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Pastors Mentoring the Next Generation and the SBC pt 6
By jason | January 18, 2008
An Open Letter to Leaders
Pastors Mentoring the Next Generation and the SBC pt 1
Pastors Mentoring the Next Generation and the SBC pt 2
Pastors Mentoring the Next Generation and the SBC pt 3
Pastors Mentoring the Next Generation and the SBC pt 4
Pastors Mentoring the Next Generation and the SBC pt 5
Tumultuous times are ahead, there is no doubt about that. With post-postmodernity on our doorstep (while many still know next to nothing about philosophical postmodernity); with denominations on life-support; with the death of Christendom in America; and the rise of alternate spiritualities there is not doubt that the times, they are a changin’. Our response to these, and other issues, will shape the next 100 years of the movement of Jesus in America.
Will we recoil in fear of the future, wishing for the good ole days? Will we hunker down and hope that these cultural shifts are merely fads, more akin to disco than the renaissance (to borrow a line from someone)? Will we lead the movement of Jesus to complete and total irrelevancy by doing nothing?
While these are tumultuous times, for those who follow Jesus they should be exciting times.
The 21st century looks very much like the first century, in more ways than one. This generation’s proclivities to story lend itself to the telling of the biblical story. The NT’s use of metaphor, parable, and everyday language to communicate the work of God have the potential to capture the hearts and imagination of the next generation like never before.
The openness and willingness in our culture to consider any and all spiritual narratives provides a great environment for the gospel to pierce the soul. While our friends won’t attend an evangelistic rally they will talk about Jesus in our living rooms.
With the emperor standing naked we have a chance, like never before, to display not our political might and pull but our humble, servant-savior uplifted on a cross for mankind. Rather than leading from the top we can lead form the margins pointing to the subversive message of the cross that can radically revolutionize lives like no political party can.
We have an opportunity to innovate ways to communicate the gospel in the language of everyday people. As heirs of the evangelical movement we have the opportunity to stand firmly on the shoulders of great men and women living out their legacy of innovation for the gospel’s sake. Not accommodating to culture so as to lose the gospel through syncretism. But communicating the never changing gospel in language that makes sense in the 21st Century.
And so the question remains: How will we respond to these times?
These are not times for the weak-willed, the short-sighted, the faithless, or gutless leaders. These are days that require courage and conviction and compassion and faith. We need men and women who will follow Jesus at all costs, remaining true to his gospel. We need men and women who will do whatever it takes to reach the next generation for Christ.
We need leaders of great wisdom and insight who will pour themselves into the next generation. How will you respond? Will you lead the charge and invest your life in others? Or will you cower in fear, hunkering down wishing on a vain hope that the world will return to some golden era of your choosing?
You have much to offer. You have much to provide. And the movement of Jesus over the next 100 years needs you, we need you.
So as one who has no position of power, no position of authority, maybe no right to say this, here is my impassioned plea nonetheless: I implore you to invest your life in the next generation. I’m convinced that our world needs men and women who will do just that.
How will you respond?
Sincerely,
Jason Allen
Topics: Leadership |