This month let's question the spiritual exploitation of the next generation, ponder what causes our longing for simplicity, and explore ways to give grace to our younger selves.
Wow... I deeply resonate with this. It's both convicting and encouraging. I am familiar with/have lived in the worlds of pretty much all those evangelical acronyms you mentioned. While I loved so much of it at the time and still hold so many fond memories, theologically and personally, I think differently about so many things today...
I now serve as a spiritual director and walking with young people on their spiritual journeys now vs as a leader in YWAM (and similar orgs), I find what you said to be so true. We don't need to hype young people up or manipulate them. They WANT to hear from the Lord.... And are capable of doing that without all the extra rules/pressures we put on them. I love that Gen Z is asking the questions so many of us have been afraid to speak out loud. They are ripe to have a deep and authentic relationship with God NOW because of this wrestling. Many people who come to spiritual direction are wrestling with these things in their 50's and 60's because they never felt free to express their doubts and hurt from the "evangelical machine" for all those years. I'm encouraged to see the freedom of young people today to dig into this from the start.
Thanks for commenting! I have seasons of life that are complicated too. I look back with fondness while also seeing things that were unhealthy and abusive. I think that’s just life in this broken world. Grateful for your work as a spiritual director! I love the people I continue to meet who have their eyes wide open to the evangelical machine and who also haven’t left Jesus. 😊💕
Wow... I deeply resonate with this. It's both convicting and encouraging. I am familiar with/have lived in the worlds of pretty much all those evangelical acronyms you mentioned. While I loved so much of it at the time and still hold so many fond memories, theologically and personally, I think differently about so many things today...
I now serve as a spiritual director and walking with young people on their spiritual journeys now vs as a leader in YWAM (and similar orgs), I find what you said to be so true. We don't need to hype young people up or manipulate them. They WANT to hear from the Lord.... And are capable of doing that without all the extra rules/pressures we put on them. I love that Gen Z is asking the questions so many of us have been afraid to speak out loud. They are ripe to have a deep and authentic relationship with God NOW because of this wrestling. Many people who come to spiritual direction are wrestling with these things in their 50's and 60's because they never felt free to express their doubts and hurt from the "evangelical machine" for all those years. I'm encouraged to see the freedom of young people today to dig into this from the start.
Looking forward to reading more of your writing!
Thanks for commenting! I have seasons of life that are complicated too. I look back with fondness while also seeing things that were unhealthy and abusive. I think that’s just life in this broken world. Grateful for your work as a spiritual director! I love the people I continue to meet who have their eyes wide open to the evangelical machine and who also haven’t left Jesus. 😊💕
So good! I love the part about people joining good things. It’s totally true! And why we have to be all the more discerning.