Reality Check What a new generation really thinks about Christianity … and why it matters Kevin Bowman, Dave Davis, PowerPoint download,

unChristian

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 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

Shared perceptions Six broad themes – Hypocritical – Get saved! – Antihomosexual – Sheltered – Too political – Judgmental year olds Unfavorable ImageOutsidersChurchgoers Anti-homosexual91%80% Judgmental87%52% Hypocritical85%47% Too involved in politics75%50% Out of touch with reality72%32% Old-fashioned78%36% Insensitive to others70%29% Boring68%27% Not accepting of other faiths64%39% Confusing61%44%

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 year olds

Catch-22 These perceptions are particularly tough on Christians aged 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

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

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 year olds Unfavorable ImageOutsidersChurchgoers Hypocritical85%47%

A universal reality Hypocrisy is often an accepted practice among 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

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

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) PriorityBorn-again Christians Lifestyle – doing the right thing, being good, not sinning37% Discipleship – learning about Christ, learning about the Bible31% Evangelism – explaining/sharing your faith, leading people to Christ25% Worship – worshipping God, singing25% Relationships – loving others, making & keeping friends23% Service – helping others, helping the poor, serving people18% Stewardship – giving money, time, or resources to others, blessing others4% Family faith – discipling you children, shaping family faith1%

Standard deviation We’ve set ourselves up for failure, and invited an image of hypocrisy, by prioritizing “being good” as #1 Christians age 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)

Masks

Next week Finishing up hypocrisy Start talking about salvation tunnel-vision Feedback & resources – Kevin Bowman, – Dave Davis, – PowerPoint download,