Throughout Lent were discussing the different generations that make up a congregation. I have found this to be an interesting exercise…What are you…
G.I. Generation (Greatest Generation) 1901 – 1927
Silent Generation 1928 – 1945
Baby Boomers 1946-1964
Generation X 1965 – 1980
Millennials (Gen Y) 1981 – 1996
Generation Z 1997 – 2012
Alpha Generation 2012 – Present
You are welcome to watch any of the worship services to learn about the typical stereotypes or what the points of entry for these generations may be. While I am painting each generation with a broad brush. We are using the same worship style, board and committee structure, Sunday school that we have used for many years. We may add a new committee, or try a new curriculum- but little has changed, for each subsequent generation. The expectation is that newcomers will adapt to us. “We’ve been here for 300 years so why mess with success?”
Jesus did not want to create a new religion. I believe that Jesus wanted to reform the faith of his childhood. I can’t imagine that he envisioned multiple churches in his name in every town across the globe. In a small town like Lebanon we have three churches around the one mile Green. In order to adapt, change or reform we need to know ‘why.’
In the gospels Jesus asks 307 different questions! Jesus is asked 183 questions. Jesus directly answers only 3 (although some may find as many as 8)! Again, because it bears repeating: Jesus directly answered only 3 questions! Catholic author Richard Rohr writes, “In general, we can see that Jesus’ style is almost exactly the opposite of modern televangelism or even the mainline church approach of ‘Dear Abby’ bits of inspiring advice and workable solutions for daily living. Jesus is too much the Jewish prophet to merely stabilize the status quo with platitudes.” Easy answers aren’t always the best solutions. If you want to answer a question, you have to go on a quest. My hope is that we are able to ask the questions, and go on that quest together.
We have been on a journey for the generations. We have been on a sacred pilgrimage to the cross and beyond. The theme of Easter is NEW LIFE. Resurrection is the question and the answer! Crucifixion and Resurrection is the solution to an age-old problem. When the disciples saw Jesus hanged on the cross- they must have thought the dream was over. I am sure they had many more questions than answers.
You may have questions about the future. You may have questions about what life is like on the other side of a global pandemic. I believe that the best is yet to come. That is the Resurrection dream. Like the disciples on Holy Saturday- it may feel like powerful forces have got the best of us—but wait until the morning. In the morning, Easter Sunday—everything changes! There was no going back. Every person who experienced the Risen Christ became a believer.
Every person, every generation, should know this story. It’s a game changer. It’s a complete pivot. It is the answer! May your Easter season be filled with all the signs of new and abundant life!
