A recent study conducted by the Barna Group provides explanations as to why young American Christians are leaving the church. Reasons include a general idea that the church is overprotective, and that Christianity is too exclusive.
The Barna Group conducts studies on spirituality—especially Christianity in the United States today. This particular study was comprised of eight national studies, including interviews with teenagers, young adults, parents, youth pastors and senior pastors.
There is not one overwhelming reason that young Christians leave the church determined, the Barna Group reports. Six significant themes were uncovered as to why three out of every five young Christians leave the church temporarily or permanently.
Young people were reported to leave the church for the following reasons: (1) The church is overprotective. (2) Teens’ and 20-somethings’ experience of Christianity is shallow. (3) Churches come across as antagonistic to science. (4) Young Christians’ church experiences related to sexuality are often simplistic, judgmental. (5) They wrestle with the exclusive nature of Christianity. (6) The church feels unfriendly to those who doubt. Click here to read research findings with fuller explanations of these concerns.
In one sense, these findings are nothing new. Evangelist Sammy Tippit points out that the church has always dealt with the tension of inquiring young minds and Christian values.
“Young people are in a transitional period,” notes Tippit. “They’re in a period of becoming independent. They’re in a period of trying to discover for themselves who they are, what their purpose is. That’s difficult for the church because the church has some very solid concrete values.”
Tippit believes today’s American culture has indeed exasperated these issues. But the most concerning of the findings, says Tippit, is that young people struggle with Christianity claiming to be the only way—an idea central to the gospel (i.e. John 14:6).
“Somehow, we are not communicating what the gospel is to our young people,” laments Tippit. “Of course, we live in this society that says anything and everything is OK, and that we ought to accept other things. [It's important to know how] to deal with that and how to share what the gospel really is: who Jesus is and why He came. Until you grasp that, the other issues that surround that (the exclusive nature of Christianity) all become very difficult to comprehend.”
For today’s parents, Tippit has a few suggestions as to how to combat these church-leaving symptoms. For one thing, Tippit suggests, parents need to provide a firm foundation of Christian teachings and values to begin with, and then let them ask questions when they get to that point.
“That’s one of the real keys that the church has to understand: You can’t keep young people in a little box. It’s not going to work. You’ve got to give them the liberty to fail, the liberty to reach out and discover for themselves. But you’ve got to put something in them foundationally that will enable them to deal with those issues.”
Secondly, Tippit adds, parents and Christian adults need to be earnestly seeking Christ and modeling godly principles themselves. “We need to show them authentic Christianity: the kind of Christianity that is so real and so exciting that when they look at everything else, it just looks like, ‘Hey, this is where I need to be.’”
Thirdly, Christian adults need to pray. Pray for revival in America, which has often historically begun with youth.
Finally, education on the subject is vital. Tippit suggests the books Prayer Factor and Praying for Your Family as two good options.
(Source: Charisma Media)
Monday, November 14, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
The Teams In My Life
AT HOME
I ask my wife, Sherin, to keep me accountable. We remember that if we don't travel this journey together, it's not worth traveling at all. We will never forget the first lesson in our ministerial training course from Pastor Hiram ... paraphrasing: Don't get into full-time or any ministry if your spouse is not ready, willing, and able to travel this road with you. Ministering is a partnership. We are trusting in God for His grace, wisdom, and strength. We are learning these days. We are making adjustments. We are feeling our way thru this process. Some days are easier than others.
But I am learning that God gave me this family to take care of before He gave a church / ministry to pastor. When we take steps of faith, He will provide for every need. When we take steps of faith, He will honor those who honor Him. When we take steps of faith, He will go above and beyond to bless us.
The prayers, support, encouragement, and constructive feedback from parents, siblings, close friends, and fellow workers in His kingdom cannot go unnoticed! Please don't stop! Keep going! God knows we need it!
AT "WORK"
Our team at Community Worship Service was put together by God. We know it. We see it. We love it.
I value the team ... confidantes, constituents, and comrades (as per Bishop T. D. Jakes). I value empowering and equipping those with gifts and anointing to operate. I value delegation because someone else can do something better than I can. I value seeing someone's enthusiasm in serving and accomplishing great things. I value making people around me better. I value serving and helping those who are willing to take a risk. I value the new things I learn from other's skills and experiences. I value seeing the potential in the next generation and allowing them to exercise it and learn by making mistakes and becoming better leaders because of it. What God needs to accomplish cannot be done without a knitting together of people going after the same vision and mission.
These are the awesome teams God has placed in my life. I pray and thank God for them!
Enjoying The Ride,
Cecil
I ask my wife, Sherin, to keep me accountable. We remember that if we don't travel this journey together, it's not worth traveling at all. We will never forget the first lesson in our ministerial training course from Pastor Hiram ... paraphrasing: Don't get into full-time or any ministry if your spouse is not ready, willing, and able to travel this road with you. Ministering is a partnership. We are trusting in God for His grace, wisdom, and strength. We are learning these days. We are making adjustments. We are feeling our way thru this process. Some days are easier than others.
But I am learning that God gave me this family to take care of before He gave a church / ministry to pastor. When we take steps of faith, He will provide for every need. When we take steps of faith, He will honor those who honor Him. When we take steps of faith, He will go above and beyond to bless us.
The prayers, support, encouragement, and constructive feedback from parents, siblings, close friends, and fellow workers in His kingdom cannot go unnoticed! Please don't stop! Keep going! God knows we need it!
AT "WORK"
Our team at Community Worship Service was put together by God. We know it. We see it. We love it.
I value the team ... confidantes, constituents, and comrades (as per Bishop T. D. Jakes). I value empowering and equipping those with gifts and anointing to operate. I value delegation because someone else can do something better than I can. I value seeing someone's enthusiasm in serving and accomplishing great things. I value making people around me better. I value serving and helping those who are willing to take a risk. I value the new things I learn from other's skills and experiences. I value seeing the potential in the next generation and allowing them to exercise it and learn by making mistakes and becoming better leaders because of it. What God needs to accomplish cannot be done without a knitting together of people going after the same vision and mission.
These are the awesome teams God has placed in my life. I pray and thank God for them!
Enjoying The Ride,
Cecil
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Perfect or Healthy Balance?
Finding the right balance isn't always easy. There is me-time w/God, time with family, time for work, time for ministry/church, time for rest & relaxation, etc... However what order does it go in? What percentage of time goes to what part of life? Is there a perfect formula to get the equation to balance perfectly? I don't know! It might not be a perfect balance, but if a healthy balance is not set up at an early stage especially when ministry is involved, it could prove costly in the long run.
I have to keep priorities in order:
My God
My Family
My Calling
It takes time, effort, and sacrifice in planting a new church. It takes time, effort, and sacrifice in raising a family. It takes time, effort, and sacrifice in developing a relationship with Christ. (Oops, I didn't write that in the "right order".) Sometimes we have to say "NO" to certain things to keep a healthy balance. Sometimes we say "NO" too much and create an unhealthy balance. What helps me is the power of a good team at home and in ministry.
There is no formula to get a perfect balance.
There is a formula to get a healthy balance ... God, Family, Calling.
Enjoy The Ride,
Cecil
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
12 Killers of Good Leadership
I came across this article today which was authored by Ron Edmondson. Its a great read on good leadership!
"I know numerous leaders with great potential… They have all the appearance of being a good leader… But they lack one thing…or two… There are a few killers of good leadership… Any one of these can squelch good leadership… It’s like a wrecking ball of potential… It’s not that they can’t lead, but to continue to grow as a leader…to be successful at a higher level or for the long-term…they must address these issues.
Here are 12 killers of good leadership:Defensiveness – Good leaders don’t wear their feelings on their shoulders. They know other’s opinions matter and aren’t afraid to be challenged.
Jealousy – A good leader enjoys watching others on the team excel.
Revenge – The leader that succeeds for the long term must be forgiving and knows that “getting even” only comes back to harm them and the organization.
Fearfulness – The good leader remains committed when no one else is and must take risks no one else will. Others will follow. That’s what leaders do.
Favoritism - Good leaders don’t have favorites on the team. They reward for results not partiality.
Ungratefulness - Good leaders value people, knowing they cannot attain success without others.
Small-mindedness – Good leaders think bigger than today. They are dreamers and idea people.
Pridefulness - Pride comes before the fall. Good leaders remain humbled by the position of authority entrusted to them.
Rigidity - There are some things to be rigid about, such as values and vision, but for most issues, the leader must be open to change. Good leaders welcome new ideas, realizing that most everything can be improved.
Laziness – One can’t be a good leader and not be willing to work hard. In fact, the leader should be willing to be the hardest worker on the team.
Unresponsiveness – Good leaders don’t lead from behind closed doors. They are responsive to the needs and desires of those they attempt to lead. They respond to concerns and questions. They collaborate more than control. Leaders who close themselves off from those they lead will limit the places where others will follow.
Dishonesty – Since character counts highest, a good leader must be above reproach. When a leader fails, he or she must admit their mistake and work towards restoration.
A leader may struggle with one or more of these, but the goal should be to lead “killer-free.”
Leader, be honest, which of these wrecking balls do you struggle with most?
What would you add to my list? Can you think of any other killers of good leadership?"
Enjoy The Ride,
Cecil
"I know numerous leaders with great potential… They have all the appearance of being a good leader… But they lack one thing…or two… There are a few killers of good leadership… Any one of these can squelch good leadership… It’s like a wrecking ball of potential… It’s not that they can’t lead, but to continue to grow as a leader…to be successful at a higher level or for the long-term…they must address these issues.
Here are 12 killers of good leadership:
Jealousy – A good leader enjoys watching others on the team excel.
Revenge – The leader that succeeds for the long term must be forgiving and knows that “getting even” only comes back to harm them and the organization.
Fearfulness – The good leader remains committed when no one else is and must take risks no one else will. Others will follow. That’s what leaders do.
Favoritism - Good leaders don’t have favorites on the team. They reward for results not partiality.
Ungratefulness - Good leaders value people, knowing they cannot attain success without others.
Small-mindedness – Good leaders think bigger than today. They are dreamers and idea people.
Pridefulness - Pride comes before the fall. Good leaders remain humbled by the position of authority entrusted to them.
Rigidity - There are some things to be rigid about, such as values and vision, but for most issues, the leader must be open to change. Good leaders welcome new ideas, realizing that most everything can be improved.
Laziness – One can’t be a good leader and not be willing to work hard. In fact, the leader should be willing to be the hardest worker on the team.
Unresponsiveness – Good leaders don’t lead from behind closed doors. They are responsive to the needs and desires of those they attempt to lead. They respond to concerns and questions. They collaborate more than control. Leaders who close themselves off from those they lead will limit the places where others will follow.
Dishonesty – Since character counts highest, a good leader must be above reproach. When a leader fails, he or she must admit their mistake and work towards restoration.
A leader may struggle with one or more of these, but the goal should be to lead “killer-free.”
Leader, be honest, which of these wrecking balls do you struggle with most?
What would you add to my list? Can you think of any other killers of good leadership?"
Enjoy The Ride,
Cecil
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Marriage Is It Worth It?
*Are you at that age where your aunt is giving you those looks and bugging you with 'those questions'?
*Do you honestly care about Marriage or even finding a "Life Partner"?
*Why should I get married, all these girls/guys are C for crazy!
*I'm married....but i definitely didn't sign up for this!!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A few random PK's in NYC thought it would be a GRAND idea if a few curious young adults & married couples came together this coming Monday (Columbus Day) to find some Answers/Solutions to these questions that everyone is thinking about but NOBODY has the guts to Ask.
Rev. C.V. Abraham, will be answering these & other relevant questions and sharing Biblical insight on relationships, marriage, & everything in between. Rev. C.V. Abraham is a Pastor and a Counselor at the Global Family Welfare Center. He holds a M.S. in Psychology and has served as an Academic Director, Principal, and Psychological Counselor at various International institutions.
This event is open to Young Adults & Married Couples. Snacks will be provided. Bring a notebook/pen/Bible.
This event is brought to you by Random PK's in NYC: Anita Thomas, Anncy Thomas, Sherin Abraham, Pr. Cecil Mathew, Lisa Itty, Sharon Titus, Burli Johnson, Sharon Jacob, & James Thomas.
Enjoy The Ride,
Cecil
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