Reality Check

Reality CheckWhat a new generation really thinks

about Christianity… and why it matters

Who are we & why this class?

Kevin Bowman• Product of the Joy Bus in the

1980s• Wife & two kids• Member at Cordova 27yrs• Deeply rooted in this

congregation through relationship

• Christian literature challenge & inspires me to open God’s word

Dave Davis• Grew up “outside;” a good

woman brought me “inside”• 1 wife, 2 kids, 1 job• Been at Cordova for 12yrs• Part Vulcan; like things to be

logical & tangible; “path to faith” followed-suit

• This book and my “ah-ha!” moment

Perceptions

• Just what exactly do you think the average person thinks about Christians & Christianity?

• Why do you think these perceptions exist?• Do they reflect reality, or not?• Should these perceptions matter to

Christians?

Reality check

• This class is an in-depth study which centers on these very questions

• Things to keep in mind – The information is data-based; statistical research

with depth & breadth (not just our opinion)– It’s not just data; it’s a thoughtful analysis of its

implications on the state of society & Christianity

Disclaimers

• No hidden agenda – we will present information & discuss how that information impacts Christianity

• Discussion will be scripturally grounded • Concepts might be challenging & perceptions

may sting – but ultimately the knowledge should be empowering

• We are genuinely open to feedback

Some terminology• Outsiders

– Those looking at the Christian faith from the outside• Christian

– For the sake of this discussion: a follower of Christ who embodies service, compassion, humility, forgiveness, patience, kindness, peace, joy, goodness, and love

• unChristian– What Christianity looks like to the outsider

• Mosaics– The generation born between 1984-2002 (ages 10-28)

• Busters– The generation born between 1965-1983 (ages 29-47)

The OutsidersGeneration Age (in 2007) % “outsiders” to Christianity

Elders 61+ 23%

Boomers 42-60 27%

Adult Mosaics & Busters 18-41 37%

Older Mosaics & young Busters 16-29 40%

• Being “outside” is growing more common; each generation has more outsiders than the last

• Older Mosaics & younger Busters = 24 million Americans• This class is based on the belief that God wants us to care

about these “outsiders” because He loves them (2 Peter 3:9; Luke 15:28-32)

• Perceptions that we’ll discuss aren’t just held by outsiders; those inside the church see this as well

Pause & think

• How is today’s youth (16-29) different from yesterday’s? How are they the same? Think of some characteristics…

Busters & Mosaics vs. Boomers & Elders

• The youth of today are different– Relationships reign supreme– Loyal to the tribe, yet fiercely individual– Crave new, eclectic experiences– Tolerate ambiguity & understand life is not perfect– A constant barrage of marketing & advertising makes them

question everything; but willing to evaluate– Technology connects them to information & each other in

ways us old folks often don’t appreciate– Looking for a faith they can experience, not just be a part of

Busters & Mosaics vs. Boomers & Elders

• We’re losing them– There is a growing resentment & hostility toward Christianity– In 1996, despite fewer active Christians, Christianity itself

enjoyed a strong positive image among outsiders– Today, two of every five outsiders have a negative

impression of Christianity• We can’t simply wait this out– Hoping that the youth will eventually “grow up” and “come

home” won’t work– The church is obligated to recognize & understand this gap (2

Peter 3:9; Luke 15:11-32)

The disconnectUnfavorable Image Outsiders Churchgoers

Anti-homosexual 91% 80%

Judgmental 87% 52%

Hypocritical 85% 47%

Too involved in politics 75% 50%

Out of touch with reality 72% 32%

Old-fashioned 78% 36%

Insensitive to others 70% 29%

Boring 68% 27%

Not accepting of other faiths 64% 39%

Confusing 61% 44%

• We’ll look at these results as a set of six broad themes

Six broad themes

• Hypocritical• Get saved!• Antihomosexual• Sheltered• Too political• Judgmental

Feedback

• Kevin – [email protected]

• Dave– [email protected]

Perceptions: The favorableFavorable Image A lot A lot or

someTeaches the same basic idea as other religions 28% 82%

Has good values & principles 26% 76%

Friendly 18% 71%

A faith you respect 16% 55%

Consistently shows love for other people 16% 55%

Offers hope for the future 19% 54%

People you trust 9% 52%

Seems genuine & real 11% 41%

Something that makes sense 9% 41%

Relevant to your life 10% 30%