone can be connected to God the Father through Jesus the Son.  The challenging part is that the gospel is not a pick-and-choose proposition.  Christ demands our undivided allegiance and taught that the only to the Father was a life of sacrifice through submission.  These studies give us a great idea of where we can start the conversation.  Several years ago, I think we could start the conversation with, "Do you want to know how to not go to hell when you die?" because that was a question people asked themselves often.  I don't think the teens these days ask themselves that as much now as in the past.  I think now we should be starting the conversation with, "Do you want to know how to make your life meaningful?" and go from there.  All the conversations need to be working towards a common end, however.  That conclusion is: "There is no life outside of Christ." 

I would love to hear some of your thoughts in the comments.