Braces, Backpacks, and Millennial Musings

   My little girl got braces this week.

   Lori and I took Lucy to the orthodontist to address some corrections that needed to be made with her teeth. Through this process I learned that there have been wonderful advances in this procedure through the years. One of them has to with choosing what color you want on your teeth.

   When asked what color she wanted her braces to be, Lucy said “orange and blue.”–colors of the Auburn Tigers. 

   I laughed at her choice. I wasn’t ready for that response, it was a complete surprise but appropriate too. It showed her desire to make the best of a challenging and new situation. She’ll have some pain and discomfort for a while but the ultimate goal will be worth it.  

   Associated Baptist Press released an article this week entitled “Millennials warn churches against catering to their generation.” It is a good read. We must be careful not to stereotype all millennials (born 1980-2000) into one category regarding what they like as far as worship style is concerned.

   George Bullard, church consultant and contributor to the article, states that congregations are contorting themselves into contemporary expressions that attract few young people. The problem is that churches aren’t staying true to their own identities.

   There isn’t a “one size fits all” approach that “works” with this generation. A key factor seems to be creating an atmosphere of authenticity and hospitality for them to make new friends and explore their relationship with God. 

   I’ve been expecting an article like this to come out for a while. Because, like many of you, I desire to see more millennials take part in worship. I have sensed the desperation of trying to find that one idea that will work, but it’s like nailing jello to a wall. Nothing seems to stick. . 

   It’s a challenging time for churches all across our nation. For decades, churches have been facing declining numbers and financial resources. An older and more faithful church-going generation is aging out and dying. Yet, churches also face some of the most amazing opportunities to share the gospel. In some ways, the 21st century church is dealing with the same kinds of issues that the 1st century had. We live in a pluralistic society, have complex social and political landscapes, and deal with people who don’t share our worldview or values. The same was true more than 2000 years ago.

   Students go through a lot of changes in their lives, and like Lucy, learn to adapt and want to make the most of the life experiences that come their way. Let’s love those who come are way and be excited about the opportunities for us to gather for worship and then scatter to be a witness for Christ. Let’s also remember that the church isn’t a one or two hour meeting during the week, but a way of life that reflects our relationship with Christ.

   I think we underestimate the sincerity of millennials who genuinely seek a deeper relationship with God and ways to develop that in their own lives. Not all of them are satisfied with the loudest and latest form of worship style. I believe there is a segment of them who are looking for something more significant and deeper than what happens on an hour on Sunday morning. 

   UHBC has long had relationships with Rountree Elementary School, MSU, and Drury. Some of you are graduates, professors, and former faculty at the schools. Our church is promoting and asking you to provide backpacks of school supplies for the elementatary school. We are also hosting the MSU Pride Band soon and you can help out with that too. Soon the “Adopt-a-Student” program will be in place once again, and Trey has some great ideas to cultivate relationships with students.

   Let us desire to “seek first the Kingdom of God” and allow the Holy Spirit to continue to transform us into the kind of church that brings glory to God and love for others. 

   I appreciate Paul Bass and Ethan Bryan filling in for me these last two Sundays. My family and I appreciated the time away to be together and visit family. We are thankful to have a home to return to in Springfield and to see our church family once again.

    The Apostle Paul told the church not be afraid of the challenges around them. We’ll talk more about that Sunday. I hope to see you then. We’ll gather around the Lord’s Supper table and be reminded of our blessings as God’s people. The choir will have a wonderful anthem to share with us as well. I look forward to seeing you

    And, don’t forget the Talent Show this Wednesday night! It will kick off the beginning of another church year. 

   There’s a lot of good things taking place in our church. I hope you will do your best to take part in them and encourage others to do the same

Momma Goose and Romans 16

   ‘Momma Goose” died two weeks ago.

   Her real name was Annette Harvey, and I met her while I was Minister of Youth at Monticello Baptist Church in Monticello, MS. This was a part-time position, as I would make the 2 1/2 hour drive back and forth from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary each Friday and Monday. This was my first church staff position.

    People called her Momma Goose for several reasons, but I suppose it related to her desire to take in strays. This applied to both people and animals. She also had a tendency to hover over people and try to take care of everybody, usually by feeding them or being an attentive ear. She was someone that you would call “a mess.” Her son Anthony was in my youth group, so we were able to spend time together that way too.

    I received a call from someone who let me know about her funeral. Even though it has been a long time since I’ve been in that small Lawrence County community, the news still had an impact on me. I am sure it had an even greater affect on those still living in that town and remaining involved in that church.

   There are many things that go into keeping a church going, and the same is true with ours. We know about the impending roof replacement, flooding in the choir room, panic bar installation and other maintenance needs like the compressor going out that cools the choir room and loft (thus the robe-free summer). Then there are all the sick people in the hospital and at home.

   However, we have enjoyed meaningful reports from our children who went to Windermere for Camp Connect, and the youth talked about their recent trip to Louisville, KY for Mission Fuge.

   Then, there’s the matter of Carol Baumberger deciding to break her arm and get a concussion a few weeks ago. Fortunately, she is on the mend and back in the office keeping things running smoothly.

   It is also a privilege to be part of families for signficant moments. It was also a great pleasure to perform the wedding ceremony for Trey and Abby last weekend. We wish them all the best in their life together and as they share their lives with us through their work with our children, youth, and college students. And, this past Wednesday, I conducted a funeral service for Erma Wehr. That’s how life goes in the ministry.

   The Apostle Paul compiled a list of persons who were important to him while he worked with the church at Rome. A lot of times we skim over the names, but they remind us that the church IS the people. There was one person in particular who made a difference for Paul. He wrote, “Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother for me, too” (Romans 16.13 NIV).

   This woman was like a mother to Paul, and Annette was like a mother to me when I was still finding my way during seminary years. I will always be grateful to the Lord for that.

   Two Sundays ago, you all graciously recognized my family and me for seven years of ministry with UHBC. I appreciate the gift card very much (already been used) and more importantly my connection with this church family. Lori and I are grateful in particular for the ways you have loved Cally, Lucy, and Matt and made them part of your lives. Lucy and Matt were baptized here, and for that reason alone this church will always be special to us.

   Romans 16 reminds me that the reason I am where I am today is because of the many members of the family of faith who, through the years, have prayed for, encouraged, and been part of my life too. Maybe you could create your own list as well, and perhaps several of those persons who come from your connection with UHBC.

   Each Sunday is a kind of “family reunion” and I hope to see you this upcoming Lord’s Day. I realize it is a holiday weekend, one in which we celebrate the birthday of our nation and the freedoms we all enjoy. Regardless of the challenges that face us, it is a wonderful blessing to live in the United States of America.