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| Next Wave: www.next-wave.org: Sept 1999 |
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Links:
Next Wave is a
monthly web Links:
Next Wave is a
monthly web The purpose of
Next Wave is to discuss the nature of ministry, faith Next Wave is free. We
depend on you contributing your views, experiences, insights,
stories, questions and answers. To respond to anything you read
here, or contribute an article, please write to response@ All of the views
expressed here are strictly those of the authors, not
necessarily those of Next Wave staff. All articles in Next
Wave are protected by copyright. Usage is only permitted when approved
by author or Next Wave staff. Letters to the Editor Your
feedback is important. Here are a few of the responses to our last
issue: Sandals: Editor: I
read the article on Sandals Church and was stuck a little on the
conclusions about church and generations. Not to be a stick in the mud,
or [to say] that I have worked out the full implications of my comments.
I find the continued micronization of the church into generation
specific/age-related groups to be a long-term detriment. Two things have
risen after doing some of this myself for 5 years: What about when
people grow older? and What is the Biblical vision for relationships
between generations and does this thin-slice ultimately address a
Biblical vision for a community ruled by Christ? Starting with the end
in mind I find myself disagreeing that every generation needs (seeing
that Gen X is almost 30) their own church. I have found deep antagonism
and of a complete lack of interest between the generations for one
another. 20's for high school kids and children, 40's for 20's, etc... I
think the answer lies somewhere else and not in further isolating
generation issues. This is one of the deeper problems with the desire to
see a new church. [There are] few leaders with resources or the visions
for empowering such a different kind of church. Jeff
Reynolds, Pastor Editor: Just
a quick response to the great description of the worship service at
Sandals Church in California: I missed any description of how this
church does ministry on days other than Sundays. Surely the worship
service is not all they offer? In future stories on churches, please
tell us more about how they respond to God's call beyond just worship. Jay
Sowell Editor: Enjoyed
the article. It brought back memories of our church when my wife and I
started it 20 years ago. I see so many of the same commitments. It is
interesting that most of our growth right now is from the younger
generation. What they seem to be looking for is simple, authentic
worship and answers that are based on truth. Our commitment to God's
Word has always been high and that seems to more attractive to this
generation than it was to mine (the boomer generation). Steve
Larson Editor: I
was wondering what Matt Brown meant by "Boomers like to 'feel real'
as opposed to X'ers who want to 'be real.'" It's the boomer part I
don't get. The 'be real' is clear as a bell. Thanks for the chance to
input. Caren
MacMurchy MTV: Editor: that
was an excellent article on mtv and the postmodern church. i am
fascinated by [David Hopkins'] profound insight into the souls of
generation x and the connection with tv. Tiffany
Tynes Editor: I
appreciate your thoughts and perspectives in the article [written by
David Hopkins] entitled "Everything I ever needed to know about
ministry I learned from...MTV? I never thought that "something good
could come out of MTV," however it just did! Stay close to the
Light! James
Stratford Editor: Thank
you [David Hopkins], for the thoughtful insights into "Generation
X" and MTV. We have been trying to find a way to reach these
individuals in our community. Now, because of your article we are making
some progress. Don
Palmer Editor: The
good Mr. Hopkins interestingly describes the MTV approach to
entertainment and reaching young viewers. However, he stops dramatically
short of answering his own question. What would MTV do if it were asking
"WWJD?", that is the big question. I hope he writes a second
part to the article, because he leaves the reader short of an answer. Jamie
Greening |
