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How Can Pastors Speak to a Younger Audience in Preaching?
How can pastors more effectively speak to younger adults through preaching? I asked myself this question after reading an online conversation early Saturday morning. I happened to find a series of tweets from Carol Howard Merritt:
@CarolHoward: Using a John Hughes sermon illustration. Almost cut it our because half of the congregation wouldn’t relate.
@CarolHoward: Made me realize how much I cut out Gen X references. Meanwhile I almost feel like I was alive in the 60s, I’ve heard so much about it…
@CarolHoward: Made me realize how much I cut out Gen X references. Meanwhile I almost feel like I was alive in the 60s, I’ve heard so much about it…
When it comes to sermon illustrations, you use what speaks most clearly to your audience. And if the average age on a Sunday morning at most churches is any indication, then there’s a good chance references from the culture of younger generations will not speak to a majority of listeners. I’m a preacher born in 1982. And I admit that I’ve struggled at times with this dilemma because I know there’s a reference I could use to make a great point that could get lost with a good number of my listeners.
So how can we broaden our base of cultural references in preaching?
Now before I go on, I do want to offer a couple of caveats along with this post:
- This is not about trying to be relevant (or any other buzz word we like to toss around in the church without truly knowing what it means). This post is simply an appeal to preachers to widen their base of cultural references if they find they tend to concentrate in particular eras of history.
- This is difficult when the majority of your congregation is made up of one particular generation. I’m lucky in my current appointment that there’s a pretty good range of ages on any given Sunday. But I do know that’s not true for many preachers. I trust the preacher to use the information following in an appropriate contextual way.
- Good sermon illustrations are more than just cultural references. I know this. My preaching professor in seminary is one of the finest preachers in the world. He taught me that. However this post is trying to call into question one type of illustration we can use.
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s talk about why it’s important to speak to my generation. There’s a great deal of talk in The United Methodist Church about reaching new generations. But if we’re committed to making young people a priority, then preachers need to become students of that generation.
I made a mass appeal for help with this blog post on Facebook. One of the most common responses was something like:
Don’t just throw references out trying to “be cool” or “relevant.” If pastors want to use references from a younger generation, then those references should come out of relationships with younger people.
Make no mistake, if you want younger people plugging into the life of your congregation, then you better be authentic. These sermon illustrations aren’t meant to be cheap appeals to younger adults in an attempt to seem “hip” or “cool” from the pulpit. They are, however, an attempt to be mindful that some of the people you’re ministering with (or hope to minister with) may not get every song reference or cultural nod to the 1960s and early-70s. If you want the gospel to come alive for them, learn more about them, strike up a relationship with them, and then remember to occasionally use references from “their world” to drive a point home in a sermon.
So without further adieu, here’s a working list of cultural references to begin your education:
Music
(This one is tough because the rise of the Internet has created a huge diversity in popular music. But here are a few artists and why they’re important for my generation)
- Nirvana: This band marked the end of the 80s punk/hair band era many Gen-Xers fondly remember. They ushered in a new genre of music known as alternative/grunge. Besides than, the lyrics are pretty poetic.
- Lilith Fair: For many women of my generation, this solidified the identity of the female artist. Keep in mind that this identity is also in tension to the hyper-sexualized image of many current female pop artists. But nonetheless, it was a powerful breakthrough for women in music.
- Reality Show/YouTube Music Stars: Again, I admit this list was the toughest to compile because of the access to so much music due to downloading. But you should keep abreast of the fact that the hottest new artist in music could come from a reality TV show or a viral video on YouTube (granted the odds are they’re more likely to be a “one-hit wonder”). This is an avenue of being discovered that could seem foreign to folks from previous generations. But in the age of the Internet, this process of becoming a star can happen in a moment’s notice.
TV Shows
- How I Met Your Mother: It’s quickly becoming an iconic show on what it means to be a 20/30-something in today’s world. The writers are brilliant and cleverly weave a great deal of contemporary culture into the plot lines.
- The Cosby Show: This was the first sit-com on television that depicted an affluent African-American family. This was huge in shaping the worldview of those of us who grew up watching this show. Many of us never knew how taboo this was — it just became normal for us.
- Reality TV: I know many of us wish this genre never came to be. But a well-timed writers’ strike in Hollywood gave enough time for this to become a new normal. Like it or not, you can’t understate the impact on how folks my age view this as impactful.
- The Daily Show/The Colbert Report: In an age where cable news polarizes reporting based on partisan preferences, many young people have turned to master-satirists, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, to offer perspective on current events. The writing staffs for both shows are truly brilliant. In the case of Stewart, many contributors on his show have gone on to become some of the biggest names in comedic acting. Remember these shows are not the major source of news for young adults — they’re funny because they assume viewers already know the news and are looking for a different perspective.
Other noteworthy shows currently breaking barriers and/or shaping the genre of television:
- The Office: One of the earliest breaks from the laugh track sit-com style. Brilliant and it trusted viewers to know the funny parts to laugh at
- Modern Family: Another brilliant “laugh track free” show. It’s also a testimony to the complexity of family and the beauty of families who can function despite their defying the nuclear family image.
- Any Show on HBO or Showtime: Shorter seasons and better writing largely due to a freedom from advertiser dollars influencing decisions
- Parks and Recreation: Brilliant female lead to an ensemble cast.
- 30 Rock: Another brilliant female lead to an ensemble cast.
- Up All Night: We’ll see the longevity of this show but it’s become the hot new show for everyone new to having a baby. It’s a cultural marker for new parents and the beauty of DVR is we can watch whenever we want.
Movies
- E.T.
- Forrest Gump (ironic that it was set in an era “before our time” and is still such an influential movie)
- Lord of the Rings Trilogy
- Harry Potter
- Most any Will Ferrell movie
- Judd Apatow is writing iconic films at a similar clip to John Hughes
- Trey Parker and Matt Stone: South Park and the Broadway hit The Book of Mormon — need I say more?
Important Historical Events
I got a lot of great feedback on other items as well. For example, many folks mentioned iconic sayings or catch phrases from various television, movie, music, and commercials. All of these things speak to formative pieces of culture that have shaped who we are. If you’re a preacher, then it’s vitally important to be familiar with these things — first for the sake of real relationship, and second in order to connect the gospel to the real lives of younger adults. If we’re serious about reaching out to younger adults in the church, then we better get serious about getting to know them. Otherwise I promise they’ll sniff out the manipulative tactics and do their dead-level best to never, ever grace the doors of our churches.
So why not begin in relationship and allow those relationships to connect in the life of the sermon? You might be surprised what happens when you broaden your base of references, build relationships with new people, and let the gospel speak in new and exciting ways…
Note: This is by no means an exhausted list. Please feel free to add to it in the comment box below!
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You have made some interesting points, points which mirror my own comments that the Bible is alive and relevant. But what happens if you can’t stand Will Ferrell or that brand of humor? What if what is on television, either cable or broadcast channel, is so inane that it is virtually unwatchable?
Then, the references you seek become trite or so transparent that those you are trying to reach will see right through them.
Yes, I use references from the 60s and 70s but that is because those are the reasons that I am who I am. But what I also try to do is make sure that those who hear, no matter how old they are, understand what that means today.
If I speak of racism and segregation in the 60s and how I reacted, I truly believe that those who were born in the 80s will understand because they have experienced the same things.
Sometimes it is difficult – it is very difficult to talk about walking on the moon when no one in the present generation has ever experienced that or is likely to but you have to push the envelope as it were.
The relevance that we seek is saying that each generation has the same problems as those who first heard Jesus in the Galilee. If our references to that time are only to that time, then we are not being relevant. If we speak of Jesus eating with the sinners and the lower classes but do nothing about that today, then we are not being relevant. I truly believe that it is not the cultural references that matter but the actions of the pastor and the congregation in reference to the Gospel and its message that count the most.
I understand the concern, Tony. However I would say there’s a difference between Will Ferrell humor and talking about segregation and racism. Of course racism transcends generations — if for no other reason than because it still exists today. On the other hand, don’t expect a young adult to get the relevance of a quote from a TV show in that era unless its just as transcendent (which it won’t be).
As far as the brand of humor you mention, comedy is all about taste. But have you ever asked a young adult why they find that “brand” funny? Have you ever engaged them in a conversation about a movie where that style of comedy was used? If not, try it sometime. You might be surprised by the insights you’ll receive
My son’s only reason for not coming to church, and most of his friends feel the same way is the church politics. They don’t want to get involved, and they don’t want to have to deal with cliques. How do you get them through the door in the first place?
Mary, your comments touch on a major source of disconnect for many churches. Our church has addressed this by trying to create as much community outside of the walls of the church for younger adults as what they can find inside. You’re right about a hesitency to take leadership — especially if it’s delegated only on the terms of older generations. There is NOT an easy solution to this problem. Thank you for your thoughtful comments!
I suggest that in addition to cultural references as a means of connecting with younger adults one must see themselves in the church. That is, when a newcomer (regardless of age, gender, marital status or sexual orientation)need to see themselves in the church. Much of what attracts someone to church is determined in the first few seconds of entering the church or sanctuary. Does someone greet and welcome you? What do the people look like? In addition to having effective greeters, involve younger adults, single adults, diverse cross section of adults in the liturgy reading Scripture, giving a prayer, teaching the children’s moment. Show the newcomers who you are.
Absolutely! That would take another post to address, but I concur 100% with your thoughts, Quinn!
I think one of the great, unspoken secrets about newcomers not being greeted at the door is that it doesn’t happen because most current members are not familiar with the people who already attend! With all the multiple service times and alternate contemporary/traditional services, this happens all the time. I have been greeted myself and had to explain “Oh, I’ve been here three years. I normally go to the late service.” There are scores of people attending my church that have probably never even seen each other, much less met.
hi ben, nice start to exegeting our generation. i hope you’re not offended by this, but i would add that your list seems to reflect the white, middle-class experience. if this is intended to inform someone older, they might need to acknowledge that there will be significant additions (and deletions) from this list if they engage someone with a different cultural or racial upbringing.
Danny, what a great critique! Please add to the list. By no means do I think this is an exhaustive list. I’d love a more diverse base of resources to be added. Thanks!!
i’d say if you cross paths with second gen asian-americans, they’ll likely have watched korean dramas (with english subtitles of course), read translated manga, and listened to various pop artists from east asia (remember colbert’s obsession with rain?). a good way to dive into asian-american pop culture is to attend either a kollaboration or international secret agents (ISA) show. youtube has also provided a platform for asian-americans to bypass hollywood typecasting: start with the wong fu channel or kevjumba.
as the internet has allowed different groups to connect, it also fragments our population much more – making the creation of a genuine, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural church a staggering task. is it worth the intentional effort? or should we just stick with the homogeneous unit church growth model? ah… another discussion.
Surely Paul is instructive here. “People of Athens, I see you are religious in every way…” and all that. We have to be willing – whatever culture we are trying to reach – to look around and become students of that culture. As a young adult pastor, I think this is just as true for me in learning what life is like for my older church members, to whom I can have a difficult time relating. We should not overlook anyone, of course.
I agree 100%, Drew! However I’m hoping this is a timely piece because the majority of our preachers are 50+ which matches the age of the majority of churchgoers. If we want to relate the gospel to younger generations, then we need to become students of their generational culture. You’ve addressed the flip-side of the equation for those of us who are young pastors ministering with an older congregation — we owe them our efforts of learning their culture too. Thanks for your comments!!
Tyler Perry may be considered the Bill Cosby of this generation.
Ben,
This is along the lines of danny’s comments. I read the list off to my wife and asked her what she heard or thought of when she heard the list and she said white,affluent, liberal Democrat. I was thinking about the same thing, but thought more of an east or west coast individual was being described.
Here are some that may be aimed at a more blue collar,probably white, lower socio-economic crowd. Obviously generalizations are dangerous when it comes to describig groups of people so these might speak to others as well just as your list can speak to a different group.
Music:
Country, even the old stuff
Metal
Television
Man V Food and Adam Richman’s Man V Food Nation
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo;Toddlers & Tiaras; other shows on TLC (formerly The Learning Channel quickly becoming the White Trash TV channel)
ESPN
Current Events
Immigration
Being the potentially the first generation who does not have an increase of the standard of living over the previous one.
The economy and loss of jobs, the move toward renting over owning, moving back in with the parents after college graduation
The rise of the sandwich generations
Thanks for raising awareness for a more diverse list, Dave. I agree totally.
However I’d be careful about trying to speak for “lower-class whites” by referencing an affinity for “white trash TV.” I don’t think you meant it that way, but re-read your comment nonetheless. Further, there’s a difference between “popular” and “formative” aspects of culture. Your list was chopped full of the stereotypes affluent whites have about working class people. I don’t know your background and wouldn’t dare to assume it, but your comment reads like an affluent, white, liberal assumption about a group of people that are very foreign to you. I could be way off base and, if so, I apologize.
Ben,
Let me say that I am not opposed or trying to start anything. I am just trying to discuss. I also think it is a relevant subject that needs to be talked about.
I put in the line about generalizations because I know there are always those who do not fall into the category. If I insulted you, I did not mean to do so. This was just the picture that came to mind when I read the pop culture references you mentioned. The comment about white trash tv was not about who was watching it as much as it was about who was on it. That line came from one of my facebook friends after she tried to watch some of the shows one night. After watching some of it/getting sucked into some of the shows I think it is a legitimate question to ask when did the network become so trashy. Another question could be is why are these shows so popular?
I think a case can be made that the popular and formative aspects of culture are more often the same than different. As I read, and re-read, your article I thought you were looking for illustrations from all aspects of culture not just formative aspects of it. And, like it or not, blue collar people often think and act differently than white collar. This would even be true for those who were raised blue collar and have moved into the white collar status. A few years ago my wife took some continuing ed and she told me about a book that talked about how blue and white collar is more than just economic status.
My experience through living or serving in 4 different conferences is that many pastors have different tastes than the congregations when it comes to music, television, movies, etc. This is not so much an age issue as it is something else, possibly the way we are wired. Awhile back there was a study that showed that liberals and conservatives watched different television (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2071164/Survey-shows-liberals-conservatives-watch-different-TV-shows–Jon-Stewart-Larry-Cable-Guy-new-faces-American-polarization.html). I imagine it is the same when it comes to education and economic backgrounds. When it comes to illustrations I believe we have to be cognizant of the socio-economic, educational background as well as being aware of the age of the congregation. Different churches will have different perceptions, needs, and preferences when it comes to illustrations. What works in a university town congregation where many professors attend or a county seat church may very well not fly in a small, two point charge or vice versa.
No, I am not a white, affluent, liberal making assumptions about people who are foreign to me. I could be like Paul and his background only it would be for the blue collar, redneck, American pedigree. I have to work harder to find illustrations that work for those who are not like me and it is not necessarily an age issue. I hope this helps clarify things about my post.
Thanks, Dave. I’m much more clear about what you were trying to say. The difference between formative and just popular aspects of culture is the question of lasting change. So whereas Reality TV is a formative aspect of culture for my generation, I’m not sure any one show can be viewed that way. Passing fads are one thing. But trend-setters — something landmark that others try to mimick — is entirely different. I hope that’s more clear. Thanks again for your critiques!