Everyone loves a good movie but sometimes it can be hard to find a good one. Hours can be spent in your local DVD shop browsing through what seems like an endless array of violence, sex and pointless comedy. Christianity Today issues a list of what they believe are the most redeeming movies each year. … Continue reading Best Movies of 2011
Barna Group: Top Trends of 2011
The Barna Group recently released a list of trends it has observed during 2011 from its research in the USA. Although Australia is very different ftom America, there are similarities, and the profound influence of America on the world continues. Here is the first trend ... 1. The Changing Role of Christianity in America. This … Continue reading Barna Group: Top Trends of 2011
Australian Communities Report
Olive Tree Media recently launched the results from their Australian Communities Report conducted by McCrindle Research to discover what Australians really think of Christian faith, Christians and the Church. Held in Sydney on 4th November, the research was launched by Archbishop Peter Jensen. Mark McCrindle, Principal of McCrindle Research presented the findings to 50 church leaders and business people. … Continue reading Australian Communities Report
You Lost Me – Latest Church Research from Barna Group
People are calling it "The Great Departure" - Christian young people leaving the church. Close to 60 percent of young people who went to church as teens drop out after high school. Now the bestselling author of unChristian trains his researcher's eye on these young believers. Where David Kinnaman's first book unChristian showed the world what outsiders aged 16-29 … Continue reading You Lost Me – Latest Church Research from Barna Group
Teen Speak
Are you still using words like "cool," "man" and "dude?" If so, you are so last century. Social researcher Mark McCrindle has written a new book to help us keep in touch with the language of a new generation, which is full of new ways of communicating, including via text messaging. Ever seen LOL? The … Continue reading Teen Speak
How Christianity Changed the World
Have you ever considered the tangible impact of the coming of Jesus Christ on our world? Sociologist, Alvin Schmit decided to do an extensive research project to answer this question. A summary of his research can be found in his excellent book How Christianity Changed the World (formerly published with the title Under the Influence). It … Continue reading How Christianity Changed the World
Technology and Families
A new study by the Barna Group reveals that families are more dependent on technology and media than ever and could benefit from some reflection on how they manage their time on-line, in front of the TV and on their digital devices. The research found that: Parents are just as dependent on technology as teens … Continue reading Technology and Families
Generation iY
Generation Y are the children of the late Baby Boomers and the early Gen-Xers - born between 1984 and 2002. While experts differ on what to call them, all agree they are bound to change the way we approach life. Even if you have no interest at all, or no connection at all with this … Continue reading Generation iY
Seven Lies that Can Disable a Generation (Part 2)
Lie #5 - "You can have it now." This generation get their music - now, their texts - now, their fast food - now, their information - now. They are accustomed to living this way and they have a low tolerance for waiting. Of course, us adults are not much more patient either. WAIT is … Continue reading Seven Lies that Can Disable a Generation (Part 2)
Seven Lies that Can Disable a Generation (Part 1)
Tim Elmore (see recent post) believes that many young people are reaching adulthood emotionally unstable and socially naive - due to the lies they have been told. Shame on us - not on them. We have not equipped them to face an uncertain world. Here are some of the most harmful lies we've told to … Continue reading Seven Lies that Can Disable a Generation (Part 1)
Don’t forget the Elderly!
People frequently say, "Its a young person's world" and it many ways it is. Youth culture dominates our world and especially the entertainment industry. Yet, the largest and fastest growing demographic in many parts of our world is the elderly. With life expectancy continuing to grow, we will continue to see more and more seniors … Continue reading Don’t forget the Elderly!
Fostering Creativity
Here are a few thoughts on some ways we can foster greater creativity: 1. Make time for thinking creatively Set aside regular time for “brainstorming” - by yourself and, better still, with other people and especially with any teams you are a part of. Think creatively. Research should be everybody’s preoccupation and innovation is everybody’s game … Continue reading Fostering Creativity
Creativity Killers
Here are a few examples of "creativity killers" - people who were NOT willing to think outside the box: "Everything that can be invented has been invented." [Charles H. Duell, Director of the American Patent Office in 1899] "Sensible and responsible women do not want to vote." [Grover Cleveland, 1905] "Who the hell wants to … Continue reading Creativity Killers
The Importance of Innovation
Innovation is very important for any individual, group or organization – including the church! A few quotes: 1. “In a period of rapid change, the only ones who survive are those who innovate and create change.” [Peter Drucker – Father of Modern Management in Management, p.357] Change is the only certain in today’s fast paced environment. Accept … Continue reading The Importance of Innovation
A Theology of Creativity
Let's talk about creativity ... 1. God is a Creative God God invented creativity. He thought it up. It was his idea. Creativity is part of who God is. The fifth word in the Bible is ‘created’ – “In the beginning God created … (Gen.1:1)” God started the creative ball rolling and it has been … Continue reading A Theology of Creativity