1. Reality Check What a new generation really thinks about Christianity … and why it matters Kevin Bowman, kevinb@cordovachurch.comkevinb@cordovachurch.com Dave Davis, daved@cordovachurch.comdaved@cordovachurch.com PowerPoint download, www.cordovachurch.com/realitywww.cordovachurch.com/reality

2. Judgmental Current perception – Christians are prideful and quick to find faults in others. Goal perception – Christians show grace by finding the good in others and seeing their potential to be Christ followers. 16-29 year olds Unfavorable ImageOutsidersChurchgoers Judgmental87%52%

3. One of “the big three” Near the top of bad perceptions – Between anti-homosexual and hypocritical Tough bullet for Mosaics and Busters to bite – They’re very insightful to people’s motives, they have been advertised to since birth, and they immediately wonder what's in it for you. – They’re resistant to simple black and white views, they believe nothing is simple.

4. Errors in judgment Wrong verdict – We can be misguided by our personal stereotypes and biases. Wrong timing – Although we might have good advise, it might not be the right time for the person to hear it. Wrong motivation – Our motivation cannot be vindictive, self-righteous or condemning. Playing favorites – We cannot write people off because we see them as a lost cause.

5. It’s a love issue Do Christian churches accept and love people unconditionally, regardless of how people look or what they do? Their perception is their reality Percent who agree strongly Pastors76% Christian churchgoers41% Outsiders (all ages)20% Outsiders (16-29)16%

6. Video

7. Bible on judgment Romans 2:1-4 – God’s kindness is intended to lead us to repentance 1 Corinthians 4:3-5 – God will expose everyone’s hearts John 12:46-48 – Jesus came to be a light, not to judge

8. Relationship 101 Mosaic and Busters, in general, see the following as basic elements in friendships: – Listen to each other – Don’t label each other Lost, pagans, unbelievers – Don’t pretend like you know it all – Put themselves in each other’s place – They are genuine Shared common interests – They are friends without motives Not just trying to get them to come to church

9. Virtue vs. Grace We are missing the mark when we try to “teach” virtue because it sets us up to be judgmental. Move beyond making people behave to our expectations, instead try to love them like Christ. Jesus can always make up the difference!

10. Calls to action Love others even if you do not approve of all they do. – It is not our job to change them or judge them, it is our job to love them Embrace relationships – Godly advice can be appreciated and accepted under the right circumstances Humility – We rely on God’s grace not on our own merit Embrace don’t abandon – Recognize that Christians also find themselves struggling with sticky situations.

11. Next week Last class (Sheltered) – Have a happy Thanksgiving! Feedback & resources – Kevin Bowman, kevinb@cordovachurch.comkevinb@cordovachurch.com – Dave Davis, daved@cordovachurch.comdaved@cordovachurch.com – PowerPoint download, www.cordovachurch.com/realitywww.cordovachurch.com/reality