18 to 29-year-olds that grew up as Christians
22% are Prodigals
30% are Nomads
38% are Habitual Churchgoers
10% are Resilient Disciples
5 PRACTICES OF RESILIENT DISCIPLES
1. THEY EXPERIENCE INTIMACY WITH JESUS WHICH FORMS A RESILIENT IDENTITY
2. DEVELOP MUSCLES OF CULTURAL DISCERNMENT IN A COMPLEX AND ANXIOUS CULTURE
3. THEY BUILD MEANINGFUL, INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father. 1 John 2:13 NKJV
GOD’S IDEA OF A HEALTHY CHURCH IS MULTIGENERATIONAL
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:1-5 NLT
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 NLT
“We don’t merely bear one another’s burdens; the true burden is bearing one another. We overlook offense. We forgive. We show mercy and grace. We disabuse ourselves of our own pipe dreams and illusions of Christian community in order for the power of that community to take effect.” -Dietrich Bonhoeffer
INSTEAD OF CULTIVATING COMMUNITY, WE ARE CULTIVATING ISOLATION
‘Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” Genesis 2:18 NLT
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:3-5 NLT
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS IN A GODLY COMMUNITY CAN ANSWER SOME OF OUR DEEPEST LONGINGS.
- AM I LOVED?
- WHO ARE MY FRIENDS?
- DOES ANYONE CARE ABOUT ME?
“Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.” 2 Corinthians 2:15 NLT
“Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 NLT
You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. Hebrews 5:12 NLT
1. WE SHOW UP
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT
2. WE ALLOW EMOTIONS AND VULNERABILITIES TO BE SHARED WITHOUT JUDGEMENT
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them… Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:9,15 NLT
When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. Psalms 32:3 NIV
3. WE BECOME MENTORS
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Romans 12:9-13 NLT