Torch, Fall/Winter 2012

perceived safety and security of a “Christian” subculture has left a generation underexposed to credible representatives of the faith. For us to be understood by a generation skeptical of truth claims, our outreach must begin with sharing our lives. Outside the context of a meaningful relationship, confronting post- everythings with polished intellectual arguments about what we believe and why we believe it will be perceived as intrusive at best and arrogant at worst. They first need to see our faith — personally and corporately — lived out and expressed in authentic loving communities. The “evidence-that- demands-a-verdict” approach still works. It’s just different evidence. From Attraction to Mission Reaching post-everythings also involves rethinking our ecclesiology. In recent decades, the dominant form of “doing church” in America has been the attractional model. I like to call it the Field of Dreams format: if we build it, they will come. It generally operates on the assumption that in order to bring people to Jesus, we must first bring them to church. Great effort is put into contemporary worship style, more dynamic preaching, better drama, impressive facilities, and programs that meet felt needs. Fall–Winter 2008 23 The quest for relevancy among post-everythings has undoubtedly led some believers down the path of theological compromise. While the emerging church is a lightning rod for controversy in this area (particularly the Emergent branch), thoughtful critics are faithful to commend the movement’s ability to read the times and engage a post-Christian society in meaningful dialogue. Can we learn something about ministry from those in emerging church circles? After all, we are exhorted to test everything and hold on to what is good (1 Thess. 5:21). Could there potentially be some babies in the proverbial bathwater? Or, if you prefer, some vegetables in the emerging soup? This article will attempt to highlight three healthy ministry trends often found in — though fortunately not exclusive to — the emerging church, trends that will help us respond in a relevant yet biblically faithful manner to the rapidly changing, post-everything culture. While holding unswervingly to the essentials of the faith, making some adjustments in ministry mindset can go a long way in introducing post-everythings to Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life for every generation. From Information to Incarnation Previous generations, influenced heavily by modernity, were often moved by well-reasoned arguments for the faith. In an era when science reigned, such informational arguments were productive in overcoming intellectual obstacles to the Gospel. If you aimed for their heads, their hearts were likely to follow. But does the “evidence- that-demands-a-verdict” approach have a shelf life among post-everythings who no longer offer unquestioned allegiance to modern empirical science? The answer to this question is both “yes” and “no.” We are facing a different evangelistic and apologetic task with this new generation. The primary question has changed from “Are you rational?” to “Are you for real?” Post-everythings value authenticity, and the primary conduit for communicating information to them is through authentic relationships. Growing up in an increasingly fragmented world, they long for connectedness. Introducing them to the claims of Christ involves adopting Paul’s pattern of mission work among the Thessalonians: “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the Gospel of God, but our lives as well” (1 Thess. 2:8). In other words, our contact with a new generation must be incarnational. We must embody the timeless message we proclaim in order to give credence to its truth. Unfortunately, the tendency for believers to retreat into the