The Issachar Church

Reading: 1 Chronicles 12:32

Introduction: The Chronicler records that the men of Issachar “understood the times and knew what Israel should do” (1 Chronicles 12:32). As we grapple with reaching our twenty-first century world, we need an “Issachar church” today. Analysts tell us that people born after 1962, called “Generation X”, have a certain way of thinking. They are:

1. Uninformed. They have no Christian or Judaistic roots: not raised in Sunday School or by believing RE teachers. When we speak about Jesus Christ, or God, they don’t necessarily know who we mean. When we suggest that certain lifestyles are sinful, they find this appalling, extremist and offensive. It is not Acts Chapter Two today.

2. Spiritual. Although not religious, this generation is immensely spiritual, with regular spiritual issues appearing on television and vox-pops; and science is not considered to have all the answers. Unfortunately this spiritual revival is not being led by the church!.

3. Anti-institutional. There is a general dislike (even suspicion) of organised religion. People want to be free to worship or have whatever spiritual experiences they like on their own. The church is considered a dull and formal place, full of meaningless ritual.

4. Pluralists. Pluralism is the belief that there is no such thing as truth. Today in the UK, people have views, opinions, experiences, but no-one is permitted to say they have “the truth”. This cuts to the heart of the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as the only way to know God. Religions like Christianity (and Islam) are considered dangerous and intolerant.

5. Image Driven. Particularly among the young and created by the British media through magazines, movies and television, there is a fascination with image and celebrity. Even politicians strive to “look good” rather than concentrating on substance. Going to church would not be considered “cool” and the church usually has a “bad image”.

6. Pessimistic. Perhaps as a result of years of failure and corruption in almost every part of society, there is a deep distrust of those in authority, including both politicians and the clergy; who are considered as weak, false or at worst deviant.

7. Relational. This generation wants to connect relationally and personally. They desire authenticity. “Tell me” is replaced by “show me”. Churches that do not allow people time to make the journey towards Christ will not catch fish, nor disciple believers.

8. Experiential. There is a craving for experiences today and this has become big business. Drug and solvent use is an obvious consequence of this. But here also lies a great opportunity for churches that believe that the Holy Spirit can touch people’s lives today.

Conclusion: The old fashioned Gospel is still “the power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16) in Britain today and the church must not change its message. But methods of communication do change and there is a need to adopt fresh strategies and to “learn the language” of the generation in which we live. We owe the lost a church that is skilfully seeking them. After two thousand years, fishing for men is still our business (Mark 1:17).