My oldest son on occasion has called me a phrase that is common among his generation of ministers...he says I am, "old school". What that means is that my mentality, at times, is more reflective of 1990 rather than 2011. This is usually in reference with regards to my "style" and "taste" in ministry presentation. To be perfectly honest, he is right at times. I don't instantly "get" the needs, wants, and desires of "generation-y" (as they are now called). I am still trying to figure out my own generation most of the time. I don't personally need all the technology, lights, and ambiance this generation seems to love and connects to, but I understand that to reach them that these things can have a place. I also know that my wardrobe dates me as I am still probably more comfortable in a suit and tie from the pulpit rather than a pair of $200 jeans and an untucked shirt with my sleeves rolled up; however, I am learning to change and adapt in these areas. I want to be relevant and reach this culture and really...who wants to be known as "old school"?

That being said...some things were never meant to change.

I started thinking the other day, whatever happened...

...To people who truly got converted and their whole life was radically and forever changed? Unlike today where we tout our bumper stickers that say, "I'm not perfect, just forgiven" and live ostensibly the same life after meeting Jesus as we had before we met Him.

...To the testimonies of being delivered from alcohol and drugs? Unlike today where I have been told that this generation doesn't "get" the need to let things like these drop off their lives and that certain vices of days gone by are now socially acceptable. (I noticed the other day, being a church history buff, that every awakening and revival had as a distinguishing mark the closing of bars and taverns in the region. Today, many small group ministries meet in these places for "discipleship". Am I the only one that deems that strange? Perhaps that small group will have to change venues in case of awakening.)

...To modesty for women and manners for men? Unlike today where our words and our bodies are presented in highly sexualized and suggestive ways. Between our Facebook postings and our text messaging, the boundaries of proper relationship have deteriorated to the point that we need a new Nehemiah to rebuild those old walls again in the church. I wish I could say that it was the "world" which does this, but there are a lot of people who say they love Jesus that have never considered the circumscribed life.

...To avoiding movies, media, and television shows that profane God and solicit unrighteousness in our minds and actions? Unlike today where we will import it into our homes through computers, cable pay per-view, and satellite dishes. We will even pay $10.00 on Saturday night to watch and hear things on movie screens that God forbids in His Word and then lift our hands on Sunday morning and sing, "You are my everything, oh Lord". Is that only strange to me?

...To correcting our kids, teaching them respect, and following things through? Unlike today where we have our kids calling the shots in our homes and in all their choices and we wonder why there is a generation out of control.

...To the stigma of living together before you are married? Unlike today where we find more and more couples (yes, in and out of the church) trying a few years together under the same roof to be sure they are "sexually compatible" (Because we all know that this alone is the basis for a good relationship {sarcasm} don't we?). There is no comprehension of covenant and the need for it in a relationship.

...To church attendance and church life trumping other activities because we had a great sense of the eternal? Unlike today where even the smallest and most insignificant of options can pull us away from corporate life as believers. Even schools, that once would navigate around Sundays and Wednesdays, no longer see the need to respect those days.

The list could go one, but you get the point...whatever happened?

I know my son well enough to know that his modernity has only to do with ministry style and presentation. He sees the dysfunction as well in his ministry. It is not localized to just our region, but it is the virus in the American church.

I am working and doing my best to remain relevant in this culture. I really want to be a voice that can reach this generation with the truth of the Gospel. But I have decided that instead of sinking to everyone else's level, perhaps I can lovingly help pull a generation up to another level in devotion towards God.

I guess if that makes me a religious relic or a dinosaur...then so be it. I will put on my jeans, untuck my shirt, and turn on the intelligent lighting and declare the whole counsel of God to this generation.

Some things never change.

Planting a Cross

Pastor Baird