Sharing The Gospel And Generational Friction
I recently found myself in an interesting conversation on Repairer of the Breach with Mike Holmes and Phillip Ross on using social media to spread a global Gospel. It reminded me of an active church debate with similar issues that Gordan McDonald faced with “Who Stole My Church.” Generations see worship, preaching and church life in completely different ways.
Each come to the table with heart to serve God, but friction inevitably develops. What we do understand the backgrounds of each generation, allows us to guide them into a comprehensive appreciation for the whole body of Christ.
Mike laid out a basic premise that social media presents a unique opportunity to communicate the unchanging message of the truth of the gospel. Philip countered with the suggestion that as Christianity is a comprehensive message that involves a complete lifestyle and the best way to share that Gospel is personally.
I agreed that the social media lacks physical and emotional intimacy, but provides a context for determining authenticity opening the door for relationships to be built on a more stable footing. The generational friction ensued with each politely challenging each other to consider one’s personal premise.
In fact, I was admonished to consider my point of view as a youth and respectfully conform to my leaders understanding of truth. I would like to suggest that many a generation has faced challenges of what do with new communication technologies, new musical instruments, new methods of preaching, new hymns, and new comprehensions of the Gospel message and the lifestyle of Christianity. It is sad to see how often a hymn writer has had to be dead, before the songs have been sung in church. Depressing to note that musical instruments have to be “redeemed” for “Christian” use after becoming synonymous with sin.
It is also interesting how many different perceptions of solid Biblical teaching have existed over the past ten centuries or more. We have also seen way to many church splits over minor points of biblical interpretation which have turned into arguments over doctrine, which once it is doctrine it becomes a matter of heaven and hell and it is worth doing whatever is necessary to maintain separation from those “unbelievers.”
The answer: a lot of prayer, Bible reading, open spirits to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and a healthy appreciation for historical Church tradition. There’s a hefty amount of work ahead of us, in regards to the avoidance of doctrinal compromise and proclaiming the gospel message. Social media is not the end all solution, only an opportunity. Opportunities can be used to great effect or squandered. Let us be careful to keep our priorities straight and keep our focus serving God 24-7. If you are skilled at social media, use it. If you are skilled at striking up a conversation with a street bum that needs a meal, do it. If you can do both, that is even better as God seems to enjoy stretching us.