I saw this commercial from Hot Pocket the other day, and it cracked me up! Take a look:
[Editor: God, I’m so hungry now…]
There’s at least a couple reasons it made me laugh so hard: It brings back memories of Jim Gaffagin’s timeless Hot Pockets jokes, and it’s also a humorous example of the evolution of the Church from the older generation to my generation.
While the younger generation is free-spirited and flippantly eating on the go, the older generation is scared of what society will come to if people are allowed to eat at any other place than the table. Seemingly, they use intimidation tactics to try and stop the younger generation from doing a new thing.
Is this a metaphor for Media and the Church? I think so…
New Methods
You see, on one hand, the older generation has not bought into certain newer methods of communicating the Gospel, but on the other hand, I’m not so sure the younger generation has completely earned their trust.
My generation’s ego has made us critical of their efforts and systems – in the process building walls that breed hesitation and hinder partnership with them.
When it comes to church media, how can the two generations work together?
Gifting
First thing’s first, we all have different gifts, but we are part of the same body. It will benefit both generations to recognize that.
Regardless of the generation, we have to allow people to excel in those gifts. I think the younger generation has done well (and what the older generation is learning to do well) in allowing creative tools to be used as a ministry and encourage media to help the audience hear the message given.
There’s been a mantra that I try to follow when it comes to church media:
The message is sacred, but the method is not.
Meaning, the messages of Christ, God’s love, redemption, and all the other truths of the Bible are sacred, and should not be messed with. The methods by which those messages are delivered to people are not sacred. They must change with the times, and they must be targeted to the respective audience.
A simple lesson in communication tells us:
It doesn’t matter what you think you’re saying [advertising, preaching, etc…], it only matters what they [your audience, congregation, etc…] are actually hearing.
The only reason I say this is because it’s important to know this truth about communicating to people if you want them to hear the message you’re presenting.
If you’re preaching to kids, young adults, and even most adults, teaching from The King James version of the Bible may not be the best way for them to fully hear what you’re saying–and remember, ‘what they’re hearing’ is what’s really important. Thus, the methods must change to optimize the message of the Gospel.
Old School and New School
For some, the new leaders of The Church are missing the point completely, while others believe that it was the older generation that missed the mark.
Some think that the Old School Church ran away from technology and pop culture when it came to presenting the message. While some seem to think that the New School Church has put more emphasis on technology and pop culture than on the message itself.
I believe neither of these concerns is what has put up barriers between the two generations, rather, it’s the lack of balance between the two that will continually come between us.
A balanced presentation has elements that pull the listeners in, get them involved, and open their heart to be more receptive to the subject of your message. Usually, a presentation with little or no media will not be as effective as a presentation that illustrates one or more of the main points of the message with video, song, skit, etc. – leveraging the culture of media to fully reach your audience.
In future posts, we’ll discuss some ways you can optimize your message by leveraging the power of media in a balanced presentation.
For now, what are your thoughts?
mike says
Good thoughts. I suppose they’l always be an older generation at odds with the younger generation to some extent, but if we could learn a bit maybe we can lessen the gap when we become the older generation.
on a side note – from the post title, i thought there might be a metaphor about how when you bite into a hot pocket you burn your mouth with the molten lava inside…
Nate Beaird says
…or it’s icy-cold inside?… haha! Just kidding!
Yeah, we can learn to close that gap when we become old…like Nick. 🙂 (see below comment)
Nick Shoemaker says
I think we, the youngins (as a person that is about to officially be OLD- yeah, 30 is only 60 days away), often forget that the only way we got to LCD’s and sweet sound is because someone first had the idea to use an over-head projector and plug in a mic and amp for their guitar.
If we forget this- or deny that it ever existed- we’ve lost credibility with those that came before.
Hmm. I’ve heard something about respecting elders or something like that….where was that again?
Nate Beaird says
Dang…you are old! Are you complaining about teenagers jeans yet? You know that’s the true sign that you are old…
Anyway, you might like this link: https://churchm.ag/we-dont-want-your-baton/
Andrew Mason says
Stephen Covey’s quote comes to mind: “The second we think the problem is ‘out there’, that thought itself is the problem.” It’s so easy for me to demonize previous generations when I don’t look from their perspective.
Nate, that post was spot on. We’ve got to have grace for each other. 🙂
Nate Beaird says
Thanks Andrew! The view is always different when we look through a different lens!
Sam says
Im gonna push back a little.
Im a young guy–a 27 year old pastor and church planter. But I don’t think we need all types of new media all the time. In the movie Batman Begins, Commissioner Gordon complains about technology escalation–from semi-automatic weapons to automatic ones, and on and on.
It seems like we are setting up the Church to be in a constant escalation battle.
Im in support of doing things well. But If most of our local churches are around 75 people, that means that it sets an unrealistic expectation on those smaller churches. Or we are telling them you need to spend big bucks or at the least alot of time & money on new tech and new communications mediums.
To think about it a different way I think that churches can waste lots of money on stuff that can be turned up to eleven, for the sake of eleven.
Before I became a pastor I was a communication major and a graphic designer. I understand the need for communication.
For Nate to say a balance between the old and the new, is to admit that neglecting [new] media is bad communication is fairly biased.
The difference isn’t generational its philosophical.
I really like talking bout how churches can be creative and how they can use technology well. But I felt like this article was a bit of a stay argument. Sorry man.
I wrote about this in regard to church planting a few months ago here.
Nate Beaird says
Very true, we don’t need all that stuff all the time. However, I don’t really think this article was about using media as a primary method to reach people, I think it’s more about how the old and new generation can work together to enhance the church experience.
You used a scene from a popular movie to enhance your point of escalation … why not do the same thing with a sermon point? (The only technology you need there is a DVD player and projector.)
I linked a past article in this article, but you may not have followed it, I think you’ll like it.
LINK: https://churchm.ag/dont-clutter-the-message-old-media-still-work/
Let me know what you think, and thanks for your feedback! 🙂
Scott Magdalein says
Agree that balance is necessary. Disagree that balance is the reason for the ongoing dispute. The reason for the dispute is selfishness. Youth want it their way because they’re stupid and don’t see the world the way it is (full of diversity) and therefore demand that their way is best. Old folks want it their way because they think they’ve earned it through decades of tithing and enduring bad sermons.
That’s all. 🙂
Nate Beaird says
I don’t know, I’ve heard some really bad sermons in “Young” services… haha…
But you nailed it with one thing; the older generation has paid for (and probably built) the church buildings, providing a ministry in many neighborhoods, and they’re not ready turn it over to a younger generation that is cynical of everything they’ve accomplished.
Good thought!
JayCaruso says
I remember hearing Mark Driscoll say that many churches are on “the cutting edge of 1949” with zero instruments and a guy that “wears a dress” doing the preaching.
What is more important than anything else is the focus on the Gospel like you say. I see too many churches that get bogged down either by staying true to “real worship” which of course doesn’t allow the use of amped guitars and drums (another thing Driscoll said was, “How can people say we can’t use instruments that God will be handing out in heaven to worship Him here on earth?”) but at the same time I see too many churches focusing on making their worship service into an hour or so of entertainment.
Like you said, that balance is important.
Nate Beaird says
Word. Tony Morgan addressed this topic once…
LINK: http://tonymorganlive.com/2010/01/08/is-dull-worship-the-goal/
kylereed says
Huge connection there. I think you are on to something and this illustrates it very very well.
Trying to explain to my grandpa what I have been doing for the last 8 months is like trying to explain to a 3 year old metaphysics.
I think really the responsibility is on us, the youngens, to work with the generation that has come before us and continue to educate but also listen.
Nate Beaird says
Yeah, some really incredible stories came out of past generations! One thing that I’ve learned is that when we find a way to illustrate those stories using media, showing how God provided, healed, or Protected, they begin to see media as a viable resource/tool in the church.
You’ve then honored their efforts, at the same time you’ve shown them a new ministry outlet and let it be their idea to get on board with it.
Kyle Reed says
great point, i like that idea
gatorguy says
I hear a lot of talk about the alleged chasm that exists between my generation and the present emerging generation. I do not believe that my generation is actively trying to repel the effects of emergent change. Rather, most of us welcome innovative ideas that raise the quality of what we do and how we do it. My parents’ generation was truly stuck in the mud with no prospect of breaking from tradition. I am a boomer–you know, the guys that kicked the sides out of the box in the sixties. If there is a gap between our generations, it is reflected in our learning curve. It’s not that we reject what’s coming down the pike, it’s simply a matter of learning to think more technical–like my sons and their friends. I like what my son has taught me–twitter, facebook, blogging, etc. However, let me be quick to point out, I have always considered myself to be savvy in terms of innovative ways to do the work of ministry. Now, I welcome a new learning curve as I enter a whole new foray into the world of technological expression.
Nate Beaird says
Wow, that’s great insight from you and your generation!
How do you think we (the younger) can help with the learning curve?
Are there ways you see ministry can be more effective, but don’t have the technical know-how to do it?
What grinds your gears when it comes to my generation and ministry?
gatorguy says
Your generation can help us with the learning curve by recognizing that many of us really want to learn new things and produce a higher quality of communication in what we do. Be patient with us. You grew up with a computer in your hand, but for us 60 year-olds, it’s new and changing all the time.
There was a time when I led the way in technology (overhead projectors and choruses on the wall) in my particular movement, but things have come a long way since then. I still want to lead the way in doing my ministry, but I realize I need to keep learning and growing right along with its demands.
You asked me “what grinds our gears when it comes to my generation and ministry?”
Believe me when I say that I am committed to connecting with your generation. I feel new life when I am around younger men and women engaged in life. But I can also sense when I’m being viewed as a relic without opportunity for input. The assumption is often made that since we are older, we have nothing viable to contribute to the emerging generation’s quest for significance. Just understand that we, too, once faced the uphill battle of trying to connect with an older generation who didn’t want to let loose of their paradigms and programs. I understand that feeling well.
In a perfect world, the baton of experience is passed to energy and vitality. While my section of the race isn’t quite over, I welcome the premise of an intergenerational team effort.
Nate Beaird says
You make some very thought-provoking points here, Gatorguy. Me and my generation would be wise to listen if we want to really connect with you the way you say you want to connect with us!
Thanks so much for your comments, I really feel like it brought depth to this entire post! Thanks again!