“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters … Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is”
Romans 12:1-2
“I urge you, brothers and sisters … Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is”
Romans 12:1-2
We are alive in the great falling away.
In 2019, Lifeway research revealed that 4500 Protestant churches had closed their doors in the US, while only 3000 new churches started.
In 1972, 90% of Americans identified as Christians. In 2020, 64% of Americans identified as Christians. Their research suggests that in 2070, only 35% of Americans will identify as Christians.
Only 14% of society considers pastors trustworthy, declining to 6% for celebrity pastors.
Generation Z is the first “Post-Atheist” community.
Generation Alpha will qualify as a statistical unreached people group if trends continue.
How did we get here?
A secular age is an age where truth, fact, and meaning are unknowable and unidentifiable by historic claims, but can only be reclaimed personally by the individual through experience. Secularism claims the individual person must discover meaning to achieve happiness and self-realization.
Secularism has become the belief system of our generation and functions as people’s religion.
The great tragedy of our cultural moment is that most Christians don’t understand how we have been transformed by secularism and allowed it to shape our core identity and convictions.
The vision of counterculture faithfulness and transformation:
The vision of counter culture faithfulness and transformation.
Secularism Has Had Three Main Points Of Impact:
Breakdown Of Historic Christian Worldview
Reframing Experience & Emotion As Trusted Authority
Self-Reimagination As The Pathway To Flourishing
Secularism Has Had Three Main Points Of Impact:
Breakdown Of Historic Christian Worldview
Reframing Experience & Emotion As Trusted Authority
Self-Reimagination As The Pathway To Flourishing
For followers of Jesus to create a flourishing counterculture it requires intentional practices of resistance and renewal in the distinct points of impact.
The heart of Renewal & Resistance is to enter into the greatest challenges facing the church where resources, examples, and trusted voices are missing.
For followers of Jesus to create a flourishing counter culture it requires intentional practices of resistance and renewal in the distinct points of impact.
The heart of Renewal & Resistance is to enter into the greatest challenges facing the church where resources, examples, and trusted voices are missing.
Five Points Of Focus:
1.
Contending Against Secularism
2.
A Jesus-Centered Sexual Ethic
3.
Activating Biblical Literacy In Local Churches
4.
Biblical Unity In Cultural Polarization
5.
Putting Courage In Pastors To Lead
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” - Romans 12:1-2
Devotion to Christ is embodying resistance to the conforming patterns of this world and renewal by the truth of God’s word and character.