Everything Changes (part 2): Some Responses

The Postmodern conception of no absolutes should not come as a surprise to those who are well read. However, the speed at which this philosophical idea has penetrated and permeated society, especially among younger generations, is disturbing to many adults. “The only thing in my world that is consistent is change,” collegians involved in our ministry have confessed. I posted an entry on my blog earlier this week that was birthed from a conversation with graduating seniors with whom I meet weekly for Bible study and reflection about commitment. Since the post went up I have received many comments via text, messenger, email, as well as personal conversations that support the observations and conclusions therein. This post is to share some of those responses. I will continue to explore these thoughts so please add your ideas, especially as they relate to your personal experiences and conversations with emerging adults. 

From Collegians:

[my paraphrase from a personal conversation] I completely agree. For my unbelieving friends, it’s even more true - there is nothing that we can rely on - even relationships. In fact, I understand why many of my peers don’t put extra effort into relationships when they begin to get rocky. It’s not worth it. Just find a new relationship. With sex too - why wait? When marriage is not a sure thing in your future it’s no surprise that folks believe you should just try to get whatever you can from a relationship while it lasts. (From a 3rd-year Christian collegian)

“I completely agree with that idea about change. But I don’t agree when it concerns faith. My faith is my foundation.” (From a junior student leader in BCM)

“This was so good, Nathan. Definitely the worldview I can relate to and would still hold if God didn’t wreck it & draw me in to seek His real, unchanging character. Maybe I would’ve never said it out loud but after growing up hearing about Old Testament God who floods the earth and sends His people to kill thousands and won’t even let Moses into the promised land when he strikes a rock once after his years of “faithful service” in contrast with New Testament God, it was hard to believe that He could not change. However, God in His sovereignty took me through suffering that legitimately called everything I thought about God into question & forced me to seek who He really is—steadfast, glory-driven, and the one who cannot change but changes everything. Maybe the most shocking/life-changing Word for me was in Genesis 3, when He LITERALLY kills animals to cover their shame, the aftermath of their sin. He makes the first blood shed on earth an animal’s blood when it so rightly deserved to be man. First of all, I’d never thought much about God’s grace in that chapter and if I had at all, it would’ve been that He changed his mind even though He promised death if they ate from the tree—upon further review, I realized I’d never been more wrong. This picture of God was so clearly the exact same God promising a sacrificial lamb all through the OT and sending His very SON in the NT. That idea rocked my world. God continued to draw me in more & more & reveal His character to me, especially His zeal for glory & His total sovereignty. A couple years later, it’s still sometimes hard to shake the worldview that faithfulness is conditional sometimes (especially when my eyes get off of God & on me/the world). Being faithful in the little things isn’t just hard or difficult, it’s impossible apart from God, but it’s part of sanctification and will come by God changing it in us so I’m praying about it for myself and my friends and my generation.” (From a current student at UGA)

“Love the blog post. Very ironic because I just wrote a paper about the exact same thing in [a class].... I think the best way [to reach out to nonbelievers] is how you mentioned God's faithfulness. I'm preaching on Joseph this Sunday and it's such an awesome story because it shows that even when bad things happen, God is still working for our good. Conveying that to people is important. And then for marriage, I wrote about love is not just an emotion but a decision. You may not always like your spouse or what they are doing in that moment but you should always love and sacrifice for them.” (From a BCM leader who is also on staff at a local church)

From Ministers and/or Teachers:

“This was interesting to read but I kind of understand from the students thinking. Not necessarily agreeing but something that should be discussed more! Thanks for sharing! Miss you friend!” (From a former Baptist Campus Minister Intern, now seminary student, who is only a few years post graduation). 

"The world we live in, the world I have come to know, is one that is full of change. So much so, that I find myself not only expecting change, but craving it. I want new experiences, new places, new people, new things. Change has become almost a synonym for success in some ways. If things are staying the same, it feels like failure - which I don’t really know how to explain. But if things are changing, it feels like success - 'at least things are moving, at least we are headed somewhere' are thoughts that run through my mind in times like this.

As a recent graduate, this concept has come up quite often for me. As I navigate this new season of life, of trying to decide where it is I need to go from here, as I try to discern what it is the Lord has for me in this life, I find myself anxious. I feel change coming, but now it's a change that I’m uncertain of. In the midst of this changing state of life, I do crave solid foundations - relationships, ideas, etc. - to cling to. I have been raised to believe in commitment, and I understand the merit of it, but the difficulty arises in seeing how it comes into play in such a changing world. When is it okay to leave a place that you’ve committed to? When is it not? These are questions that plague my mind. 

In conclusion, though, I believe you are right, this is most certainly an opportunity to minister well to an entire generation. I see beauty in commitment. I see the value there. It is just hard to know how to put it into practice at times. I am thankful for a God that is unchanging through the storms of life. I am thankful for a Savior who offers grace in EVERY circumstance. I am thankful for these truths about my King. However, in times like I am in, I feel like we (my generation) need people like yourself to come alongside us and encourage us to receive that blessing of commitment, to learn how to navigate it well, and to rid ourselves of anxiety and stress by trusting in the unchanging One." (From a recent graduate, current youth minister/seminarian)

“Great thoughts and insights. I think this highlights that one of the greatest gifts clergy, mentors, parents, etc can give our teenagers/emerging adults is that of a consistent presence. In addition, I am glad you discussed how faithfulness correlates with action. That reminds us that one of the strengths of this generation is their determination to equate beliefs and actions and to distrust those entities/institutions/individuals that cannot back up beliefs with the corresponding action.” (From a 30 something, seminary-trained college administrator/teacher, and former associate pastor)

"We don't need to try to change their worldview, but learn how to engage with them and teach them how God wants to enter into their world and provide a foundation for connection to the divine and to others." (From a thirty-something Lutheran pastor)

“This is all really good and very accurate. I think you’ve found something good to spend time praying over and exploring.” (From an emerging Adult who is an elementary school teacher)

“Why does this have to be a negative? Several folks who commented on Facebook don’t seem to understand these ideas so they dismiss them as crazy or immature. These ideas are not going away, but will only become more pervasive. How can we think differently so as to embrace these ideas of change? How can we begin to see what they see and adapt our teaching and ministry accordingly?” (From a 50+ year-old parent and middle school teacher)

Updated 12/6/17

Back to the farm: Meet Jenny & Chris Jackson

Nestled just outside of Pine Mountain in Southwest Georgia, on short White Cemetery Road lies the quaint, four acre, Jenny Jack Sun Farm. On Wednesday the barn at the front of the property bustles with activity as people from the community drop by for fresh produce grown without the aid of pesticides. The farmers are UGA alumni Jenny and Chris Jackson. Jenny and Chris both served on the leadership team of Baptist Collegiate Ministries while in college.

According to Chris, Jenny is the brains behind the operation; he is the brawn. While Chris was obtaining an education degree at UGA, Jenny studied agriculture. She grew up on a farm, helping her dad with the endless chores while falling in love with the process of food production. In school she became enamored with the idea of sustainable farming. After graduating she and Chris moved back to Pine Mountain where she went to work in Mr. Cason's Garden at Calloway Gardens and Chris taught and coached at a nearby high school. After a year they decided to broaden their agricultural experience and moved to Hawaii as interns for two different farmers. They brought back deep tans and enough practical knowledge to begin their own small business. Conveniently, Jenny's dad offered her a portion of his property for their venture. He was nearing retirement and was thrilled to give Jenny and Chris a spot to carry on the family business.

Chris loves the work. Though days are long and sometimes the tasks monotonous Chris has found solace in contemplation. He says weeding rows of beans can be therapeutic. He has learned to allow the land to determine his daily schedule. When it rains he and the crew work in the barn, cleaning, organizing, preparing farm implements or gearing up for the farm markets. Like a younger version of Wendell Berry, Chris is also a writer who desires for Americans to slow down and notice where their food comes from. Chris composes weekly newsletters for the farm, eloquently describing the various chores that are being accomplished (complete with pictures of the crew at work) as well as giving a preview of the available harvest for sale at the on-farm-market and at local weekend markets. In an early winter newsletter Chris wrote,

"It seems a little early to think on strawberries. They’re a springtime treasure; a classic southern favorite, rewarding our steady diet of winter soups, canned tomatoes and sweet potatoes prepared every way possible. Come May they present themselves sweet and juicy, tasting perfect raw and right now without any process or rinse. Strawberries are the year’s first straight from the garden dessert, their deep red coat seems exotic and fascinating, unreal compared to the neutrality of static winter. The first one is a handshake, an open door, an anticipated introduction to warmth and intrepid flavor and a time of year full of pure goodness. How appropriate we celebrate this delicacy in the Spring, but the time to begin preparing for those satiated moments is now. This afternoon while I was steadily constructing a fence, Max, Molly, and Courteney were planting the 1500 strawberry plugs that arrived from South Carolina yesterday."

Farming has deepened Chris's Christian faith. The work in the middle of nature has given him opportunities each day to ponder God's goodness and God's creation. It has helped him let go of past ideas of satisfaction and given him a deep appreciation for simple things. Chris is an avid reader and deep thinker. He has introduced me to several authors who have become my new favorites. Two writers that have inspired him the most are Richard Rohr (Everything Belongs) and Wendell Berry (Jayber Crow, and others).

Like poet/farmer Wendell Berry, moving away from the city and learning to live in a small town has given Chris a greater appreciation for all people. Chris believes that everyone has something they can teach him; everyone is special and deserves to be respected and treated with importance. Our urban and suburban culture has not only disconnected us from the land and our source of food (most people don't even think about where the food they purchase at big box grocery stores was grown), it has also removed us from the many relationships that small town, agrarian life demands. Chris says he has learned more about Jesus' teachings about loving your neighbors and enemies since moving to the farm. He told story after story of the amazing people he has met while living in Pine Mountain. Some he knows he would have discounted as annoying in his previous life. But he says getting to know people below the surface has shown Chris that everyone is not only worth knowing, but everyone has experiences and knowledge that can enrich his life and work.

The couple loves small town life. They are involved a local church that is within walking distance from the farm. They also love monthly pot-luck dinners at the community center in Pine Mountain where they get to meet their neighbors around the table. Each dinner also features a presentation and discussion. Chris has made presentations on sustainable farming practices and on books he has read. Each time he participates his relationships with his neighbors is deepened, his mind is expanded, and his life is made more full.

Food has become much more important to Chris. He has always enjoyed eating, but being involved with agriculture has given the many Biblical passages about food new meaning. The simple act of dining with someone can be spiritual - enjoying the communion of fellowship over a meal can be a holy experience. Each summer Jenny and Chris partner with a local chef to host farm dinners. People drive hours to attend these communal events on the farm. Each dinner features food grown onsite and is served at one long table where everyone is seated together, family style. Watching diners share a laugh, get to know new people, all while eating amazing food and hearing about how it was grown gives Chris a deep sense of pride and satisfaction.

Chris and Jenny have also partnered with a local ministry that seeks to give former migrant workers a since of belonging while helping them feed their families. Reserving a portion of their land for the ministry, Chris assists folks with the process of growing and harvesting their own food. He gets a deep sense of satisfaction watching folks become more independent while learning more healthy eating habits.

You can find their produce at the on-farm market (707 White Cemetery Road, Pine Mountain, GA 31822) and at weekend markets in LaGrange and Columbus. They can be contacted at jennyjackfarm@gmail.com or 706-333-4479. This summer I encourage you to get some of their heirloom tomatoes - the best I've ever eaten!

From Mic Man to leader of the band: Meet Ben Robbins

Saturdays in Athens. There is nothing quite like it. Sanford Stadium comes alive with almost 100,000 cheering fans on game days in the fall. As a student, Ben Robbins helped work the student section into a frenzy. He was "Mic Man," a member of the cheer leading squad who stood on a platform just across the hedges, microphone in hand, guiding the standing collegiate faithful in support of the Dawgs.

He still stands on a stage each weekend, but in a much smaller setting, for a much different purpose. Ben is the worship leader at Longleaf church in Warner Robins. Prior to joining the team at Longleaf, Ben led worship for the contemporary service at Roswell Street Baptist Church. In addition to his duties on the sidelines during football games, Ben also led music at BCM. For two years he led the BCM Impact Band, traveling to churches to led youth events, DNow weekends, and worship services. His senior year he led the BCM House Band.

Not only is Ben an outstanding musician, he gets worship. He knows that he is not just strumming his guitar for a sing along, he carries the burden of leading the congregation to praise God each week. He works hard with his talented band members each week - most of whom have been with him since their BCM Impact Band days - to compose a musical set that fits the theme of the day, skillfully blending musical worship, scripture, sights, sounds, and textures to guide worshipers to the throne of God. He also writes and arranges music. Many weeks the songs performed by the band in worship have been written or arranged just for the occasion. Let year he released his first CD of covers and arrangements of popular worship songs. This year he will release his first collection of original worship tracks.

It is so satisfying as a collegiate minister to watch God at work in the lives of those who have come through the BCM! The day Ben received his first batch of CD's in the mail Franklin Scott and I were in Warner Robins for a collegiate minister's meeting. Ben brought one of the disks to us before we left town. Franklin and I listened - and worshiped - all the way back to Athens!

This summer Ben and his band will lead worship for the Merge and Superwow youth events sponsored by the Georgia Baptist Convention. I'm so excited for the opportunity for so many youth in the state to hear and meet Ben. Not only is he a great worship leader, he is an incredible man of integrity who seeks to live out his faith in all that he does. You can hear some of Ben's music by clicking this link

[Ben is married to the former Paige Martin from Savannah, Georgia. Read a post about her here! She is equally as incredible!]

Encounter with Jesus

The jaunt to Samford U with a group of UGA students to see Shane Claiborne was a profound experience. Much of what Shane said can be found in his books & videos. However hearing him weave the stories together on stage while sitting in a chapel filled with excited students provided a spirit-filled milieu to hear the stories anew.

I've copied some of the most inspiring or disturbing thoughts and quotes below. Though these emerge from his experiences, they were all inspired by Shane's life-changing reading of scripture and encounter with Jesus. In his word's meeting Jesus didn't make his screwed up life perfect and whole. Encountering Jesus messed his normal, Christian life up; "I'm still recovering from my conversion experience".

Here are some of the nuggets that i'm struggling through:

Faith is a way of living, not just a way of believing
Each American consumes the equivalent of 500 Ethiopeans per year
Jesus took what was thought to be unclean (dirt and spit) and provided healing (wiped them in someone's blind eyes)! He radically transformed perspectives and worldviews
Mother Theresa said that in the poor and lame, in the least of these, "we see Jesus in his most distressing disguises"
"The best things to do with the best things in life is to give them away"
Ask yourself, "what if Jesus meant the things that he said?" So much of what he said collides with the way we live, with our USAmerican approach to life. "We need a new imagination of the way to live in the world" to not conform, but to be transformed. Most imprisonments (1 in 8 African Americans) are related to economics - that's a justice issue that we have not sufficiently addressed
Christians are not normal, are not of the status quo, they "seek to bring about the world that God dreams of"
Jesus sends us into the world as "radical nonconformists representing God's heart"
Jesus loves evil-doers so much that he died for them
There are a lot of things worth dying for, but there is nothing worth killing for"
The question is not what job are you going to have "when you grow up" but "what kind of ____ are you going to be" - we are called to allow Jesus to transform what we are called and created to be/do into his likeness

I struggle through some of these issues I'll try to blog about them.