American's view of needs vs. luxuries from 1890-present!

According to research, American's view of what they considered NEED vs. WANTS  has changed drastically since 1890.   In 1890 Americans listed just 16 things that they considered essential to life.   Now in 2013, we list 100 things as needed or essential to basic life. We have moved towards a materialistic society at light speed.

Are We Failing to Communicate God's Word?

If asked, most of us would say communicating God's word to our students is one of our highest priorities. Our conviction is that prevailing ministries are built on God's word; we have a personal love for biblical truth; we're passionate about its message; and we've seen God change lives with it—so we invest a significant amount of time, resources, and programming to preach and teach Scripture. Unfortunately, many of us feel like we're not getting Scripture into their lives like we'd want. It seems there have been some changes in the ways our students receive, process, and value information. Combined with the normal challenges of spiritually forming teenagers, we find it extremely difficult to effectively communicate God's word to our students.

As we discuss this issue, we sense that we're not the only ones wrestling with this challenge. So, we're proposing that we find ways to put our heads together and brainstorm some ideas about how we can capture the emerging generation's imagination with the compelling story of what God has done throughout history as recorded in Scripture. To start the conversation we'll list some of the assumptions we're beginning to work with and some of the questions we can't answer at this time. We invite you to look these over, consider them, and be part of a conversation with other committed youth workers.

Let us first begin with our assumptions:

• The emerging generation is not prone to read books in order to discover their world; and visual mediums such as movies, the internet, and television shape their perceptions of the world the way the written word shaped the perceptions of previous generations.

While this generation still reads to some degree, their mode of learning is shifting away from text/word/lecture dominated. To say they're primarily visual is only part of the truth. It's a complex situation with many contributing factors. However one can look at many indicators and statistics, whether hours-per-day viewing television, literacy rates, or scholastic test scores, and all these studies mean one thing when you're teaching your students: it's difficult for them to listen to you and learn when you're teaching through lecture.

• The emerging generation is biblically illiterate.

The students new to our groups have little or no knowledge of key verses, stories, or characters. Those involved for any period of time have some understanding of Scripture, but only bits and pieces of information; and they don't view Scripture as a unified whole. Sadly, we must agree with George Lindbeck's statement, as cited in Tony Jones' Postmodern Youth Ministry, that "there was a time when every educated person, no matter how professedly unbelieving or secular, knew the actual text from Genesis to Revelation with a thoroughness that would put contemporary ministers and even theologians to shame." This is no longer the case.

• Students are film literate.

Multi-media is becoming the dominant language of teenage culture, primarily because movies do a great job of telling compelling stories that involve a multi-sensory combination of interesting celebrities and hit soundtracks. Just by hearing how many movies are seen and how much television is watched each week, it's easy to see why most students are ignorant of God's story but intimate with Hollywood's stories. The deeper implication is that students' beliefs are shaped by what's seen. Ask and you'll find that most students' (and adults') beliefs about Jesus, salvation, and worldview have been shaped by movies, television, and other visual media.

• Students easily relate to compelling stories but struggle to relate to propositional teaching.

I had excellent teachers who taught me to compose a sermon by having a thesis statement, followed by my first, second, and third points. The only problem is that my students' eyes glaze over when I teach propositionally, and an hour later they cannot tell me what I talked about. However, students can recall three years later compelling stories I've told in my preaching.

• Youth workers and churches don't have the visual story-telling resources to introduce students to the Scriptures in a culturally relevant way.

If most students don't have a basic understanding of how Scripture fits together as an organic whole, and if they don't see that it's a singular story beginning in Genesis, coming to completion in Revelation, and if they don't see the story unfolding today, they don't know how to integrate singular messages, studies, or stories. They have a level of ignorance that becomes an impenetrable barrier that will stay with them in their transition from adolescence to adulthood. Students could attend Sunday morning worship, youth group, and small group studies and still never move beyond a basic level of understanding the Christian story. They can be deeply moved by gifted speakers, make commitments to Christ, and yet remain spiritual infants, having threads of the story, while failing to understand the grand tapestry of drama contained in Scripture.

Questions we're asking:

As teachers, here are some questions we're asking as we try to figure out how to impact this generation.

• How can we communicate God's word, which has been passed down in a written form, to a generation that is primarily visual?
• Is much of Scripture easily re-translated to visual communication? Since its roots were in the Jewish oral tradition, a lot of Scripture began as storytelling, which eventually was written down. Since a film begins as written story in a script, is it possible to use the stories of Scripture to create scripts, and ultimately, visual stories?
• If the Christian story, as told in Scripture, is the most compelling story the world will ever hear, how can we relearn how to tell the story so that it moves peoples' hearts and souls?
• Modern evangelicalism reads like a tax form: all the info is there, but it's not inspiring. To quote Leonard Sweet, "Postmoderns don't approach life as a problem to be solved but a mystery to be experienced and lived." The Bible-as-list is a modern concept, separating by theme, etc. (this is how I've tried to attack the Bible at times, but perhaps story, maybe arranged chronologically, would be the best approach now).

In other words, contemporary evangelicals have dissected the Scriptures to the point where the story is lost—it becomes about facts and singular, untouchable truths. Contemporary evangelicals believe that they can separate themselves from the Scriptures and objectively figure out the truths within the text.

• Since the Christian story no longer captures our students' imaginations, what storylines do capture their imaginations and govern their lives?

What storylines are the most dominant themes that define our kids lives? Is it the storyline of being rich, successful, good-looking man or woman, finding pleasure?

• What are some effective ways visual tools can be used?

Martin Luther published his New Testament with 22 woodcut illustrations, so could we publish visual tools that communicate to this generation in the language and media with which they're already familiar? Since storytellers and movie producers are so effective at influencing students through movies, how can we harness and use that medium in our ministry? What if some of our innovative, creative teachers gave their best efforts to find ways to communicate to this emerging generation? What if we tried to communicate God's story creatively and effectively using the medium of film—a language understood by teenagers and young adults? With 90% of the decisions to follow Christ made before the age of 19, are the stakes high enough for us to gather and invest the resources it will take to create a relevant, compelling medium that connects with this emerging generation?

• How will we pay for these expensive projects?

Bob Briner, in his book Roaring Lambs, was very confident that funding would be available for innovative, creative Christians who came up with compelling ideas for works of art (movies, television shows, stage productions), and he gave several inspiring examples. But how can we pay for quality, full-scale productions that can easily cost millions of dollars? Also, when we consider how little money is available to media projects targeting teens, and when we see that most foundation grants favor established, long-term ministries, how will we find the money to pursue these projects?

Amos 8:11-14 says, "'The time is surely coming,' says the Sovereign Lord, 'when I will send a famine on the land—not a famine of bread or water but of hearing the words of the Lord. People will stagger everywhere from sea to sea, searching for the word of the Lord, running here and going there, but they will not find it. Beautiful girls and fine young men will grow faint and weary, thirsting for the Lord's word. And those who worship and swear by the idols of Samaria, Dan, and Beersheba will fall down, never to rise again.'"

We feel that a famine is upon us and it's urgent that we find ways to capture the imagination of this generation with the awesomeness of God's story.

reprinted from an article written by by Justin Bell and Wes Dillon

Your next sermon - get em talking

Want a Sermon that will have the whole church talking?

Now and then, an unbelievable sermon comes along that is just cut from a different cloth. One that must be heard to believe . . . a sermon so attention getting that IF you were to re-preach it, you will have your students, parents and staff talking about it for a long time. In fact . . . long after your gone! Here ya go . . . (for the extremely serious minded, this web page is for humor and not theology) This video does not reflect the views of SME, it's director, board members or purpose and should be viewed as entertainment only. Click Here for "the" Sermon

Fathers and Evangelism

Fathers and Evangelism

According to research, if a child accepts Christ as savior there is a 3.5 percent chance the  rest of the family will follow towards salvation. If the mother in a family becomes a Christian, there is a 17% chance the rest of the family  will follow towards salvation. If a father accepts Christ as savior, there is a 93% chance that the rest of the family will  follow towards Christ.

Sexual Activity and Teens

Sexual Activity and Teens

Many teens in the dark on how sexual diseases spread A THIRD of sexually active teenagers have their first experience before the age of 14 but many are unaware how infectious diseases spread, new figures have shown. The Marie Stopes International survey of 1000 13- to 18-year-olds and their parents revealed that 31 per cent of teenagers were sexually active but almost a third did not know they could catch sexually transmitted infections from oral sex. Almost half were unaware they could be infected by chlamydia without showing symptoms. Of the 52,000 cases of chlamydia recorded last year a quarter were among those under the age of 19. And more than half those surveyed were unaware that using a condom would not protect them from contracting herpes. While 22 per cent of parents surveyed thought their children were sexually active, 31 per cent of teens said they were. Twenty per cent of adults had never talked to their teens about sexual health. Thirteen per cent of parents would have no idea if their children were sexually active. The research showed that on average those teenagers who had sex education talks with their parents became sexually active later (at 15.3 years) than those who had not discussed the issue (14.7 years). Experts say the findings underline the need for mandatory sex education in all Australian schools. The survey classified "sexually active" as oral sex, intercourse or touching of genitals.

Internet Surfing Alters Brain

Is surfing the Internet altering your brain?

CANBERRA (Reuters Life!) - The Internet is not just changing the way people  live but altering the way our brains work with a neuro-scientist arguing this is  an evolutionary change which will put the tech-savvy at the top of the new social order. Gary Small, a neuro-scientist at UCLA in California who specializes in brain function,  has found through studies that Internet searching and text messaging has made brains  more adept at filtering information and making snap decisions. But while technology can accelerate learning and boost creativity it can have drawbacks  as it can create Internet addicts whose only friends are virtual and has sparked a  dramatic rise in Attention Deficit Disorder diagnoses. Small, however, argues that the people who will come out on top in the next generation will be those with a mixture of  technological and social skills. "We're seeing an evolutionary change. The people in the next generation who are really going to have the edge are the  ones who master the technological skills and also face-to-face skills," Small told Reuters in a telephone interview. "They will know when the best response to an email or Instant Message is to talk rather than sit and continue to email." In his newly released fourth book "iBrain: Surviving the Technological Alteration of the Modern Mind," Small looks at  how technology has altered the way young minds develop, function and interpret information. Small, the director of the Memory & Aging Research Center at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human  Behavior and the Center on Aging at UCLA, said the brain was very sensitive to the changes in the environment such as  those brought by technology. He said a study of 24 adults as they used the Web found that experienced Internet users showed double the activity in areas  of the brain that control decision-making and complex reasoning as Internet beginners. "The brain is very specialized in its circuitry and if you repeat mental tasks over and over it will strengthen certain neural  circuits and ignore others," said Small. "We are changing the environment. The average young person now spends nine hours a day exposing their brain to  technology. Evolution is an advancement from moment to moment and what we are seeing is technology affecting our  evolution." Small said this multi-tasking could cause problems. He said the tech-savvy generation, whom he calls "digital natives," are always scanning for the next bit of new information  which can create stress and even damage neural networks. "There is also the big problem of neglecting human contact skills and losing the ability to read emotional expressions  and body language," he said. "But you can take steps to address this. It means taking time to cut back on technology, like having a family dinner, to  find a balance. It is important to understand how technology is affecting our lives and our brains and take control of it." By Belinda Goldsmith

Making Major Decisions

Making Major Decisions

During the course of a year most of us only make two or three truly major decisions. These might include whether or not  to change jobs, which job to take, whether or not to move to another city or across town, how many children to have,  which church to attend, what kind of personal ministry to undertake, what kind of car to buy (and do I really need a new  one?), how to adjust lifestyle to a reduced income, and so on. Yet, these comprise some of the most important and difficult  decisions we ever make. Most of the major decisions we make in life are not specifically dictated by Scripture. So what do we do? A PERSPECTIVE Here are some considerations to help make better decisions: Know that many major decisions do turn out wrong. A man became restless after twenty one years with the same  company. He could not isolate the source of his feelings, but decided he needed a change. Since that time he has  bounced around from job to job, never keeping the same position more than three years. A couple decided to move to a "better" neighborhood. There was nothing wrong with their present neighborhood. In fact,  they loved their neighbors, the location was convenient, crime was low, the mortgage payment was a pittance, and they  couldn't really find anything wrong with their existing home. Their new house required much more upkeep than they had  figured. The higher payments created a great deal of tension between them. Soon they began pointing fingers at each  other, blaming one another for deciding to leave the old neighborhood. If you are not content with yourself where you are, you will not be content where you are going. It is an error to think  that changing our circumstances alone will make us happy or content. Often we cling to some selfish ambition that is  at odds with leading a surrendered life. Count the cost of making the wrong decision. Perhaps the greatest lesson I've learned about making major decisions is  the cost of making the wrong decision. When decisions turn out right, "I" am brilliant. When they turn out wrong, "you"  really blew it! Think about this next statement: The greatest time waster in our lives is the time we spend undoing that  which ought not to have been done in the first place. Do you agree. Usually we can recover if we make a bad choice. Sometimes, however, we can't. Never make a decision that bets the entire  ranch on being right. Most decisions are obvious given enough information and time. When do we make poor decisions? When we don't have  our facts straight and when we are hasty. Keep collecting data. Write it down so you don't forget it. The mind by itself may  blow one small fact all out of proportion. Writing it down puts things in perspective. Talk to wise counselors; get other  people's perspective. Talk to experts who have skill better to operate from fact than feeling. Ours is an impatient world, a hasty world, an impulsive world. If my computer takes three seconds to sort 20,000,000 bytes  of data instead of one second I get frustrated. Let's get real! It takes time to make a wise, major decision. The mind may  know quickly what to do, but it takes time for our emotions to catch up. We have vested positions which only time can  change. We must wait for that "gut feeling," which is our subconscious mind informing our conscious mind of the results  of its thorough and complete analysis. THE MEANS OF GUIDANCE The major decisions we make will come most easily if we abide in Christ daily, begin each dawn in humble surrender to  God, seek to please Him in all our ways, and live our lives out of the overflow of our personal relationship with Jesus. To  assist us God has given means of guidance. Let's briefly explore each of seven different means God has given us to help  discern His will. The Bible. The single most important question to ask is, "Has God already spoken on this matter?" The Bible is chock  full of commands (which are duty) and principles (which are wise). We don't have to wonder if not reporting $1,800 of  incidental income to the IRS is God's will. We know it is. As the Bible says, "Do not go beyond what is written"  (1 Corinthians 4:6). Obedience is the trademark of a biblical Christian. Talk over the Scriptures together. Prayer. Jesus said, "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will  be complete" (John 16:24). Over and over and over again we are invited to present our requests to God. Prayer is the  currency of our personal relationship with Christ. Spend it liberally. Pray over major (why not all?) decisions. The Holy Spirit. God lives in us in the person of the Holy Spirit. He is our counselor, convicter, comforter, converter, and  encourager. Consciously depend upon Him and He will both guide you and intercede for you. "The Spirit intercedes for  the saints in accordance with God's will" (Romans 8:27). The Holy Spirit is the one Who "clothes" us with power from on  high. The Holy Spirit will never lead in contradiction to His written Word. Conscience. In seeking God's will we must live by the pledge of a good conscience toward God and other people. "Dear  friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God" (1 John 3:21). Keep in mind that while a guilty  conscience provides clear evidence you are not in God's will, a clear conscience may not guarantee you have correctly  discerned God's will. Conscience is more effective as a red light than a green light. To go against conscience is neither  wise nor safe. Circumstances. Some people are born short, some tall. Some black, some white. Some in America, some in Argentina.  Some to poor parents, some to rich. God's will is often revealed clearly by the circumstances in which we live. "He  determines the times set for them and the exact places where they should live" (Acts 17: 26). If you want to purchase a  house which will require a $100,000 mortgage and you can only qualify for $75,000, then circumstances have told you  God's will. Counsel. "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed" (Proverbs 15:22). Often we need nothing  more than a good listener to help us crystallize our thoughts into coherent words. Other times, we need the advice of a  trusted friend. Seek out each other's counsel. Fasting. Fasting is a lost spiritual discipline in this age. Fasting slows down the physical functions so that the mind  can be more in tune with Christ. Fasting demonstrates a seriousness about your concern to the Lord. Employ these constituted means for finding the will of God. Do them only occasionally and it will amount to nothing more  than priming a rusty pump. Do them regularly and the will of God will gush forth like deep well springs. A PROCESS Here is a useful, practical process for finding the will of God. Keep in mind this is not a process for getting our own way.  We must be cautious that we truly want what God wants. Otherwise we will twist things to our own way. Each step builds  on itself, and you may find the answer becomes obvious at any point along the way. If it doesn't make itself clear, keep  moving through the steps until it does. Write down the decision exactly. Nothing clarifies our thinking more quickly than paper and pencil. It's said that half the  solution is knowing the problem. Precisely what is the decision? What are the choices? Next, write out a "purpose statement" which precisely explains why you are considering this decision. It is helpful not  only to know what you are trying to decide, but why. "Why" are you trying to decide "what" you are trying to decide?  What is the context? Do you have to move? Is it a need or a want? Are you unhappy? Next, submit your "purpose statement" to a series of questions. Here are some suggestions: What are you trying to accomplish, and why? What is your objective, or desired end result? What are your expectations and why? How does this decision fit in with your calling? Are you considering this from a sense of calling or duty? What would Jesus do if He were you? What is the "next" right step to take? If your answer still hasn't become obvious, list each option on a separate sheet of paper. On the left side list the  advantages of that option; on the right side list the disadvantages. As Louis Agazziz said, "A pencil is one of the best  of eyes." Usually, one option will prove itself clearly desirable, or undesirable, at this point. At all times, employ the seven steps of guidance to discern God's will covered above. If the answer still hasn't come, wait. You can never predict what God is doing in your life. God is not a man that He would  ever work for your harm. God is committed to working for your good. Commit to let God set the agenda. Never push God.  If the answer isn't obvious, trust Him to make it clear in His timing. You can rush ahead if you must, but you do so at your  own peril. Better to wait upon the Lord. Give Him the time He wants to work some things into and out of your character.  And remember this: God is not the author of confusion. Satan, however, is. If you are still confused, wait. Peace is the umpire. Let me encourage you to keep this article in a handy place. Review it when you seem to get stuck on a major decision. Business leader, author, and speaker, Patrick Morley helps men to think more deeply about their lives, to be reconciled  with Christ, and to be equipped for a larger impact on the world. © 1998. Patrick M. Morley. All rights reserved.