Change!

Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.” And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. (Joh 21:3-6 NKJ)

“Most of what we think we know about evangelicals is wrong, or is well on its way to being outdated. Generational changes and the shifting racial make-up of evangelical Christians are changing what we think of as evangelical culture and politics.” – Deborah Jian Lee. (author of Rescuing Jesus.)

“Come writers and critics who prophesize with your pen, and keep your eyes wide the chance won’t come again. And don’t speak too soon for the wheel’s still in spin, and there’s no tellin’ who that it’s namin’. For the loser now will be later to win, for the times they are a-changin’. – Bob Dylan.

Andrew, Peter, James, and John were the fishermen, the experts, been doing this for years.  Even though they caught nothing on this occasion, they would have gone out again and done the same thing. On this occasion, however, a stranger calls from the beach and tells them to cast their nets on the other side.  Possible questions:

  • “Who is this guy and who does he think he is telling us what to do?”
  • “But we’ve always done it this way.”
  • “We’re too tired.”
  • “Changing the nets over in too much work.”

On this occasion, they did what he said, and brought in a multitude of fish. The Millennials, the ‘Z’ generation and even some ‘X’ and ‘Y’s’ need and even want to hear the message of Jesus, seek after God, experience a new spirituality; it’s just that we keep casting nets using the three hymns, offering, and a dry sermon method. We need to be more inclusive, open and diverse.  God can cope with it—try it.

About Terry Threadwell

Dr. Terry Threadwell has thirty five years ministry experience. Author, educator and Director of the Institute of Progressive Pentecostal Studies.
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