The Infatuation With Innovation
Have you ever heard of the concept called “The Moderation of Reinvention“?
Several years ago in one of the college courses I was teaching, we spent multiple lectures on this concept of change. It is the principle of respecting originality while navigating change. The importance of the relationship between origin and opportunity. Or as I like to say, foundations and frontiers.
The Moderation of Reinvention is the idea of mindful, careful, and measured invention and change. Now, you would think in a society like ours this would not be a very popular discussion. However, there are many examples of this concept that we must consider. Especially as we are inundated with AI and other forms of innovation right now. How do we decide on the scope and pace of change?
Remember, as Solomon said in his writings, after pursuing everything under the sun, our pursuits trail back to wisdom. In every pursuit of knowledge and information we must circle back to wisdom.
The Language of Intelligence
Look at the ever-changing language of intelligence and knowledge:
Artificial Intelligence, Neural Networking, Machine Learning, Knowledge Engineering, Computational Analysis, Cybernetics, and Reactive Machines.
These are just a few of the new forms of intelligence and knowledge sourcing. The future-forward conversations in our society have become pop. Actually, beyond pop and into necessary. Remember, we are not the only civilization who have had to face change and the future. Every civilization has wrestled with innovation and futurism.
Just look at the changes throughout human history with medicine, education, and currency. And now today, look at the change in nutrition, communication, and technology. Every era has had to address the same kind of things we are facing today. I understand that maybe the change we are facing today is not about inventing or reinventing the wheel, but, it may be about Neural-Networking and AI.
So what do we do with all of this? Where’s the balance in futurism and change?
Two Important Questions
When it comes to The Moderation of Reinvention, let’s get practical and look at two important questions. One of the questions I get asked often around the country is about the condition of Next Gen ministry in our nation. Because I’m in the small, medium, and large church in the rural, suburban, and urban setting on a weekly basis, it gives me a unique perspective. So, let’s look at 2 of the important discussions we should be having in Next Gen ministry right now.
What is the most important knowledge source?
There are many discussions on the future and change we have posted over the years in this blog, but, let me deal with this question of knowledge source. Knowledge source is settling on where we are going to get information. This really isn’t complicated. As Peter said in 2 Peter 1.3, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3).
Many people will compartmentalize the Scriptures and use the Bible only as our knowledge source for spiritual life. But have you ever thought that the Bible has a lot more information in it than just our spiritual life? There is so much more in the Scriptures than simply spiritual help.
In the Scriptures, we have all kinds of information on world history, geography, ancestry, economy and business principles, total health wellness, and the future of civilization.
What a wealth of information. And the advantage for those of us who believe in inerrancy, is that all of this is inspired by the Holy Spirit and, as Paul says, profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction, so that we can be perfect and furnished for all good works. (2 Timothy 3.16-17)
I do not want to get caught solely searching outside of the Scriptures for every aspect of my life. Google is not the only source of information. Artificial or Neuro or Machine intelligence is not my sole source of knowledge or wisdom. Computational or Cybernetic or any other Non-human intelligence is not my primary knowledge source. These things are supplemental.
Do not underestimate the completeness of scripture.
Here’s another relevant question for this week’s topic of navigating change and the future.
2. What are the most important future-forward topics for Next Gen ministry?
When we consider the future of Next Gen there are many topics to consider. Among multiple topics for the future of Next Gen is theology, sexuality, education, racism, economy, and vocation. But let me give you two for the post this week. Family and Fine Arts.
First, one of the most important trends is the disintegration of the family. And technology could be one of the solutions to this topic.
This is no secret. We have lost the family structure in America. Much of what we are dealing with in the wake of this disintegration is not good. We need youth leaders to step up and model healthy family and fix this. If we don’t stop this negative trend, it will only get worse. Technology has definitely contributed to this, but, it could also be the solution to this issue.
I want you to see the incredible opportunity for us to use technology to help with this disintegration of the family.
Maybe it is through Internet, electronic, or video resourcing that youth leaders can equip parents with the tools needed to build healthy homes. Resource ideas such as a ZOOM nights, live social media events, and emailing a resource of the week to parents could be a game changer in the relationship between Next Gen leaders and the family.
The many examples in the scripture of people who were used to change society and culture – such as David, Esther, Paul, and Jesus. Each of them were used by the Spirit to impact their generation. We have to do the same things today that great men and women have done through the ages.
We are not just raising a fatherless generation anymore. We are raising a motherless and a siblingless generation. Students who do not know their family system. Next Gen leaders can use technology to change this narrative.
One very practical way for youth ministry to stop this trend is to resource and model healthy family.
Here are a few practical ways to do that: Family devotions weekly, prayer at the family table or with the kids before bed, sitting together in church as a family, and youth leaders who invite students into their home to show them what a healthy home looks like.
Second, there is a growing creative Fine Arts and worship movement that Next Gen must engage in.
I’m not sure what the stats are, but, I hope that we are not losing the music and theater and the arts emphasis in Gen Z and Alpha Gen. A future without the Fine Arts is a missed opportunity for the future of Next Gen. Young people must see the church embrace Fine Arts and help them to see their god-given talents and purposes.
One of the highlights of my year in youth ministry is watching thousands of teenagers at the National Fine Arts program for our movement. Watching and listening to our students in music, drama, art, and athletics is inspiring. Obviously, with the rise in television shows such as American idol, Dancing with the Stars, and America’s Got Talent, there is a great emphasis and culture on personal talents and gifts. Aside from this the music revolution is at the center of teenage life. Whether the TVs, the movie screen, or Apps on their handheld device, young people are inundated by music.
This has caused a great growth in the emphasis of Fine Arts and worship globally. Just look at the rise of the worship movement over the past decade. That’s a whole discussion in itself.
Fine Art Influence
I believe the Fine Arts and worship movement could bring two things to youth ministry if we are wise and capitalize on this.
The identity teenagers are looking for.
Oftentimes teenagers do not realize how gifted they really are. When we allow them to be used in fine arts it can help them to understand their identity in Christ.The theology they need to understand God.
I believe the Fine Arts and worship movement can bring theology to a culture of teenagers who lack a biblical worldview.
When students worship they begin to understand God in a real way that cannot be duplicated by many other mediums. The experiential and tactile nature of worship is a great way to teach students the nature and character of God.
So how do we do this? You can accomplish these two things by programming worship into the youth ministry on a regular basis. Creating a night of worship or a combined youth rally with other churches in your area can be a dynamic way to use Fine Arts and worship. There is some thing about the presence of God that fills the theological void in Gen Z and Alpha Gen.
Finally
A discussion about futurism cannot take place without talking about the supernatural. We are going to address this next week and look at the draw of technology and artificial intelligence and the supernatural. This is an intriguing conversation. I am pretty sure that this generations desire for technology can be easily fulfilled when they understand the supernatural.
The Moderation of Reinvention is a very important topic today. We must not replace the roots of Christianity found in the Scriptures and the power of the Holy Spirit while searching for the void in our life. There is no way that artificial intelligence will be able to fill the need for divine relationship.