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PowerPoint Slides - [[2025-01-26 - The Old Weep While the Young Rejoice.pdf]]
## Summary
Chris Eller discusses the biblical theme of generations, tracing it from the Old Testament to the modern era. He highlights two scriptural passages from Judges and Ezra, emphasizing the contrast between old and young generations. Eller then explores generational cycles in American history, referencing works like "The Fourth Turning" and "The Storm Before the Calm." He identifies key generations—Greatest, Silent, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Gen Z—and their impacts. Eller predicts a significant shift in American culture and church dynamics, emphasizing the rise of millennials and the need for the church to adapt to a post-Christian society, focusing on disciple-making and local influence.
## Outline
### Generational Cycles and Biblical Context
- Chris Eller introduces the topic, emphasizing the biblical theme of generations from the Old Testament to Jesus.
- He outlines the book of Genesis using the phrase "these are the generations of," highlighting the continuity of generations.
- Chris mentions two scripture passages: Judges 2:6-10 and Ezra 3:11-13, focusing on the contrast between old and young generations.
- The title for the sermon, "The Old People Read, While the Young People Rejoice," is derived from the Ezra passage.
### Generational Cycles and Their Impact
- Chris explains the focus of the sermon: understanding generational cycles and their impact on the American church.
- He references three influential books on generational cycles: "The Fourth Turning," "The Storm Before the Calm," and a book on Christian influence in America.
- According to Psalms 90:10, a generation is 80 years, aligning with the average American lifespan of 78.4 years.
- Chris outlines the major American generations: the Greatest Generation, Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Gen Z.
### Generational Influence and Transition
- Chris discusses the influence of each generation, noting the alternating trends in population size and influence.
- He highlights the significance of 1964, when the first baby boomer graduated from high school, marking a shift in American culture.
- The boomer generation is divided into seasons: childhood (1946-1964), young adulthood (1965-1994), and influence (1994-2030).
- Chris explains the decline of boomer influence and the rise of millennial influence, predicting a significant shift in American culture and church dynamics.
### Church Dynamics and Generational Shifts
- Chris describes the impact of boomer influence on the church, including the rise of mega churches and the Purpose Driven Church model.
- He notes the decline of boomer-founded churches and the challenges faced by large operations like Willow Creek.
- The millennial generation is compared to the boomer generation, with a focus on their influence in politics and the church.
- Chris references Aaron Wren's book "Life in the Negative World," which outlines three eras of Christian influence in America: positive world, neutral world, and negative world.
### Challenges and Opportunities for the Church
- Chris discusses the shift from a positive view of Christianity in the 1950s to a neutral view in the 1990s and a negative view in the 2010s.
- He highlights the challenges faced by Christians in a secular society, including the negative connotation of being a Christian in large corporations and government.
- Chris emphasizes the need for the church to adapt to the changing cultural landscape, focusing on disciple-making and mission rather than attendance and programs.
- He predicts a decline in church attendance and a shift towards smaller, mission-focused churches.
### Strategies for Navigating the Negative World
- Chris outlines strategies for the church to navigate the negative world, including a focus on local influence and prioritizing individual faithfulness.
- He emphasizes the importance of alternative economies, businesses, and institutions, such as Christian schools and businesses.
- Chris encourages engagement in mission to create healthy communities and living a Christian life in public.
- He concludes with a call for the church to trust in God's leadership and plan for the future, recognizing the generational transition taking place.
### Closing Remarks and Prayer
- Chris summarizes the generational transition taking place in the 2020s, emphasizing the decline of boomer influence and the rise of millennial influence.
- He encourages the congregation to plan for the future and understand the context of the current era.
- Chris closes with a prayer, thanking God for the past generations and asking for guidance in the future.
- He prays for wisdom and discernment for the congregation and for godly influence in the new government.