1. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

2. Periods of Dramatic Change
1500s – The Gutenberg Press
1700s – The Industrial Revolution
Today – The Technological Revolution

3. Christian Reactions to Change
Denial
Withdrawal
Acceptance and adjustment

4. Philippians 3:5-6
I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.

5. for Christ's sake.

7. Wesley
“What a marvel that the devil does not love field preaching! Neither do I. I love a comfortable and spacious room, a soft cushion on my chair and a handsome pulpit. But where is my zeal for God and the lost, if I do not trample all these underfoot in order to save one more soul?”

8. Churches reaching younger generations . . .
help people feel like they belong
actively show compassion to hurting people
become an active part of the neighborhood
make very good use of digital technology

9. Churches reaching younger generations . . .
use more missional approaches to reaching people more than attractional approaches
no bait and switch evangelism
taking a highly relational approach to evangelism
keep politics out of the church

10. Churches reaching younger generations . . .
create worship that provides experiences with God
keep the Gospel at the center of all they do.

11. 9000 churches close each year in USA
100,000 are showing signs of aging and dying in USA
1998 – 384,000 churches in USA
2012 – up 50,000 in USA
???

12. Christian Reactions to Change
Denial
Withdrawal
Acceptance and adjustment

13. Prayer of John Bailee during the Industrial Revolution
“Lord, make me wise to see all things this day in light of eternity. And make me brave enough to face all the changes taking place around me. May I do so with the necessary vision to make a difference for you.”