For those who are leading in the local church

“For those who are leading in the local church, there needs to be a burden to maintain integrity because people are having real encounters with God, then they go to your church and encounter everything BUT God.”

@kb_hga on @southsiderabbi with @ameen_hga and Guest @raychang502

Geez was this an episode. I’ll link it in my stories and honestly there were SO MANY quotable moments but this one hit so hard.

When we are talking about young people; the studies show that the number one reason they are leaving the church or not even considering walking in is due to perceived hypocrisy. I’m a little torn on the word “perceived” there because it’s not true for the vast majority of churches quietly living out faith, sharing the Gospel, and caring for the broken. But it is true for enough churches with abusive staff, difficult people, and extravagant tastes that make it enough of a perception.

Granted, it’s not new. I grew up listening to Ray Stevens singing about “Would Jesus wear a rolex on his television show?” But wow is the burden ever so present to even more show a level of integrity and transparency in the local church.

Using the word “perceived” also takes away the responsibility to change. I’ve found personally and organizationally the best way to make a lasting change to take responsibility for things *even when they’re not your fault.*

Collectively, us in Gen X gave our youth lots of social media, unfettered access to crippling school debt, and on-demand everything and we wonder why they walk away from our churches?

Maybe we should start asking them how we get them back?

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