As I was perusing through the Adventist Review that came in the mail the other day, a thought occurred to me. Included in the magazine was an article by Jan Paulsen about how to tell people who we [Adventists] are. What struck me most about the article was that his first response to a question about who Adventists are from a reporter was about our mission work, how our denomination is growing, our work with healthcare and disaster relief. Throughout the whole magazine were clips and snippets of "wonderful things happening" around the globe. And truly, there are some wonderful things happening. But the bulk of the content is bragging about our accomplishments in the world at large. We're disregarding the words of Paul in II Corinthians 12 about not boasting our accomplishments so that no one will think more of us than is warranted by our words and actions.
When Deeper first started, it was to meet a specific need in our church. There was a general feeling of neglect by the church's young adults and young families, so Pastor Jeff Gang sat down with some young adult leaders to focus on reconnecting with those people. And the result was explosive, to say the least. The Upper Youth Center became packed wall to wall with young worshipers. To say it was awesome doesn't come close to describing it.
And now we're in the Schmidt Performing Arts Center at Forest Lake Academy. But does it sometimes feel like people aren't responding to the way they used to when we started? There are times it feels like we're beating our heads against the wall and asking "why?" I don't claim to have an answer, but I do have a thought I wanted to throw out there.
In a very real sense, Deeper has become a "standard bearer" for Adventist young adult worship. People from around Florida and places further have taken a real interest in what we're doing. Sometimes, though, it feels like we've gotten so good at patting ourselves on the back and bragging about this "vibrant young adult service" that we have, we lost sight of what it was created for, to provide a venue where young adults could joyfully and enthusiastically worship God. Sometime it seems like now people are experiencing less God and more "show" and as a result we're seeing another disconnect with young adults.
The reason the apostolic church was so successful was not catchy sermons and great music. The reason that Peter, Paul, John, and the rest were so successful was because they didn't focus on the big picture. The focused on the person in front of them and asked simply: "Have you met my friend Jesus?" They then took the time to tell that person how Jesus had changed their life, and as the people got to know Jesus, their lives were changed too.
What does that "look like" today? It looks like the beginning of Deeper, where there was intentional interaction with those around us. Praying together, discussing the sermon topic together, sharing snacks & coffee together, spending time together. No programming, not shows, just intentional fellowship with those around us. It couldn't get any simpler!
It is my feeling that we shouldn't try and do something "different" and "flashy" and something that we can brag about and use as a springboard to "Adventist fame." Instead we should go back to Deeper was founded to do: Introduce people to God.
I have also been so encouraged by the Deeper leadership in that respect. There is a realization that cool graphics and trendy songs aren't enough. People need to connect with those they're worshiping with and form meaningful relationships. So small groups are springing up like flowers after a spring rain. 242, two Friday Bible studies, the new discussion starting on Sabbath morning, Advent Hope, small groups of Deeperites grabbing a meal or coffee together. It's very much that First Church model: Simple, grassroots, and sharing each others experiences together. What could be better?!
All right, I know I've said a mouth full. I would encourage anyone who wants to connect with a small group of people to contact connect@deeperfaith.org and get plugged in! And, if you feel complelled to meet at a resteraunt once a week or have some folks over to your home for a Bible study, I hope you'll do it!
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