The Cure for Millennial Malaise

“And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.”—Jesus 

(John 10:4)

This post was inspired by a heart who wants to reach, love, mentor and encourage this generation. 

I read a disturbing article the other day. Disturbing, because the author claims that only four percent of Millennials are Bible-based Christian believers. The author goes on to basically state that ninety six percent of Millennials probably don’t practice the teachings of the Bible, assign much value to Christian morals, and most likely will not be found darkening the doors of a church.

I need to start by saying I absolutely hate these demographic labels that marketers, psychologists and researchers have assigned to us. I'm in my late fifties and I hate being referred to as a "baby boomer." What a stupid label. "Gen-Xers." "Millennials." These terms are insulting in my opinion. But for the purpose of context and because the article I mentioned deals with the Millennial Generation, I will use the term here.

Time and space do not permit me to go into a lengthy definition of what a Millennial is. You who are not familiar with the term can do your own Internet search on the word and find enough material to keep you busy reading for days, maybe even weeks. Millennials know who they are, and from everything I have seen, hate being told that they are to blame, are wrong, or lost—so, please know, that is not my intention in writing this.

My intention is, however, to start a dialogue, and encourage younger people who may feel no sense of community in their Christian life.

The church is not a building or organization. But we the believers—God's people—are the "called out" ones. We all already know this; but all churches are made up of deeply flawed, imperfect, prone to fail, weak, human beings. That includes every pastor, elder, staff member, helper, teacher, usher, musician, sound person, and everyone who serves and volunteers, as well as everyone who sits in the pews and seats on the various days of the week. 

We're to love Jesus, not church. Then we're to love our neighbor as our self. But we're also called by Jesus to love and encourage the Body of Christ—the people—as imperfect as we all are, young, old, pastors, teachers, diaper changers, janitors, or fallible, imperfect, prone to fail folks, (like me). 

 I've been hearing the following for the last twenty years. 

"The current generation is unique and different from those in the past—they can't be reached by preaching the Gospel."  

I would encourage all those who may feel this way, to go back and read the New Testament and see what Jesus said about how to reach and save people. It's through the power of His Spirit, His love, His grace, the gift of faith, and the Word of God preached. 

And people are people. Deep down, we're all the same. Everybody hurts. Everyone wants to be loved, needed, accepted, and be a part of something. Everyone wants to belong. Everyone wants to see the world be a better place, and help make that a reality if they can.

We are not called to make the church look perfect to the world. That's never going to happen. It's not possible to be perfect this side of Heaven.

But we are called to know Jesus and to make Him known. And to invite people to freely accept His offer of eternal salvation "by Grace through faith, and that not ourselves, it is the gift of God and not of works, lest any man should boast. (See Ephesians 2:8-9)

If we *just* love people but neglect to share with them what God did for them by sending His Son Jesus to save them from their sins, we may make them feel better today. But we have robbed them of an eternity in Heaven. We've conned them out of God's emotional and spiritual healing in this life. We have stolen their chance for real, lasting joy; now and hereafter.

How is that loving people?

Love as Jesus loved; speak the Truth in love. Share the gospel; the good news, that Jesus came to save and heal the hearts and souls of broken people--and that is the whole world.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

You want a cure for Millennial Malaise?

Get to know Jesus more intimately, personally. Talk to Him as a child would talk to his dad. Be thankful to Him for all things. Even adversity, which He allows to draw us closer to Himself.

And then don't look to "church" to be perfect, or bring you joy, or give you the sense of community or family you desperately need, or meet all the world's needs. Try as we might, [we] will never live up to those lofty expectations. Jesus Himself said, "Without Me, you can do nothing."

But point people to Jesus, and you personally take them by the hand, put your arm around their shoulder, and invite them to come along with us, as imperfect as we all are, to know and make known our loving God and Savior, who alone is the only Perfect Father, that this fatherless society so desperately needs.

"Church" really happens after Sunday morning service is over.  When we each go our way, to our homes, back to work, in the coffee shops, or walking the sidewalks and malls in our city. Hurting and hopeless people are everywhere. True ministry happens in our day to day lives when no one else from church is watching. 

Be the change you want the world to see.

I invite respectful, on-topic comments, questions, and dialogue.

In Christ's Love,

Mark

—God is Love and Love Never Fails.