When the builders completed the foundation of the Lord’s Temple, the priests put on their robes and took their places to blow their trumpets. And the Levites, descendants of Asaph, clashed their cymbals to praise the Lord, just as King David prescribed. With praise and thanks, they sang this song to the Lord:

     “‘He is so good! His faithful love for Israel endures forever!’
 
    “Then all the people gave a great shout, praising the Lord because the foundation of the Lord’s Temple had been laid.

     “Many of the older priests, Levites, and other leaders remembered the first Temple, and they wept aloud when they saw the new Temple’s foundation. The others, however, were shouting for joy” (Ezra 3:10-12, NLT).
 
    It’s true that history repeats itself. Still we weep over instead of rejoice with. Once again we are faced with a decision as a worldwide Church: Embrace and unleash a culture with their unique God-given abilities or resist and reject what could be the greatest movement the Church has ever seen. It is said, “United we stand, but divided we fall.”

     A new generation is crying out. They are declaring their loyalty to the Sovereign King. It looks different. It sounds different. But rest assured, there is fear in the enemy’s camp. Let us be reminded that the temple is no longer a building, it’s the Body of Christ. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Wherever we go, the Church goes. The meeting place is not the issue; it is the attitude of those who meet that is the issue. The buildings we build are not nearly as important as the worshipers who inhabit those buildings.

     The people of God who make House of Freedom what it is are not concerned with comforts for those who know Christ, but they are committed to becoming an oasis for those who do not know Him. Our goal is to create an atmosphere that is culturally relevant and inviting for all. We long to love people back to life and reach them before they need to be rescued. Since the majority of young people are no longer looking to the institutionalized church for answers, we decided to go looking for them.
Hundreds and thousands flock to clubs and bars to find potentially fulfilling relationships. We are raising up evangelistic musicians and street teams to infiltrate those same venues. These hardcore teams still carry the timeless message of Christ; it’s simply wrapped in a different package.

     The new generation church has two basic options: develop ministry centers that will attract a non-Christian culture; or figure out how to be in the world, yet not of the world. There will no cookie-cutter style for the cutting edge church. Each will have its own niche. They will meet whenever and wherever. Filled with God’s power, they must be led by the Holy Spirit. Their calling is not to condemn and judge, but to embrace, encourage, and empower. They are all necessary to yield a great harvest.

     In no way does this article intend for all churches to change what they do simply to target emerging generations, because all generations need ministered to. Nonetheless, if you want a church that is filled with the emerging generations, be prepared. The cost will be enormous in the beginning but the return will be great. Included in the cost will be more time than you can imagine, more money than you have, more patience than earthly possible, and a willingness to let go of those who do not share your calling. Whatever your calling, let the weeping cease and the rejoicing begin. Let us be unified in purpose and fulfill
the Great Commission.

Brett Black, shown here along with his wife, Jennifer, has been in full-time ministry for more than 15 years. Having dedicated his life to leading emerging youth to a radical relationship with God, he launched his first New Generation Church, called House of Freedom, in Des Moines, Iowa.