"The Gospel for iGens"

I read this article last summer and I came back today in preparation for a week of talking to teenagers next week at the Breeze conference. It's incredibly helpful and I definitely encourage you to read it!

For those of you who are reading this blog b/c you prefer reading the synopsis version, let me do what I can to quickly summarize:

Scot McKnight argues that different generations need to hear the Gospel differently. He focuses specifically on the emerging adult generation (18-30 year olds - including me) which grew up on Mr. Rogers and Sesame Street. Our upbringing was filled with what many call the "self-esteem movement." Mr. Rogers taught "I am okay." Sesame Street took it a step further and taught "We're all okay." As a result, we have a generation that feels pretty good about itself and therefore doesn't connect with the message that we are sinners in need of a Savior, hence Jesus. We need a different starting place.

McKnight says, "If this generation likes Jesus, and if iGens have the chutzpah to think they are like Jesus, then let's start with Jesus." In other words, to reach today's 20-somethings we need to start with Jesus' life and his passion to reach the least, the last and the lost. "Nothing mesmerizes iGens like the kingdom vision of Jesus."

This isn't new. Check out how Paul preached to the Greeks, who thought they were pretty cool.

The Gospel message doesn't change, but the way we share it must.