The young generation hates being lectured and following the script. What do they like? Having served millennials for years, I have difficulty correcting my malady of being a teacher.
Feedbacks from young Christians show that their favorite sermons and articles are down to earth and full of sincerity. For example, an author admitted his weakness and incapability that he often went stuck in sins and shared them with readers to encourage them to continue the walks of faith.
Sincerity may be a scarce thing in this era, so it is precious.
Although the church stresses its transcendence, it that enters society cannot be self-contented alone, separate from the world. Young people need truth and spiritual teachers, but what they need the most are sincere partners with whom they can tell truth and places where they can be honest. Today many Christians play the role of judges who announce laws and make judgment.
Another case. A large percentage of Christians phub during church services, but a large number of pastors never think about how to capture their hearts toward Christ by methods like improving their speaking skills or polishing their sermons. They just simply tell the young people: don't use smartphones any more.
Why does Charismatism sweep across the globe? Their congregations feel infinitely genuine and relaxed. The speakers are like their most intimate friends who cry, laugh, and jump with them. They may somewhat act like this, but the criticism from orthodox churches can't stop Christians who seek sincerity and liberation joining Charismatic churches, even if these churches are defined as heresies.
However, if you attend a Sunday service in an urban church, you will find that there are few young Christians. It is because they hardly feel intimate and sincere.
Orthodox churches have the advantages in technique and authority, but tend to overlook believers' impressions and desire of sincerity. A good chef is able to cook delicious dishes with ordinary ingredients, let alone God's word. It's hard to be yourself in the church. Many Christians like to pretend to be godly and often hide their own weaknesses. While some Christians give the impression that they know everything, their responses are often irrelevant to questions.
If we fail to live out ourselves and treat each other sincerely and still talk about loving each other, will it be a joke? Since the new generation love sincerity, live out sincerity and present it both in the church and society.
- Translated by Karen Luo
