UNCHRISTIAN

I came across a book a few weeks ago entitled "UNCHRISTIAN What a New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity." The book had such a big impact on my life that I wanted our church to be exposed to it. It is written by a guy named David Kinnaman, who works for the Barna Group.

He and a friend Gabe Lyons did extensive research to find out what people in their 20's really think about Christianity and the Church in the USA. Some 50 people in our church begins small group discussion this week. They will meet for 8 weeks and then the first of April all 4 groups will come together to decide how the info we discovered should influence the way we do things.

Here is a quote from the inside cover: "The research shows that Christians are best known for what they are against. They are perceived as being judgmental, antihomosexual, and too political. And young people are quick to point out they believe that Christianity is no longer as Jesus intended. It is unChristian.

I will discuss with you over the next 8 weeks the highlights of each chapter. We are perceived to be Hypocritical. Rather than really caring for people, all we care about is getting people saved so we can brag about it. Our moral stance against the homosexual has led the 20's generation to perceive us as Antihomosexual, even among those in that generation who are involved in church. We are viewed as living Sheltered lives and being out of touch with the real world. We are way too political, and also seen to be Judgmental.

This study will be shocking to you. Tell me what your initial impressions are of this article.

HEADLINES

Welcome to "the PARK". Glad you have decided to visit our website. My calling from God is to disciple believers. I believe that of all the many needs of the church today in the USA, developing believers in their walk with the Lord may be one of the greatest. Someone who is developing in their walk with the Lord is a "disciple." The Greek word for disciple is "mathatas," meaning learner. You can probably see that this is where we get our English word mathematics. So, let me share a definition of a disciple of Christ that I came across:

DEFINITION OF A DISCIPLE
A disciple of Christ is an individual who exhibits an increasing Christ-likeness exemplified by: 1) an undeniable love for God and others, 2) a vibrant prayer life, 3) a love of Scripture, 4) an obedient lifestyle of personal evangelism, 5) employment of talents and personal resources, spiritual gifts and service used for the benefit of the Kingdom, 6) consistent manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit, and 7) extravagant worship that treasures Christ.

Maybe you use a definition that appeals to you. I would love to see it. Feel free to share.

God Bless,
Pastor Roger Head