I am in Pasadena, CA at Fuller Seminary for our second cohort gathering of Sticky Faith. There are churches of all flavors and from all kinds of places. It has been inspiring to hear how many church have taken bold steps, even lost some members for the sake of young people. As we return this time, we will implement more changes in our church and I’m pretty excited about the possibilities.
Here 6 thoughts that are marinating in my head;
1. There is a belief behind every behavior.
The reason why we do anything is guided by a belief, whether we know it or not. Collectively, a church can focus heavily on this cause and ignore another one all based on belief. What does my church really believe about children, teenagers and parents?
2. Common Language is vital.
Words like missional, reformed and even Sticky Faith can mean so many things that they end up meaning nothing. What do we mean when we use these words? What would it look like if the senior pastor, custodian, mother of 3 and high school senior all had a similar understanding of what it meant to be missional? or sticky?
3. A Middle School student has the brain of a child and the body of an adult.
How are we as a church taking this reality and making adjustments?
4.Obedience is a byproduct of trust. Obedience without trust is performance.
Have we shared good advice instead of the Good News?
5. Every statistic needs a story.
One of the most helpful little comments so far. A shocking statistic about young people leaving the faith can make your jaw drop. A statistic that has a story of a young person in your own congregation can propel action.
6. Multi-generational vs. Inter-generational-
Multi-generational is when 50-year-olds and teenagers are in the same space. Inter-generational is the same scenario, except they actually engage with one another.
7. ORBT- one key leader talked about his church having a yearly ORBT; One Really BIG Thing to emphasize each year. I love the idea of this, but in a church of our size I wonder if that would even be possible. Still chewing on this one.
Different take on #3. Middle Schoolers are moving towards more abstract thinking than the concrete thinking of childhood, yes? I wouldn’t say their brain development is not like a child’s, although I agree it most certainly ain’t an adult’s yet.
I’m confused Croskeys. Yes they are moving towards abstract, but they still have a brain more like a child than an adult.
As for the edit feature, what are you talking about? You won’t me to give you permission to change my thoughts?
You gotta add an edit feature to this blog! Should read I WOULD say their brain development is NOT like a child’s, although I agree it most certainly ain’t an adult’s yet.
Nate,
Just a random thought about #7. We are involved with Hillsong church here in Cape Town. Hillsong, across all campuses, all over the world, will have ORBT each year. That vision or movement is set by the main pastor and pushed across. This year it’s all about favor (or as they would spell it favour). Not sure if this is similar to what you’re talking about, but it really does seep into everything throughout the year. Come end of January they will announce a new ORBT during Vision Sunday. Pretty cool to be a part of that much vision.
Cheers,
Casey
Casey,
I think the ORBT could be a theological focus (favor) or it could be a philosophical focus/emphasis like a certain mission or people group.
Would you say the average worshiper knows your church has focused on favor and they could explain it?