After THIS POST I got some emails on Facebook about if we should even consider pop culture as something worth concerning ourselves with. One guy saying, “who cares what they do, WE’RE the Church”.
Here’s my public response (I’d love to get your thoughts on this topic too)
I completely agree that we’re The Church and there is some level of Pop Culture is stupid inside of me too but I default to this question “who is God calling us to reach?” If we are The Church then we must understand that our nature as The Church is to be “sent” by God into the world to transform and change the world (the Great Commission). If that’s the case, we can’t completely dismiss it and it’s likely that we should know something about it!!!
If you’re going to become a missionary into any land, you should understand a significant amount about that land before you just go there start say I’m here to tell you about Jesus or start reciting the 4 spiritual laws. The Gospel needs to be contexualized (NOT CHANGED) for every environment we walk into. This is proven in that IF, the ‘one size fits all’ approached worked…most of Americans would be ‘fully devoted followers of Christ’ but since that’s not the case, it’s highly likely that us Western Churches better figure out how to bring the Gospel into every environment even Pop Culture circles. So as a Western missionary to the youth of America, I am learning all I can about what our students are seeing, hearing, being sold, and buying so that I have a better understanding about how to reach them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Not to mention, It’s a battle we HAVE to fight and if we choose not too, seems we’ll end up being yesterdays news. The church who says, “It doesn’t matter what’s going on in the world…” is the church that is completely irrelevant to the younger generation. I’m not saying we need to BE the world because that’s utterly ridiculous but what I am saying is that we need to know “the world” that we’re ministering too.
Jesus knew exactly who he was talking to and what stories (Parables) they needed to hear to understand heavenly truths about God the Father…I don’t know about you but I want to do ministry/church the way Jesus did! He was always On-Mission, fought with His Sword (The Bible) , shared His life, spoke in a language people could understand and died for The Cause.
That’s inspiring.
What are your thoughts on this topic as a whole?
You are right on target D.C. We raise our kids based on the same theory. They need to know the “lingo” of the kids around them, while understanding there is both good and bad in the culture. Parenting/pastoring is our job…pointing them to the good and redemptive. You are doing just that. Thank you!
Thanks Michelle! It’s so encouraging to hear your take on it and affirm our efforts in GSM!!! Your comment means the world to me.
Good thoughts! The church has failed at growing disciples and the knee jerk reaction is to run from anything and any thought secular. I think the result of that is more of the same. We have the hope for the world in the Gospel but don’t have any influence with the people of the world to speak into it. We can learn the thoughts, ways and dreams of the culture and speak into it or just run away from the “evilness of it”. No love in that! I have been really wrestling with Col 4:2-6 and its calling on my life.
Stay Strong Bro!
Great word Stoker!!! You are seriously one of the most genuine people I know bro! You live this!!!
PS. that verse will MESS YOU UP…in a good way!!!
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You have no idea what it means too me to know my son and daughter will be taught by a man whom is fully dedicated to the young people he serves and more fully dedicated to living and promoting a life in Christ. As for my wife and I, we are fully behind what GSM is doing. Keep walking in faith brother, God IS moving and his presence shall be felt by all very soon.
That means the world man! Thanks for trusting us!! It’s humbling!