Kinnaman Takes Cues from Culture
Kinnaman Takes Cues from Culture to Reach the Lost
David Kinnaman, President of the Barna Group, shared sobering statistics about how our contemporary culture, especially those under 30, views the church and offered practical suggestions on how theAM can be part of changing negative perceptions.
Extensive research has shown that emerging generations share a common perception that the church is “no longer like Jesus intended”, describing it as “a photo copy, of a photo copy, of photo copy - distorted and unchristian”.
“They see Christians as more interested in closing the deal than caring for someone’s soul,” said Kinnaman.
While research points to 20 somethings being skeptical about Christianity, Kinnaman noted that some of the ways we practice our faith could actually help this generation “connect the dots and be Christ followers”.
Kinnaman proposed several specific ways for Christians to remain relevant to those outside the church: Respond in grace to those that view the world differently; be informed about pop culture; and pursue relationships with others instead of proselytizing. He also stressed the importance of our heart motivation.
“How much will you be motivated by love, how hard are you willing to pray and how far is this movement willing to go to obey the hard things God is asking you to do?” challenges Kinnaman.
“I believe that if we did a poll on the Anglican brand, it would show you have enormous opportunity because of your ancient future focus.”
