‘This is the new normal’

‘There has been a culture shift in our nation, and it affects the church,” said Dottie Schulz, missionary care specialist for Missions Resource Network, a ministry based in Bedford, Texas.

Dottie Schulz

“This shift has taken place with those who are around 40 years old and younger — the children of those who became dissatisfied with the direction of our movement and who wrote and read articles and books stating their dissatisfactions.

“I think that an older generation pointed out problems; their children acted upon them and tried to change the talk. Now their grandchildren, who are most affected by the culture shift, are tired of talk and are dissatisfied with the fruit produced. They are uncomfortable with statements that we alone have the truth and are more comfortable with sharing personal experiences and feelings. They eschew what they perceive as arrogance.

“I know there are those among us who express that they wish things would get back to normal. My reply is, ‘This is the new normal.’ The younger generations do not care what the name is on the church building. They want to be with a church that is making a difference in their neighborhoods and in the world, who will mentor them and hold them personally accountable.”

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