They love God, but they are not “head over heels” about church. Many times they drop their children off for Sabbath school and join them later for what they hope will be a brief and engaging church service. They think the church has too many rules. They are health and fitness conscious, but object to some in the church who have made health a religion unto itself. They are bored with the many “nurturing” programs and see no practical approach to get out the good news about Jesus. They are reluctant to contribute money or personal time to “church work,” but they willingly contribute to Darfur in Africa, or volunteer to work in a soup kitchen for the homeless or hopeless in the community.
They do not wish to hold a church office or form attachments that interfere with their personal pursuits, but will make personal sacrifices to “rough it” on a mission trip. They may return a faithful tithe, but give no “local budget” offerings. They assemble in Internet chatrooms to debate the relevance of church membership, yet quickly respond that they are Seventh-day Adventists if asked about church affiliation.
Who are these people? Do they sound familiar? They are the new generation of youth and young adults, and I have had the privilege of being closely associated with them. Recently, I had a chance, informal meeting with a group of these wonderful characters. They were huffing and puffing about the restrictive doctrines of this Church that I have been committed to all my life.
At first I wanted to be defensive, even militant, about their objections. Then the Spirit reminded me of my own philosophy: If you have no good reason for what you believe, then stop believing it. So, I asked the question, “Which doctrine do you object to most?”
“The Sabbath,” they responded.
Well now, being an old evangelist and revivalist, I have always believed that the Sabbath is the easiest and most defensible of the doctrines. So, I was a bit taken aback that we started there.
After only a few moments of Bible review, it became evident that they believed the Sabbath, but objected to some of the man-made restrictions and traditions connected to the Sabbath. We reviewed several other doctrinal points and made similar discoveries. It was interesting to note that when we came to the State of the Dead or Soul Sleep doctrine one person took on the rest of the group with a masterful explanation.
The summary of this gentle encounter was they believe the doctrines of Scripture held by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, but they have serious objections to how some of those beliefs are set forth and administered by the Church. And there appears to be little difference among them, regardless of their race or ethnic background.
Make sure they are included on the boards and councils of your church, but be prepared to listen. They have very relevant input for us. Cut down on the “nurture,” and build the “outreach.” Throw out your cherished dogma that has no Biblical foundation. Decrease the criticism, and increase the love. They are ours. They are His.
