F A I T H , C U LT U R E & I N T E N T I O N A L L I V I N G
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CHRISTINE CAINE
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ANNIE F. DOWNS
LISA SHARON HARPER
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KARI JOBE
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JAMIE TWORKOWSKI
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RON SIDER
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SAMUEL RODRIGUEZ
BIANCA OLTHOFF
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JEN HATMAKER
DEREK MINOR
SHANE CLAIBORNE
KAREN SWALLOW PRIOR |
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BLAKE MYCOSKIE
JOHN MARK MCMILLAN FERN MIRANDA
JULY-AUG 2019 // $6.95 US
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TEDASHII
LAUREN WINNER LISA GUNGOR |
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FLEURIE
NATALIE MANUEL LEE
JEREMY COURTNEY
JO SAXTON
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JON FOREMAN |
RACHEL CRUZE
BANNING LIEBSCHER
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CONTENTS C E L E B R AT I N G 1 0 0 I S S U E S
A S P E C I A L E DI T IO N O F R E LE VA NT: LO O K I N G B AC K AT W H AT S H A P E D O U R G E N E R AT IO N A N D LO O K I N G A H E A D TO W H E R E W E ’ R E G OI N G
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THE FAITH MOVEMENT
THE LIFE MOVEMENT
THE CULTURE MOVEMENT
THE JUSTICE MOVEMENT
Carl Lentz, Annie F. Downs, Tedashii, Jen Hatmaker and others join our discussion on the faith trends that got us where we are today and what they think the next era might look like.
Work. Dating. Money. Tech. Mental health. Jamie Tworkowski, Sarah Bessey, Jon Acuff and more discuss the trends that shaped the way we live and where we’re going to go from here.
Is “CCM” over? Can faith-based film transcend God’s Not Dead? What’s next for TV? Lisa Gungor, Jon Foreman, Derek Minor and others put our pop culture era under the microscope.
How did social justice come to be viewed as a key part of the Gospel? Jenny Yang, Jeremy Courtney, Shane Claiborne and more discuss our evolving theology of justice.
Features Top 100 Moments
Top 50 albums
p.12
p.88
A look back at the moments and movements that shaped how we understand the world and what God is doing in it from Kony 2012 to the rise of Netflix to, yes, the DC Talk cruise.
Boiling down the most important albums of the last 100 issues is no mean feat, but here’s the music that has been the most vital to RELEVANT’s coverage over the last 100 issues.
JULY-AUG
1 0 // FIRS T WORD Our founder Cameron Strang on his vision for
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the next 100 issues of RELEVANT.
9 6 // L AS T WORD Christine Caine on why the way forward from here might be more simple than we think.
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RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
T H E M A G A Z I N E O N FA I T H , C U LT U R E & INTENTIONAL LIVING
July/August 2019, Issue 100 Keeping it 100.
Publisher & CEO | CAMERON STRANG Content Director | JESSE CAREY Senior Editor | TYLER HUCKABEE Senior Writer | TYLER DASWICK Copy Editor | KATHY PIERRE Creative Director | JOHN DAVID HARRIS Designer | CRISTIAN DONOSO Video Editor | CLARKE FLIPPO Audio Editor | CHANDLER STRANG Web Developer | NATE TRAVIS Contributing Photographers: Hillsong Channel, Andrea Morrison, Gavin Batty, Fabio Diena , Jeremy Cowart Account Executive | FELICHIA WRIGHT Account Executive | RACHEL DOUGLASS Traffic Manager | CAROLINE COLE Marketing Director | AME LYNN FUHLBRUCK Operations Manager | JESSICA COLLINS Operations Coordinator | GABRIELLE HICKEY Finance Director | MICHAEL BOWLES
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: www.RELEVANTmagazine.com/advertise
RELEVANT MEDIA GROUP 55 W. Church St., Suite 211, Orlando, FL 32801 RELEVANTmediagroup.com TO SUBSCRIBE RELEVANTmagazine.com/subscribe Rates: 1 year (6 issues) U.S. $26.99, Canada $36.99, International $45.99 SUBSCRIBER SERVICES RELEVANTmagazine.com/subservices Phone: 866-402-4746 EMAIL: support@relevantmagazine.com TO BUY PAST ISSUES AND MERCHANDISE: RELEVANTmagazine.com/store BULK DISCOUNTS: 866-402-4746 RETAIL DISTRIBUTION Michael Vitetta, Curtis Circulation Company mvitetta@curtiscirc.com
Issue #100 July/August 2019 (ISSN: 1543-317X). RELEVANT is published 6 times a year in January, March, May, July, September and November for $26.99 per year by RELEVANT Media Group, Inc., 55 W. Church St., Suite 211, Orlando, FL 32801. Periodicals postage paid at Orlando, FL, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to RELEVANT Magazine, P.O. Box 531147, Orlando, FL 32853.
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RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
FIRST WORD a letter from the publisher
issue represents a significant moment in
voice to what God is doing for
that journey. So, you’re holding an edition
these last 16 years. It’s been a lot of
unlike any we’ve done before.
hard work—I don’t know if you’ve
To reflect on all that God has done over
Celebrating RELEVANT’s First 100 Issues got the idea for RELEVANT
I
when I was 19. There wasn’t a
heard, but being an independent
the last 16-plus years, we invited a diverse
media company isn’t the most stable
group of friends into the conversation.
career path to choose—but every
The process has actually been a reminder
late night, stressful deadline and
of one of the values that I think has made
tight budget has been more than
RELEVANT unique over the years. We’ve
worth it.
tried to be intentional about building
Putting together this hundredth
bridges and giving voice to a wide
issue has been a fun reminder of
spectrum of voices. A lot can be learned
how much things have changed
by sitting down with people who are
(please don’t laugh too hard at some
outside of the bubble we live in. Exposing
of those early covers), but even
our readers to diverse perspectives they
more so I’m excited about what’s to
may not encounter otherwise has been
come. The winds are shifting, and I
an intentional effort from day one. You
can’t wait to see how things change
might see Richard Rohr in an issue next
all over again.
to Christine Caine, or Jerry Lorenzo next
Whether you’ve been with us
to Rick Warren. We’ve always felt though
since issue one or 99, I sincerely
there are many streams in the body of
appreciate you connecting with us.
Christ, there’s just one river. And we
You’ve literally made my dream
want RELEVANT to represent that wider
come true.
spectrum.
I hope you enjoy our special
So, to mark our 100th issue, we’ve
100th issue. The RELEVANT team
platform then that gave voice
curated conversations reflecting back on
and I kind of view it like a halftime
to the things God was uniquely
the major milestones and things God has
moment. It’s good to pause, reflect
doing in our generation.
done in faith, culture, life and justice. And
on the journey and then look
There wasn’t a place that
maybe more importantly, we look forward
forward to what’s coming next.
wrestled with the big questions or got outside
as well and talk about the challenges and
of the Sunday bubble and explored the fact
opportunities in front of us.
God is relevant to all aspects of our lives—
Seasons change, formats change and
from how we engage culture, to justice, to our
styles change. God is always doing a new
relationships, careers and more.
thing, and it’s important we never get
So, I had a dream to create something that
comfortable staying where we are. Putting
would do that. It took 8 years of learning, hard
this issue together was a reminder of just
work and failure until we were finally able to
how much God has done and how much
release the first issue of RELEVANT in March,
things have changed since those early
2003. It’s crazy to think that was 100 issues ago.
days, but it was also a clear reminder that
Like everything else, RELEVANT has evolved
we’re not done yet. No matter the format
a lot since then. But no matter the format,
or method, RELEVANT will stay committed
topic or style, we’ve tried to not stray from that
to giving voice to what God is doing today,
original mission.
wrestling with the big questions and showing
Pausing to mark milestones doesn’t come
that a relationship with Christ is relevant to
naturally to me. I always tend to look ahead and
all aspects of our lives. Culture may change,
chase the next thing we’re supposed to do. But
but the need for that dialogue doesn’t.
we’ve seen issue 100 on the horizon and knew
I can’t wait to see what happens in the next hundred.
I’ve spent the majority of my life now
we wanted to do something unique. It’s been
chasing this dream. It has been a great
C A MER ON S T R A NG
a long road to publish 100 magazines, and this
privilege to play a small part in giving
Founder & Publisher
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THE 100 MOMENTS THAT SHAPED RELEVANT’S FIRST 100 ISSUES The moments, events and releases that shaped faith and culture during RELEVANT’s first 100 issues.
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THE INVASION OF IRAQ BEGINS
BEYONCE STARS IN THE FIGHTING TEMPTATIONS
// MARCH 2003
// SEPTEMBER 2003
24/7 PRAYER GOES GLOBAL // MARCH 2003 [SEE PAGE 27]
LOT HAS TRANSPIRED SINCE the first
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RADIOHEAD DROPS HAIL TO THE THIEF
issue of RELEVANT was released back in 2003. From global conflicts and
// JUNE 2003
environmental crises to groundbreaking
Radiohead’s most hyped album was also their most divisive.
album releases and paradigm-shifting conversations, the world is a different place, culture has evolved and the Church has shifted.
SWITCHFOOT BLOWS UP
Here’s our reflection back on the 100 moments
// JUNE 2003
that defined the first 100 issues of RELEVANT.
In the summer of 2003, “Meant to Live” was released to radio becoming a massive “crossover” hit.
Before she was crowned queen, Beyoncé saw a possible future for herself as a bonafide movie star.
SERMON MOVIE ILLUSTRATIONS BECOME INESCAPABLE // DECEMBER 2003
Thanks to Return of the King and movies like The Matrix, Gladiator and Braveheart, every Sunday featured cringe-inducing movie references.
BLUE LIKE JAZZ // JULY 2003
Don Miller’s bestseller sparked a series of memoirs that dealt with wrestling with doubt and questions about faith. [SEE PAGE 34]
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THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST SPARKS A BIBLE MOVIE TREND // FEBRUARY 2004
Mel Gibson’s controversial Bible movie became the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time, leading to a wave of faith-based films. [SEE PAGE 63]
FAIR TRADE CHANGES RETAIL // MARCH 2004
The first International Fair Trade Summit helped lend credibility to the new conscious consumerism trend.
KANYE WEST EISLEY DAVID CROWDER BAND WYCLEF JEAN DOVES
FEATURES:
DON MILLER | APOCALYPSE REVEALED! | A NEW APPROACH TO SUCCESS | THE GUY’S GUIDE TO MANHOOD
GOD. LIFE. PROGRESSIVE CULTURE.
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ISSUE #13 | MARCH_APRIL 2005
THE RISE AND FALL OF THE EMERGING CHURCH
HOLY TRINITY BROMPTON BEGINS PLANTING CHURCHES AROUND THE U.K.
// AUGUST 2004
The movement, partially inspired by Brian McLaren’s self-described “manifesto” A Generous Orthodoxy sparked theological debates before fizzling out years later.
// JANUARY 2005
The church is credited with fueling a revival in England.
COMMON ARRIVES // MAY 2005
His album Be, featuring Kanye, Jay Dilla, John Mayer and others becomes a critical and commercial success for its jazz roots and thoughtful lyrics.
BOUND 4 LIFE BEGINS PROTEST AT THE SUPREME COURT // OCTOBER 2004
MASE RETURNS // AUGUST 2004
After becoming a pastor, Diddy’s sidekick released a new album, which in hindsight, was not all that great.
Known for protesters with red-tape over their mouths with the word “life” written on them, the silent prayer protests have persisted for years outside of the Supreme Court building.
HURRICANE KATRINA // AUGUST 2005
JOHN MARK MCMILLAN’S “HOW HE LOVES US” CREATES THE “SLOPPY WET KISS” “CONTROVERSY”
KANYE WEST RELEASES JESUS WALKS
// NOVEMBER 2005
// DECEMBER 2004
Crowder later released a version that replaced the lyric with the weirdwhen-you-think-about-it line “unforeseen kiss.”
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NETFLIX LAUNCHES ITS STREAMING SERVICE // FEBRUARY 2007
Years after delivering DVDs (!) through the mail (!!), Netflix unveiled its streaming video service so you can watch reruns of The Office while waiting for new episodes of Stranger Things.
THE ISRAEL–HEZBOLLAH WAR // JULY 2006
The 34-day conflict near the Golan Heights area claims more than 1,400 before a ceasefire is signed.
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[SEE PAGE 48]
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BONO FORMS THE RED CAMPAIGN
FRANCIS COLLINS’ THE LANGUAGE OF GOD CHANGES THE LANGUAGE OF FAITH AND SCIENCE
// MARCH 2006
It united some of the world’s leading brands, creating products that help in the fight against AIDS.
// JULY 2007
Collins, a renowned geneticist, is a devout Christian who led the Human Genome Project.
[SEE PAGE 76]
TOMS SHOES CHANGES BUSINESS // MAY 2006
The footwear company popularized “the buy-one, giveone” commerce model. [SEE PAGE 75]
AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH MAKES PEOPLE REALIZE THE EARTH IS GETTING HOTTER // MAY 2006
Al Gore’s controversial documentary helped bring climate change into the national dialogue.
JULY-AUG
THE STEM CELL BREAKTHROUGH
CHARITY: WATER LAUNCHES
// NOVEMBER 2007
// SEPTEMBER 2006
ARCADE FIRE RELEASES NEON BIBLE
The revolutionary clean water nonprofit perfected a model that ensured all donations went directly to fund projects—not overhead.
// MARCH 2007
Fueled by church organs and giant anthems, the acclaimed album turned the band into indie-rock superstars.
THE TED HAGGARD SCANDAL
Scientists discovered a way to reprogram skin cells to mirror embryonic stem cells, alleviating ethical concerns about stem cell research and treatment.
// NOVEMBER 2006
The renowned pastor resigned from New Life Church and from his role as the President of the National Association of Evangelicals amidst prostitution and drug-use accusations.
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YOUVERSION LAUNCHES ON THE IPHONE
// APRIL 2008
// JULY 2008
The controversial “outpouring” purportedly saw signs and wonders and drew thousands from around the world.
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The massive earthquake killed more than 100,000 and mobilized humanitarian efforts. JoHn MArk McMIll An
FANS SAVE CHUCK AGAIN
DOVES
tHe Hold steAdy
beyond blockbusters our summer movie guide
FuTure oF F o r e s T r Y
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
god. life. progressive culture.
// MARCH 2010
Fans of Zachary Levi’s
action comedy help it stave off cancellation (again), as NBC renews the series.
[SEE PAGE 45]
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REFLECTION ETERNAL
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“SHOUT TO THE LORD” PERFORMED ON AMERICAN IDOL
THE GIVING PLEDGE // JUNE 2010
The Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffet initiative has raised more than $500 billion for philanthropic causes through donations from some of the world’s richest people.
// APRIL 2008
STUDENT DEBT CRISIS // MAY 2008
THE LOST SERIES FINALE BECOMES A POP CULTURE PHENOMENON
THE NEW ATHEISM MOVEMENT // NOVEMBER 2008
The controversial selfpublished novel began its 70 weeks at the No. 1 Spot on the NYT Best Seller list in June 2008 and later became a movie.
R
// JANUARY 2010
Financial institutions like Lehman Brothers collapsed as the subprime mortgage crisis sparked one of the worst recessions in history—with widespread economic fallout.
// JUNE 2008
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EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI
// SEPTEMBER 2008
THE SHACK BLOWS UP
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// JANUARY 2009
THE FINANCIAL CRISIS
Mounting student loans and a struggling economy led millennials to become the most in-debt generation in history.
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BARACK OBAMA BECOMES THE FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Today, the Bible app has been downloaded to nearly 400 million devices.
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now prIntEd on rEcyclEd papEr
LAKELAND REVIVAL BEGINS
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At the height of their literary moment in 2008, anti-religion authors including Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens, Daniel Dennett and Richard Dawkins openly debated religious scholars, thinkers and pastors.
ISRAEL/PALESTINE TENSIONS ESCALATE // DECEMBER 2008
More than 430 Palestinians and four Israelis are killed during a period of heightened violence in the region.
THE ARAB SPRING BEGINS // DECEMBER 2010
// MAY 2010
OBAMA ANNOUNCES MILITARY WITHDRAWAL FROM IRAQ // FEBRUARY 2009
KICKSTARTER KICKSTARTS CROWDFUNDING
The show helped usher in thoughtful conversations about faith, philosophy and the afterlife on primetime. [SEE PAGE 69]
// APRIL 2009
The revolutionary site combined social media connection with entrepreneurism and generosity to help bring “crowdfunding” into the mainstream.
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THE LOVE WINS CONTROVERSY // MARCH 2011
KONY 2012
Rob Bell’s book, which questioned the existence of hell, led to accusations of heresy.
// MARCH 2012
The short film from the team behind the organization Invisible Children became one of the most viral videos in history, eventually leading to a public breakdown by cofounder Jason Russell.
[SEE PAGE 34]
[SEE PAGE 76]
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EISLEY’S HARD ROAD BACK | LUPE FIASCO | THE WORLD RACE | KYE KYE | WHAT IS WORSHIP?
THE RISE OF SIDE HUSTLE CULTURE
FACEBOOK PURCHASES INSTAGRAM
REL EVANTMAGAZINE.COM
OUR SUMMER MOVIE PICKS IS ROB BELL A
UNIVERSALIST? SOME STRAIGHT ANSWERS ON HIS VIEWS OF HELL
11 THINGS TO KNOW AT 25(ISH)
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
HOW TO MAKE YOUR QUARTER-LIFE CRISIS REALLY COUNT
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STEP OUT FROM
BEHIND THE MYSTERY
// APRIL 2011
// MARCH 2012
Books like Jon Acuff’s Quitter encouraged a movement of forgoing traditional 9 to 5s in favor of freelance entrepreneurism, side jobs and non-traditional professional paths.
TESLA RELEASES ITS MODEL S // JUNE 2012
THE FINAL CORNERSTONE MUSIC FESTIVAL // JULY 2012
Almost 30 years after it established itself as a “Christian Woodstock” and drew some of the biggest names in Christian music, Jesus People USA (the group behind Cornerstone) shuttered the festival.
THE FAMINE IN SOMALIA // JULY 2011
In July 2011, the U.N. officially classified the situation in Somalia as a famine. Millions are affected as the drought and food shortage spread across the Horn of Africa.
FACEBOOK BEGINS ATTRACTING ONE BILLION VISITS A MONTH
KIM JONG-UN BECOMES PRESIDENT OF NORTH KOREA
// OCTOBER 2012
// DECEMBER 2011
TEBOW TIME // NOVEMBER 2012
Known for his dramatic, down-on-one-knee sideline prayers, Tim Tebow led the Denver Broncos through a miraculous playoff— and was later released by the team.
Today, North Korea is home to the worst Christian persecution in the world.
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JIM GAFFIGAN BRINGS FAITH TO COMEDY // JULY 2015
The stand-up star brought insightful ideas about faith and culture to TV with his sitcom The Jim Gaffigan Show.
MENTAL HEALTH BECOMES PART OF THE NATIONAL CONVERSATION // JANUARY 2013
As suicide became a leading cause of death of young adults in the U.S., churches and communities began taking mental health seriously.
CHRISTINE CAINE | FALL TV GUIDE | THE MOUNTAIN GOATS | DIVORCE IN THE CHURCH | MATTHEW MAYFIELD | CRISIS IN QATAR FAITH, CULTURE & INTENTIONAL LIVING
R E L E VA N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M
HILLSONG YOUNG & FREE
THE ROCK BAND YOU’LL BE TALKING ABOUT THIS FALL
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LECRAE’S ANOMALY
c h r i s t i a n s a n d a d d i c t i o n fa l l t v p r e v i e w t h e c i v i l wa r s d u c k d y n a s t y
gungor over the rhine fitz & the tantrums jon acuff on christianese
// SEPTEMBER 2014
The rapper’s album is still the only one to ever top the Gospel Albums chart and the Billboard 200 at the same time.
// MARCH 2013 i honestly thought i was never going to lead worship again. how joel houston and
went from the brink to having their biggest year ever
steve carell
on cynicism, family and finding the good in every role
alan chambers
why he apologized and then shut down exodus international
relevantmagazine.com
does it matter what you watch?
ideas for navigating the cultural gray areas
ISSUE 65 / SEpt_OCt 2013 / $4.95
“OCEANS” BEGINS 61 WEEKS ATOP THE BILLBOARD CHRISTIAN CHARTS // AUGUST 2013
#BRINGBACKOURGIRLS // APRIL 2014
The abduction of 276 girls from a Christian school in Nigeria by Boko Haram militants sparked international outrage. [SEE PAGE 84]
EXODUS INTERNATIONAL CLOSES
RISE OF THE “COOL” PASTORS
// JUNE 2013
// SEPTEMBER 2014
The ministry, known for its controversial gay “conversion therapy” methods, closed with its founder Alan Chambers apologizing for the hurt it had caused.
BIGGEST YEAR YET ISSUE 77 | SEPT_OCT 2015 | $4.95
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Thanks to Fixer Upper, the church-going, shiplap-obsessed, home-renovating Waco couple became media darlings.
THE ANTI-HOT POCKET COMEDIAN
// APRIL 2014
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// MAY 2013
HAS IT ALL FIGURED OUT
O N FA I T H , FA M I LY A N D H I S
// MARCH 2013
CHIP AND JO BLOW UP
jim gaffigan
FLINT WATER CRISIS BEGINS
FRANCIS BECOMES POPE
Mark Burnett and Roma Downey’s biblical miniseries became one of the most-watched shows.
FOALS
ON SELMA, CAPTIVE AND ROLES THAT SERVE A BIGGER PURPOSE
[SEE PAGE 51]
THE BIBLE‘S PRIMETIME TAKEOVER
MEET THE NEXT GENERATION OF WORSHIP
DAVID OYELOWO
Thanks to profiles in The New York Times and GQ exposes, the world comes to know “cool” pastors like Carl Lentz, Rich Wilkerson Jr., Chad Veach and Judah Smith.
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FERGUSON UNREST // AUGUST 2014
Following the police shooting of unarmed black teenager Michael Brown, protests erupted and a violent, televised crackdown ensued. [SEE PAGE 80]
UNDER ARMOR RELEASES STEPH CURRY ONES
THE ENNEAGRAM MOVEMENT
// JANUARY 2015
The NBA superstar’s first signature shoe features Philippians 4:13 inside the tongue, and UA shoe sales increase over 700% for the quarter.
Meyers-Briggs who? The nine enneagram types become the trendiest way for Christians to talk about their strengths, weaknesses, fears and desires.
CHRISTIAN MINGLE APP LAUNCHES
THE PARIS CLIMATE AGREEMENT
// APRIL 2015
// DECEMBER 2015
// NOVEMBER 2015
The U.S. is among dozens of nations who sign a pledge in Paris to reduce carbon emissions.
WHITE SUPREMACIST KILLS NINE AT EMANUEL AME CHURCH
[SEE PAGE 83]
// JUNE 2015
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BECOMES LEGAL ACROSS THE U.S. // JULY 2015
SERIAL PODCAST BECOMES A PHENOMENON // OCTOBER 2014
THE CATHOLIC TAKEOVER OF LATE NIGHT // SEPTEMBER 2015
Stephen Colbert took over The Late Show, joining Kimmel, Conan and Fallon as late night’s Catholic hosts.
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CHANCE THE RAPPER RELEASES COLORING BOOK KENDRICK LAMAR’S TO PIMP A BUTTERFLY WINS FIVE GRAMMYS
N.T. WRIGHT | PHANTOGRAM EMPIRE STATE OF CHANGE | PAUL RUST F A I T H , C U LT U R E & I N T E N T I O N A L L I V I N G
KIRK FR ANKLIN IS REVIVING HIP-HOP
// MAY 2016
// FEBRUARY 2016
THE FALL OF MOSUL
BEYONCE’S LEMONADE // APRIL 2016
Martin Scorsese The faith (and doubt) that compels Hollywood’s most iconic filmmaker
MAR-APR 2017 // $4.95 US
// JULY 2017
U.S. and Iraqi forces take back the ISIS stronghold of Mosul, signaling the weakening of the terrorist group.
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THE “POKEMON GO” MOMENT // JULY 2016
The gaming fad’s inescapability still has us wondering about the potential for augmented reality’s integration into daily life.
PRES. TRUMP SIGNS REFUGEE BAN
THE DC TALK CRUISE
// JANUARY 2017
The long-awaited DC Talk reunion finally happens … aboard an overpriced cruise ship. Fans aren’t exactly thrilled.
PRES. TRUMP ANNOUNCES WITHDRAWAL FROM THE PARIS CLIMATE AGREEMENT // JUNE 2017
// JULY 2017
THE ARK ENCOUNTER // JULY 2016
Ken Ham builds a giant Noah’s ark replica in the middle of Kentucky.
MILLENNIALS REFUSE TO LEAVE HOME
SIMONE BILES DOMINATES OLYMPICS
#METOO MOVEMENT
// MAY 2016
// AUGUST 2016
[SEE PAGE 79]
For the first time in more than 130 years, Americans ages 18-34 become more likely to live with their parents than in any other living situation, according to a new analysis by the Pew Research Center.
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// OCTOBER 2017
The gymnast, who is also an outspoken Christian, takes home four gold medals at the Rio games.
GLOBAL CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION REACHES AN ALL-TIME HIGH // NOVEMBER 2017
Watchdogs say they’ve never seen Christians face this much widespread persecution.
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THE “SOCIAL JUSTICE GOSPEL” CONTROVERSY // SEPTEMBER 2018
Hundreds of pastors cosign John MacArthur’s statement warning about the “dangers” of mixing social justice and Bible teaching in churches.
@PREACHERSNSNEAKERS // MARCH 2019
The Instagram account outs the glamorous style choices of some of the nation’s most prominent faith leaders.
JOSH HARRIS’ APOLOGY // OCTOBER 2018
The author of I Kissed Dating Goodbye recalls his own book, and churches enter a new dialogue about what “purity” means.
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“NONES” OFFICIALLY BECOME AMERICA’S BIGGEST RELIGIOUS GROUP // APRIL 2019 [SEE PAGE 33]
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BILLY GRAHAM DIES AT 99
KANYE WEST BEGINS HIS WEEKLY “SUNDAY SERVICES”
TORI KELLY & LAUREN DAIGLE
// FEBRUARY 2018
// JANUARY 2019
// FEBRUARY 2019
NEWSPAPER EXPOSES SBC SEXUAL ABUSE SCANDAL // FEBRUARY 2019
BIEBER’S PUBLIC FAITH GOES VIRAL // APRIL 2018
Justin Bieber, fueled by new friendships with Judah Smith and Chad Veach, leads a worshiptouched service at Coachella.
CHRIS PRATT AND CELEBRITY CHRISTIANS
FEAR OF GOD
An exhaustive Houston Chronicle report reveals an abuse scandal (and cover-up) in the SBC that claimed over 700 victims.
With a pair of Grammy wins each, Daigle and Kelly bridge the popular and worship music genres in the mainstream … just months after appearing on the cover of RELEVANT. Coincidence?
#BECAUSEOFRHE TRENDS FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF RACHEL HELD EVANS // MAY 2019
The author’s death launched thousands of online testimonies to her special influence among young Christians.
// DECEMBER 2018
The Nike Air Fear of God 1 sells out in minutes.
THE METHODIST SCHISM // FEBRUARY 2019
The denomination sees a major split among church leaders who disagree about policies regarding LGBTQ issues.
PC(USA) CLOSES HUNDREDS OF CHURCHES // MAY 2019
// JULY 2018
Chris Pratt delivers a sermon at the MTV Movie Awards. [SEE PAGE 67]
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WORLD WAS a different place in 2003
when RELEVANT published its first
issue. The U.S. had just invaded Iraq, Rob Bell was known as that hip pastor who did NOOMA Bible
content hasn’t
videos, The Lord of the Rings was preparing for its
wavered.
third box office takeover, Donald Trump wasn’t
We set out
a reality TV star yet, Lauren Daigle was a middle
to explore the
schooler and the world hadn’t heard of Instagram or
intersections of
Twitter. Simpler times.
faith and culture, and challenge our readers to change
But as the world and pop culture
the world, build the Church
evolved, so did the scope of
and push the boundaries of art,
RELEVANT’s coverage. In the
activism, entrepreneurship,
early days, global concerns
music, entertainment, service
like the AIDS epidemic and
and influence. It’s been a wild
the conflict in Darfur—and
ride, but we’ve never been more
the Church’s response to
inspired to put voice to the
them—were major focal points.
passions of this generation.
Twentysomethings were
As we look ahead to the next
embracing prayer and worship
100 issues of RELEVANT, we
movements. The lines between
also reflect back on the events,
“Christian” and “secular”
releases, people and happenings
entertainment began to blur.
that brought us here.
Today, the conflicts, social
Here’s a series of
issues, cultural figures and
conversations about the current
lifestyle concerns that fill our
era of faith, intentional living,
pages may have changed, but
justice and culture—and what
the heart and purpose of our
the coming era might look like.
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THE
FAITH
PANEL
S H A P E D
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G E N E R A T I O N
CARL LENTZ
ANNIE F. DOWNS
EKEMINI UWAN
DAVID KINNAMAN
SAMUEL RODRIGUEZ
PASTOR, AUTHOR
AUTHOR, SPEAKER,
THEOLOGIAN,
PRESIDENT, BARNA
PASTOR AND PRESIDENT,
PODCASTER
SPEAKER, PODCASTER
RESEARCH GROUP
NHCLC
KARI JOBE
JEN HATMAKER
TEDASHII
LAUREN WINNER
WORSHIP ARTIST
SPEAKER, AUTHOR,
PASTOR, CHURCH
AUTHOR AND
PODCASTER
PLANTER
PROFESSOR, DUKE
BANNING LIEBSCHER PASTOR, AUTHOR
DIVINITY
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A LOOK AT WHERE THE CHURCH HAS BEEN AND WHY WE SHOULD BE HOPEFUL ABOUT WHERE IT MIGHT BE HEADED NEXT.
Since the beginning, RELEVANT has believed the future of the Church is bright—that God has a plan and there is always
community to speak I
the issues that matter most to people. BANNING LIEBSCHER:
For example, people are
think it’s easy to forget
much less likely than
we are alive in one of
ever before to simply
the most unprecedented
mark “Christian” in our
moves of God in history.
surveys, and there’s been
Africa, not long ago
a corresponding rise in
a mostly unreached
spoke with 10 leaders,
the levels of religiously
continent, is now the
artists, pastors, activists
unaffiliated, or “none.”
center and future of
mistakes, we all can be a part of changing the world for good. We recently
Not feeling the pressure
and theologians about
Hillsong NYC draws
for the Christian
20 YEARS?
encouraging development.
by learning from past
Led by Carl Lentz,
That’s a great opportunity
CHURCH OVER THE LAST
cultural Christianity is an
can do better in, but
to get into church.
and do so pretty openly.
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE
think the decline of
of areas that Christians
around the block
to share their opinions
ENCOURAGING
DAVID KINNAMAN:
Yes, there is no shortage
people line up
time because people like
SEE AS THE MOST
clearly and openly about
reason to be optimistic.
In Manhattan,
WHAT DO YOU
I
Christianity. One out of
to say you’re Christian for
every four Christians on
what brought the Church
mere social desirability
the planet lives in Africa.
to where we are—and
is a good thing. Related
China is experiencing
to that, we’re able to talk
a supernatural revival
much more openly as a
that cannot be stopped.
society about issues of
Statistically more
sex and sexuality. For
believers gather every
example, people readily
Sunday in house
admit in our surveys
churches in China than
that they are struggling
in the United States. Latin
with porn. For a social
America is experiencing
researcher, it’s a great
dramatic renewal and
where God is taking us.
tens of thousands every week.
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transformation. These are
PAYING MORE ATTENTION
and sinful ideologies
days to be filled with hope,
TO?
going unchallenged
not discouragement.
from the pulpit. A JEN HATMAKER:
narrow and truncated
consistently distressed by
Gospel is producing
The Church as I know it is
the Church’s silence on
John Earnests all over
more likely to influence
white supremacy, abuse
the country. He is not
culture in positive ways.
within its ranks and
an outlier.
That hasn’t always been
the dehumanization of
the case. But now I see the
immigrants and LGBTQ
DAVID KINNAMAN:
Church being looked to for
people. Specifically, I’m
The lack of mercy
answers across the board,
concerned that the evil
within the Church:
and that is important.
embedded in these systems
Most Christians
is not challenged in the
say they struggle to
average church. These
forgive someone in
lot of trends that began 30
are deemed “political
their life, and one in
or 35 years ago have taken
issues” and left out of
four say they cannot
deeper root in the last 20
the Gospel’s reach. Not
forgive themselves
years—a great engagement
only are most pulpits and
for something
with the arts; a great
discipleship programs
they’ve done.
engagement with liturgical
silent on injustice, but
prayer and other once-
vocal advocates are often
is that Christians
dismissed-as-too-Catholic
punished with exclusion
aren’t always clear
prayer practices. I think
or group condemnation.
about what it takes
there’s also greater comfort
The way I read Scripture,
to be a resilient
with people publicly
Christians should be on the
disciple—that is,
naming doubt, questions.
frontlines of every injustice
how to live as a
and human rights abuse in
countercultural,
the world.
spirit-driven minority
CARL LENTZ:
Influence.
I am
LAUREN WINNER: I
SAMUEL RODRIGUEZ:
think a
A
Another challenge
multi-ethnic church-
within our society.
planting movement that’s
EKEMINI UWAN:
White
unprecedented [has] pushed
supremacy and the
SAMUEL RODRIGUEZ:
back on the notion of the
radicalization of young
Another red
most segregated hour
white men in white
flag is the uber-
in America. I do believe
evangelical churches. There
politicization of
the next 15, 20 years, all
are homegrown white
the Church. We are
things being equal, you
supremacist terrorists
more political and less
biggest change you will see
will be hard-pressed to find
sitting in the pews of white
prophetic when we should
in the American Church in
monochromatic churches
evangelical churches, like
be a lot more prophetic
the next five years will be
one way or another. Be
John T. Earnest, who opened
and a lot less political. By
the Church becoming an
it white, be it black, be it
fire at a synagogue in
the way, I don’t mean the
independent voting block,
Latino, whatever it may
Escondido, California, and
Church should somehow
and then arguably the
be, you’re going to see a
killed Lori Gilbert-Kaye and
aqueous and not be
most independent voting
lot more diversity as it
injured others. He also set
engaged as it pertains to
block of all. Millennials and
pertains to ethnic makeup
a neighboring mosque on
their civic responsibility as
Generation Z will not in any
in churches across America
fire weeks before his act of
individuals, my problem is
way, shape or form bow at
in the next 20 years.
terror at the synagogue.
when we walk lock step to
the idol of a donkey or
the rhythm of a particular
the elephant.
White supremacists should
JULY-AUG
WHAT ARE SOME RED FLAGS
never feel comfortable sitting
YOU WISH THE CHURCH WAS
in church with their wicked
ideology. I do believe that the
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Pete Greig founded 24/7 Prayer in the U.K., encouraging thousands to pray for revival around the clock.
IN RELEVANT’S VERY FIRST ISSUE, we traveled to the U.K. to investigate a movement. There, a former youth pastor named Pete Greig had mobilized passionate young Christians who’d committed to praying for revival. Inspired by a prayer meeting that went unbroken for a century and helped usher in a Reformation, Greig’s 24/7 Prayer rooms eventually went digital—and global. People from around the world could connect to the “Boiler Rooms” through online streams, and pray alongside those who’d signed up for round-the-clock shifts. In the U.S., Mike Bickle’s “International House of Prayer” would draw thousands to its ministry school and nonstop prayer rooms. Today, the Burn 24/7 movement equips worshippers around the world to host marathon prayer and worship sessions, and events like The Call have drawn hundreds of thousands who commit to fast and pray.
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of the red flags I see is a
Christians to think they
generation of Christians
can take only the parts of
moving away from being
Jesus they like and throw
rooted in Scripture and in
away the rest, not realizing
community. I am concerned
that all they are doing is
about the line of thinking
worshipping themselves
that we can deconstruct
and creating a new version
Jesus from the authority of
of Jesus in their own image.
Scripture and faith from
The Church must come back
belonging to His people. The
to being a people submitted
end result is an unhealthy
to Scripture and growing
believer. There is a radical
in community. It’s in that
individualism in secular
place the Church can be
culture that has allowed
everything it is supposed to
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be and represent Jesus fully.
one the TV shows, the songs push
love to transform the world. The
on him. And yet he doesn’t find the
future of the Church is bright, and
HOW IS THE CHURCH OF THE NEXT
comfort, the peace, the substance,
as long as Jesus is the head of the
GENERATION GOING TO LOOK
that he does when he looks at the
Church I have no reason to believe
DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE WE WERE
freedom offered by Christ.
otherwise.
BROUGHT UP IN?
When I started going to church right before I went to college, all I
THE PAST 20 YEARS HAVE SEEN
heard about was behavior, behavior,
A HUGE REVOLUTION IN MUSICAL
the next iteration of the Church. I’m
behavior. But in my time being at
WORSHIP. WHAT DO YOU SEE
so grateful my kids will be a part of
church, it became a lot more about
COMING NEXT?
it. I think complicity by silence will
relationships. So relationship turned
be a thing of the past, and I predict
into what I knew in intellect, and I
DAVID KINNAMAN:
great integration between the faith
see him walking the same journey.
how Christians live out their faith
JEN HATMAKER:
I’m thrilled about
A revolution in
and lived experience of the next
I think there will be a difference
in the workplace—across a range
generation. They will reimagine
in how he’s having to engage these
of industries and professions. Call
a bunch of stuff we built, as new
topics, but I don’t see a ton of
it work as worship. Those who
wineskins do, and I hope to hold
difference in what he’s going to have
meaningfully integrate their faith
“The future of the Church is bright ... as long as Jesus is the head of the Church ...”
–Banning Liebscher
containers loosely knowing the wine
to face other than the way it comes
into their work will have a huge
will be preserved. May they not find
at him.
impact on the future witness of faith.
our generation rigid and brittle; I want to pass the baton with grace.
BANNING LIEBSCHER:
I will be delighted to see cultural
Church of the next generation
subcultures of this idea of “worship
Christianity fade, so the numbers
celebrating each other, rather than
music” becoming the niche thing
may be smaller but the power will
competing. We need to be a Church
that you see regionally, locally, more
be concentrated.
that is less focused on performance
so than I do this idea of this giant
and more focused on the power of
machine of worship music being
God to transform lives, empowering
the one thing you see happening.
true when they say there’s nothing
people to go make a difference in
I think there’s tons of examples
new under the sun. I was really in
their city.
of that.
TEDASHII:
I think the Scriptures are
my journey fighting some of the
I also see a Church where women
TEDASHII:
What I see happening is
Even where I live now, people
same battles that my parents were
are finally fully empowered to lead
are doing songs by Bethel, but now
fighting in a lot of ways.
and that racial diversity and unity
they’re also doing songs that they’re
will be the mark of who we are.
writing themselves. They have
While I know the Church is
started to kind of put their own
My nephew is wrestling with the faith. He just graduated high
JULY-AUG
I see the
school. He’s fighting for the identity
walking through difficult moments,
regional or local spin on that sound.
of freedom that’s presented to him
and I don’t minimize their power or
So if anything, Hillsong, Bethel, big
by the world and the identity of
importance, I believe what will come
movements like that, they really
freedom that’s presented to him by
from it is a community of believers
opened the door for these different
Christ. And one looks very enticing,
who stay faithful to Jesus, who are
churches to try to run their own
and it’s the one that all his friends
committed to biblical justice and
lane when it comes to music.
have gravitated toward. It’s the
walk with a supernatural power and
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It’s like, “Oh, we have musicians,
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Songs written by Hillsong United are sung in tens of thousands of
FAITH
churches around the world every Sunday.
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DEFINING
STORIES
THE WORSHIP EXPLOSION IN 2008, THE MOST WATCHED TV SHOW
in the country, American Idol, had its finalists come together and lead 15 million viewers in singing the worship ballad “Shout to the Lord.” Worship music was no longer just for Sunday mornings; it was part of primetime. Over the course of the last 100 issues, worship collectives including Hillsong United, Jesus Culture, Bethel Music, Elevation and dozens of others, have helped make worship music mainstream. Worship music has never been bigger. Even solo worship artists like Lauren Daigle have found crossover success leaning on their worship music roots while pop stars—including Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez—have led worship for fans.
IVAN & ALYOSHA | SANDRA MCCRACKEN | ECHOSMITH | CHURCHES BREAKING THE MOLD | 11 MUST-READ BOOKS
HILLSONG
UNITED
FAITH, CULTURE & INTENTIONAL LIVING
R E L E VA N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M
MARC MARON THE WAR ON DRUGS JUDAH SMITH THEY’VE SOLD MILLIONS
In 2014 and 2015, the Australia-based group’s single “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” spent 61 weeks on top of the Billboard Christian music chart.
OF ALBUMS & TOURED T H E W O R L D. ARE THEY READY FOR THE
PASSION
BIG SCREEN?
HILLSONG GOES H O L LY W O O D
With a goal of seeing “spiritual awakening in this generation” and an emphasis on worship, Passion conferences have drawn thousands.
ISSUE 75 | MAY_JUNE 2015 | $4.95
RLV_75_Cover3.indd 1
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Jesus Culture Church’s worship team has become a genre powerhouse, launching artists like Kim WalkerSmith, Chris Quilala and others.
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THE GROWTH OF T H E YO U N G , GLOBAL CHURCH A COMMON REFRAIN AMONG MANY Christian leaders in
the U.S. is that young people are leaving the Church in record numbers and America may soon no longer be considered “a Christian nation.” However, even though there has been an exodus of young people from religion in the U.S., in some countries around the world, Christianity has been growing rapidly—especially among young citizens. The rise of the diverse, young, global Church isn’t just one of the major stories of the last decade, it will likely shape future decades for many nations as churches continue to flourish. In fact, according to the numbers, America isn’t the future of the Church. Here’s a look at the areas that are home to some of the largest up-and-coming Christian communities.
AFRICA Africa is home to some of the world’s youngest populations—and the most religious. Currently, a quarter of the world’s Christians live on the continent.
SOUTH
CHINA Even though the Chinese government is cracking down on
Just a few decades ago (1945),
unsanctioned congregations, thanks to passionate young
Christians made up just 2% of the
Christians, by 2030, China is expected to be home to the
nation’s population. Today, that
most Christians of any country in the world.
number is about to surpass 30%.
LATIN
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AMERICA
MIDDLE
EAST
Thanks to the growth of
Despite widespread persecution,
Pentecostalism, Christianity has seen
Christianity has seen rapid growth in
major growth and a major shift from
countries including Saudi Arabia, the
Catholicism in these countries.
U.A.E. and Qatar.
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“The Church will rise to the degree it is willing communities it has marginalized.” –Jen Hatmaker
and we have writers, and we have
HANDLED WELL OVER THE LAST
greatest things I have seen the
our own talented people. Let’s
GENERATION?
Church do in this last generation
create something true to where we are.”
is genuinely empower everyday CARL LENTZ:
Putting an emphasis
on who Jesus is. ANNIE F. DOWNS:
people to be missionaries in every sphere of society. It wasn’t long
A return to
ago that the mindset was only
some of the disciplines of Scripture
JEN HATMAKER:
that God laid out for us as tools to
encouraged by the important shift
used by God, but the Church has
use to enhance our faith. I wonder
away from “them” and “us.” This
truly caught a vision to raise up
if in the next 20 years we’ll see
has been an enormous departure
men and women of every age to
fasting return to a normal part of
from my religious childhood. I
bring transformation into society.
the Christian life experience and
was taught to fear culture and
God desires to raise up people in
prayer become a central power tool
remain set apart, which translated
every aspect of culture to bring
that we use not just as a talking
to judgmentalism and a toxic
the power and the presence of God
piece or in an emergency but as a
evangelicalism. The Church today
and the last generation has come
real, strategic tool to help us know
has become a good neighbor.
alive to this vision.
what to do next and to search through what God has for us. KARI JOBE:
I think worship
I’ve been
pastors or missionaries could be
Some of the invented barriers have disintegrated between
WHAT IS AN ISSUE YOU THINK THE
people in and out of the Church,
CHURCH HAS HANDLED POORLY
and this is great progress. The
OVER THE LAST GENERATION?
music is stepping into a new
transformation it affects in the
level of honesty and authenticity.
hearts of believers alone is worth
SAMUEL RODRIGUEZ:
Removing the desire for a polished
the shift.
without a doubt. In the beginning,
song and returning to the passion
Immigration
it was the Church that was the
we first encountered when we met
KARI JOBE:
Jesus. There’s beauty in looking
corporate worship has evolved,
Church, [I mean] evangelical
back to remember the things God
and how excellently so many
America was very opposed
has done and remembering the
people are being led into the
to any sort of comprehensive
raw moments of love.
presence of God. There are so
immigration approximation.
many different displays of the
So, I’m glad it’s shifting and
forsaking our first love. To keep
beauty of God on the Earth
maturing, but in the past 20
God as our first love and protecting
through the various expressions of
years, that has been one issue
that from being crowded by apathy
worship and I believe it’s drawing
that hasn’t worked well.
and religion.
many people to recognize who
Revelation 2 talks about not
I love how much
Jesus truly is.
One more item would be the Church lacking a meta-narrative
WHAT IS AN ISSUE YOU THINK THE CHURCH HAS GENERALLY
staunchest opponent and by
of the imago dei, the image of God BANNING LIEBSCHER:
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One of the
in every single human being. We
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to own its failings and make amends with the
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become entrenched in political
matter to them.
consistent life ethic from womb
rhetoric rather than prophetic
to tomb that is rooted in a holistic
truth and loving in actions. We
JEN HATMAKER:
should have led the way with:
word David and Banning
“Every single human being is
said. Additionally, the Church
created in the image of God in,
has struggled with corporate
CARL LENTZ:
and out of, the womb, therefore
repentance for all the mentioned
of teaching on even what the
we should treat each others with
shortcomings and outright failings.
word “judgmental” means. Often,
mutual respect and love,” and
We’ve lacked the humility to say,
people who think the Church
we haven’t. We approach things
“We were wrong and we caused
is judgmental simply don’t like
through a political spectrum rather
immense harm.” I sincerely
being told “no.” That is a cultural
than a prophetic, loving narrative.
believe this repentance will be
reflection. On top of that, we are
the beginning of transformation.
called to judge. We are called
It is powerful, as is its omission.
to speak truth. But explaining
I believe much of the evangelical
The Church will rise to the degree
what that means is where the
Church has handled poorly is what
it is willing to own its failings
problem lies. We can change this
it means to be a people of justice
and make amends with the
perception by teaching people
and to be a culturally reconciled
communities it has marginalized.
who the Holy Spirit is. He is as
BANNING LIEBSCHER:
One thing
I cosign every
community.
egregious hypocrisy. I think it’s a lack
much the “convicter” as he is THE MOST COMMON CRITIQUE OF
the “comforter.” This perception
hard realities around race,
AMERICAN CHRISTIANS IS THAT
can shift as people learn that
privilege and justice, the Church
THEY’RE TOO JUDGMENTAL. WHY
Christianity at its essence includes
has at best buried its head in
DO YOU THINK THAT IS, AND DO
major conflict.
the sand and pretended like
YOU THINK IT’S CHANGING?
Historically, instead of facing
nothing was wrong, and at
The word of God is judging our flesh constantly. Beyond that, there
worst perpetuated the problem.
EKEMINI UWAN:
I think this must change, and I
level, I don’t think people have
and misapplied this, and hopefully
believe we are actively watching
an issue with judgment, per se.
Christians will be smarter and
it change. The future of the
After all, saying that Christians are
better trained to immediately
evangelical Church is a racially
judgmental is a judgment, and all
know the right and the wrong
and culturally reconciled people
judgment is not inherently bad. I
spirit of judgment that can be
who walk in a powerful oneness
think what people are critiquing
present in churches.
that is only available through
is the blatant hypocrisy that
Jesus. We cannot repeat the
is prevalent among American
KARI JOBE:
mistakes of the past.
Christians. How can the very
to examine the imperfections in
people who claim to be pro-life
our own hearts before we look
weep for the unborn whom they
at anyone else. And in order to
reconciliation, for sure, has been
have not seen and not weep for the
speak the truth in love to someone,
a weak spot. How the Church has
immigrant children who are being
you have to have relationship.
addressed matters of sex and
sexually abused and are dying in
It’s impossible to speak that truth
sexuality is another. We’ve over-
detention centers in America? That
over social media when there’s
simplified things and not seen
is the question.
no relational equity. No one likes
DAVID KINNAMAN:
Racial
the many dimensions inherent in
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gospel is the antidote to this
At a fundamental
Christians must always
are churches that have misused
As Christians, we have
being shouted at by a stranger.
these matters. We’ve also “lost”
remember that our orthodoxy is
I think the Church is slowly
many entrepreneurs, science-
proven by our orthopraxy. When
becoming better at accepting every
minded students and creatives
we fail to marry the two, we
person into its doors. Not just
because our theology hasn’t been
become a stumbling block and a
the doors of the building, but the
sturdy enough to cause them to
veil that dims the beautiful light
doors of our lives—giving every
believe Christianity could really
of the gospel of Jesus Christ. A
person from every background an
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FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY “nones” (people who don’t
claim any religious affiliation), are the largest single “religious” demographic group in the country. Making up more than 23% of the population, they are now a bigger group than both evangelicals and Catholics in America. Disconcertingly, the trend is being led by young people, who are increasingly unlikely to consider themselves religious at all—in fact, according to Pew’s Religious Landscape Study, 35% of “nones” are between the ages of 18-29. However, even though they don’t claim any religion, they are open-minded about it. Other recent studies show that young Americans are more comfortable talking about faith than older generations.
FAITH
THE RISE OF THE NONES YOUNG
ATHEISM
Atheism is getting younger: Just half of 18- to 29-year-olds are certain about their belief in God; that’s the smallest portion of any age group.
BIG
QUESTIONS
Pew found that the most common reason people refused to identify with a religion wasn’t unbelief, but unanswered questions about faith.
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From megachurch pastor to church pariah, Rob Bell has asked big questions and caused big controversies.
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tweets of the last decade, conservative pastor and author John Piper tweeted the words, “Farewell Rob Bell” along with a link to the trailer for his book Love Wins back in 2011. The book asked big questions about hell and the afterlife. Eight years later, Rob Bell hasn’t gone anywhere. Though he’s no longer a pastor, he’s still publishing books and selling out theaters on his teaching tours because in some ways, his message has never been as popular. Bell, like Don Miller and Brian
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McLaren, the late Rachel Held Evans, the emerging church leaders of the early 2000s, the people behind The Liturgists podcast and dozens of others have found large audiences by embracing doubts about traditional teachings, questioning the Bible and how we interpret it, and championing progressive social (and at times, political) causes. Yes, some of the figures and their writing have been controversial, but they’ve also opened the door to fresh conversations about the true message of Jesus.
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Don Miller’s ”non-religious thoughts on Christian spirituality” sparked a trend of memoirs about looking for faith and exploring doubt.
LOVE
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By questioning conventional teachings about hell, Rob Bell’s 2011 book became one of the most controversial in a generation.
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in church. Helping God usher
abuse. Whether it’s more
people into church is only one
women or other races, or other
part of robust evangelism. If the
believed because the judgmental
socioeconomic groups, the
church isn’t catechizing people
ones are the loudest ones. I
way we protect from abuse is
once they’ve gotten engaged in
think that often the majority of
diversifying the voices who are
Christian community, we aren’t
faith people are less judgmental
holding the abusers accountable.
really evangelizing.
ANNIE F. DOWNS:
I think that is
and less noisy, which is really
changes when a woman walks
EKEMINI UWAN:
leader, I struggle with how do
in. So, if we can diversify who is
must not only be concerned with
you say the right thing at the
holding the person accountable I
the human soul, exclusively, it
right time but still love first?
think it will decrease abuse and
must also address the body. The
People want to love well but also
create a culture where secrets
Church must address the former
want to hold onto truth, and it
aren’t welcome. Where you don’t
without continuing to neglect the
seems like we are wrestling with
get an extra thumbs up when you
latter. That requires a holistic
what that looks like more today
keep a secret, but secret behavior
gospel that says, “I see your need
than we did 20 years ago.
and secret sin is cut off at the root
for salvation and shelter. I see
long before it turns into abuse.
your need for redemption and
HOW SHOULD CHURCHES ABUSE AT THE LEADERSHIP
are called by God to lead
LEVEL?
churches, there will be abuse of
to heed the wisdom of the Apostle
power, abuse of people, abuse of
James and the brother of our
everything at the highest level.
Lord Jesus Christ, “If a brother
accountability outside of the local
The question is, “What will we
or sister is poorly clothed and
church: Church policy matters
do about it when it happens?”
lacking in daily food, and one of
and because indwelling sin is a
What will we put in place to
you says to them, ‘Go in peace,
reality for all believers, we all
shine as much light as possible
be warmed and filled,’ without
need accountability. That includes
on leadership in the hopes of
giving the things needed for the
leaders. From the outset, there
saving a lot of people, leaders
body, what good is that? So also
needs to be a council that holds
and followers alike, from things
faith by itself, if it does not have
the local church and leaders of
that can be easily avoided with
works, is dead.” James 2:15-17
that local church accountable.
accountability, awareness and
As long as humans
The time is now for the Church
protocol that makes it very
BANNING LIEBSCHER:
hard to continue with abusive
question most church leaders
independent of the local church
leadership as opposed to what it
are asking right now. It is critical
and council that can hold them
has been?
we address the issue of meeting
accountable and protect the most
This is a
the felt needs of those in our
vulnerable within the church.
EVANGELISM IS ON THE DECLINE.
communities. We must look at the
These must be organizations that
WHAT ARE SOME
impact an authentic life has on
specialize in different types of
WAYS CHURCHES CAN BETTER
evangelism and how people long
abuse, be it sexual or spiritual
EQUIP CHRISTIANS TO SHARE
for authenticity and friendship.
abuse. In this way, those who are
THEIR FAITH?
But I would also add the
vulnerable have an organization
need for prayer and power
outside of the local church to turn
LAUREN WINNER:
to for support and protection.
need to devote attention to
disconnect the role the power of
evangelizing the pews: doing
God played in evangelism in the
basic catechetical—scriptural—
New Testament and a community
theological work among people
of believers who prayed.
I think
having diverse accountability
D
holiness and healthcare.”
an outside organization that is
ANNIE F. DOWNS:
E
reparations. I see your need for CARL LENTZ:
Additionally, there needs to be
R
Our evangelism
DO A BETTER JOB AT PREVENTING
Establishing
D
Every room of old white guys
concerning for me because as a
EKEMINI UWAN:
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in evangelism. You cannot
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will increase protection from
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I have such religious
metrics for discipleship, especially
baggage around this question, I find it
now in digital Babylon, have to be the
difficult to answer. I’m not interested
faithfulness and resilience of individual
in evangelicalism void of justice and
believers in those communities. Are we
tainted with colonialism. There has
being equipped to live a different kind
been such an impurity in so many
of life throughout all of life?
evangelical tactics. I struggle to separate its future from its past. I don’t
ANNIE F. DOWNS:
believe in a formulaic, transactional
with video feeds is a structure that has
Multi-site campuses
evangelicalism. I want people to know
worked for our culture currently, but
Jesus in His fullness. He has managed
as our culture continues to shift, and
to become known and cherished in
as what people long for is more face-
every generation with or without our
to-face connection and less connection
techniques. I hope we consider why
with their technology, there’s going to
evangelicalism has so greatly declined
be an increased need for local, smaller-
as a guide moving forward.
sized leadership even if the sermon is streamed from a different location.
MULTI-SITE CHURCHES AND VIDEO SATELLITE CAMPUSES HAVE BECOME
TEDASHII:
POPULAR. HOW DO YOU SEE THESE
if a multi-site campus church does
TYPES OF CHURCHES EVOLVING IN THE
not find a way to evolve, that it could
COMING YEARS?
potentially become stagnant. If we can
I am a firm believer that
try to look beyond ourselves, we’ll start CARL LENTZ:
It’s a double-edged sword.
to recognize most of these satellite
Of course, it’s practical and reasonable to
campuses have their own identity, their
reach culture where it is, but “how much”
own DNA, and aside from having to
is the question. Uber Eats is a brilliant
report to a board, having to report to
business idea. People don’t want to leave
some leader, they’re doing their own
their house to eat. But does that mean
thing in their own area.
sitting around a table at a restaurant
That idea of them growing into
for three hours has lost its value? In
becoming their own autonomous
that same way, what some people say is
place of worship has been one of
“antiquated,” to me, is essential. On the
the healthiest ways I’ve seen it
other hand, is it really? That is going to be
and considered it because you can
one of the defining factors for where the
really, really shepherd the flock well
local church as we know it is headed.
without having to create this idea that your identity is wrapped up in the
DAVID KINNAMAN:
I think multi-site and
video campuses have a lot of positives.
motherboard down the road. It’s becoming less sending more
But I do wonder how much we’ll see a
gathering. Less equipping more
backlash against “big box” Christianity.
entertaining. And I’m wanting to hope,
More than ever, we’re hearing from
in some regard, we are optimistically
millennials and Gen Zers who seem
saying, “What’s the next step so we
to be building antibodies to the
continue the work of equipping and
professionalization of Christian worship
encouraging and sending people out so
services. This isn’t just a question
we can further the Gospel?”
for multi-site or video churches. The
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THE RISE OF THE N O N D E N O M I N AT I O N LAST YEAR ALONE, the Presbyterian Church USA closed 143
However, despite the decline in many mainline denominations, there are some churches that have flourished: nondenominational ones. A Gallup poll found that between 2000 and 2016, the number of “nondenominational” churchgoers doubled. As large-scale scandals and cover-ups continue to be exposed in large denominational institutions (one of the primary factors experts believe to be at the root of the trend), unaffiliated churches are becoming the norm.
churches. That’s a year after they announced that membership had hit an all-time low. That same year, Southern Baptist Convention membership fell to a 30-year low (14.8 million) and they recorded the fewest number of baptisms in their history. The United Methodist Church is on a steady decline, as is the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Even though 32% of Americans were raised Catholic, just 21% are now a part of the Church.
OUT
WITH
THE
OLD?
IN
WITH
THE
NEW
Before 2000, nearly half of all
Today, about one in six
Americans said they belonged to a
Americans consider themselves
mainline denomination; now, barely
nondenominational Christians—an
30% do.
all-time high.
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LOVE. WORK. MONEY. COMMUNITY. THE THINGS THAT MAKE US HUMAN ARE CHANGING. ARE WE CHANGING ALONG WITH THEM?
Every generation has struggled with what it means to live with intention. Timeless virtues like charity
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST
believe or tell myself a
I came of age in an era
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
story to make it all work.
when sacred work was
HOW OLDER GENERATIONS NIGEL CAMERON:
HOW THIS ONE DOES?
older generation wanted a
meaning primarily full-
steady job (and cared less
time vocational ministry.
about finding it satisfying)
The rest of us were there
point of differentiation is
and lived at a time when
to support them as they
the desire for integration:
that was easier to get and
did the “real work of the
I want to be able to
keep. Younger people tend
ministry.” My husband
integrate my beliefs, my
to place a higher value on
and I now jokingly call
unique story, my values
work they find fulfilling
it our Evangelical Hero
and my community into
even if it is also riskier.
Complex. We thought
and self-control will always have to find new ways to
of new technological advancements and social developments. RELEVANT recruited a panel of experts in the areas of finance, relationships, tech and professional development to talk about how intentional living has changed and what the future holds.
THE
LIFE
LIZ BOHANNON:
I think a
The
the work I am doing on
Important Calling”—
that we had to do big
a daily basis. I want my
SARAH BESSEY:
The only
life to be a narrative with
thing I would add here
things for a big God with a big vision—and so we
consistent threads that
is that I think one major
missed the truth that
weave throughout the
shift between previous
God is just as present in
story, not a series of silos
generations of believers
every sort of work, that
that require me to turn
and this one centers on
every work can be the
off and on true, core parts
what work is sacred and
real work of the ministry.
of who I am and what I
what work is secular.
There really is no division
PANEL
JO SAXTON
NIGEL CAMERON
LIZ BOHANNON
JON ACUFF
RACHEL CRUZE
AUTHOR, SPEAKER
CEO AND EMERGING
SPEAKER AND FOUNDER
AUTHOR AND DIGITAL
PERSONAL FINANCE
AND ENTREPRENEUR
TECHNOLOGY EXPERT
OF SSEKO DESIGNS
MEDIA EXPERT
EXPERT
BIANCA OLTHOFF
JOSHUA HARRIS
JAMIE TWORKOWSKI
BLAKE MYCOSKIE
SARAH BESSEY
SPEAKER, AUTHOR
AUTHOR AND PASTOR
FOUNDER OF TO WRITE
FOUNDER AND CEO OF
AUTHOR AND SPEAKER
LOVE ON HER ARMS
TOMS SHOES
AND CHURCH PLANTER
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operate within the context
understood as “The Most
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SOCIAL MEDIA COMES OUT OF NOWHERE OF THE NEARLY 4.4 BILLION INTERNET USERS on Earth,
almost 3.5 billion use some form of social media. That’s about 45 percent of the entire global population. It’s almost hard to believe that when RELEVANT’s first issue was published in 2003, Facebook hadn’t even been founded. To call social media a disruption in the way we live, then, is an understatement. It makes up the fabric of the way we interact with each other,
communicate and make decisions on the internet. Tech companies in the once-peculiar, now-shadowy world of Silicon Valley have articulated ad nauseum they’re trying to “change the world.” The one way they have is through social media: It’s helped overthrow totalitarian governments, expose injustice and connect humanity, while also forcing us all to grapple with issues like comparison, digital addiction and being “liked.”
Once social media’s flagship, the
The most popular social media app
The platform has evolved into the
company is more infamous now
among young people hasn’t stopped
primary avenue to read breaking
for raising unanticipated questions
growing since 2010. Will a deluge of
news, complain about TV series and
about data and privacy.
ads and spon-con yield its doom?
craft 280-character one-liners.
Mark Zuckerberg’s genius is mulled by his poor handling of Facebook’s data breaches.
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between secular work and sacred
our vocations and callings should be
individual. And we’ve internalized it
work for the Christian—and in fact,
devoid of joy, levity and pleasure, but
and applied it on a personal level.
the “Most Important Calling” and
if we chase those things as the ends
I’m not saying there isn’t a
heroic language isn’t super helpful
themselves, “finding our passion”
resonance there, but contextually
when discerning one’s path in life.
will become the new, albeit cleverly
it was to a people. I think it’s good
Disentangling myself from that false
disguised idol that we believe will
to say “Well Daniel, you’ll have the
division has meant inviting God into
fix our problems. Our “passion” will
calling to this thing.” Did he know at
every aspect of work, life, ministry
not save us. We are called to create
the time or was he just doing what
from a place of wholeness rather
and solve problems because we were
had to be done at the time? That’s
than division or hierarchical rankings
created in the image of the Divine to
one thing I often get people to think
in the Kingdom of God. I see this
create, to co-labor to bring Heaven
through. How much did they really
generation embracing that right from
to Earth.
know was their calling and how
the start, understanding that one can
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much upon reflection do people then JAMIE TWORKOWSKI:
A third “p” word
owner or a nurse or an activist
comes to mind and that’s “privilege.”
see the thread of God’s faithfulness building a way through.
or whatever—just as much as the
It is a privilege to be in a position to
I think we can get passionate about
traditional models of ministry—and
chase after our passions, to feel like
getting rid of our debt. I think we can
all of it is for the glory of God.
we get to bring our heart to work.
get passionate about paying our bills.
Because so many people don’t. So
And it’s not sexy. And it’s not exciting.
“Passion isn’t the same as enjoyment or pleasure.” –Liz Bohannon HOW DO YOU THINK WE FIND A
many people are struggling just to get
But it is liberating. It is freeing to put
BALANCE BETWEEN PRACTICALITY AND
by, doing whatever they can to pay
yourself in a healthy place.
PASSION WHEN IT COMES TO WORK?
the bills. I love to encourage people to
It may mean that not all of your
pursue work that they are passionate
passions are realized all at once, but I
about, but I think it’s also important
think again when we look at the arc of
word passion is “pati” which means,
to acknowledge that it’s not that
Scripture ... Jesus was in His 30s when
“to suffer.” I delivered that line in a
simple for millions of folks.
He started. We can see plenty of little
LIZ BOHANNON:
The Latin root of the
talk once and the audience laughed.
examples of people doing things for
I frankly believe that especially
JO SAXTON:
Balance is such a hard
over the past 10 years, the notion
word. And there is often a riddle to
There’s not many characters where we
of “passion” has been distorted.
it. I often encourage young adults
get to see the whole of their lives.
Passion isn’t the same as enjoyment
to consider that when we look at
or pleasure. It’s about believing so
the Bible we are looking at people
BIANCA OLTHOFF:
deeply in something that you are
who are often looking back on their
tension I see with people on my team
willing to suffer to manifest that
lives when it comes to calling, when
who are younger than me is a belief
vision of the future. You’re willing to
it comes to their destiny and their
that their passion should pay for
forgo momentary enjoyment for the
purpose ... When we look at Jeremiah
practical things. As in, let me find a
fruit of commitment and sustained
29:11, “I know the plans I have for
job that encompasses my “calling,”
effort. This doesn’t at all mean that
you,” that was to a people not an
my passions, allows me to have a
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a while, for a chapter of their lives.
The greatest
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be a writer or a teacher or a business
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flexible work schedule, paid
preparation—in policy and
to understand that all work is
time off, and pays me enough
personal terms. There’s no
spiritual and part of faithful
to cover all my expenses and
question that labor markets
service to God. This truth
have spontaneous vacations
will go through a series of
allows them to integrate their
and a membership to a
shocks in the next 15 to 30
faith into all of life.
boutique workout facility.
years, whether or not we
More often than not, we
emerge with enough jobs to
DATING HAS CHANGED A LOT
will have a job that will
go around. The survivors will
OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS.
be practical and requires
need to be entrepreneurs,
DO YOU THINK IT’S BEEN FOR
we live practically. Our job
and creatives, and have
BETTER OR FOR WORSE?
wasn’t created so we can live
interpersonal skills—the
out our passion, so why put
kind of things machines will
JOSHUA HARRIS:
pressure on ourselves or our
find hard to replicate and/
answer: I think my book
employers to ensure we are
or people would rather pay
[I Kissed Dating Goodbye]
fulfilling our passion?
people to do. Sadly, the idea
contributed to making things
that everyone needs more
worse. I think that imbalance
STEM education is baloney.
is being corrected by new
entrepreneur, I am driven by
Lower-end STEM jobs will be
voices and by pushback
passion. My advice to other
the first to go. Can the Church,
against a shame-based view
aspiring entrepreneurs is
the world’s greatest volunteer
of sexuality and inequities
to focus on your passion;
organization, set the pace in
between men and women.
nothing else matters. If
shaping non-paid-work roles
But relationships and dating
you’re passionate about your
that have meaning?
will always be complicated,
BLAKE MYCOSKIE:
As an
business, you’re doing it
and a place where we need
because you love it and you
JOSHUA HARRIS:
want to make a difference.
pastor for 17 years and then
and for others. If anyone
I went to seminary at Regent
tells you they have simple
WHAT ARE SOME WAYS
College (yeah, I know that
relationship solutions, they
CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE
was backwards). At seminary
are selling you something.
PREPARED TO THINK ABOUT
I decided I didn’t want to
Wherever we can embrace
THE FUTURE OF WORK?
be a pastor. Being at Regent
the messiness of relationships
helped me see that I had
and avoid easy answers, we’ll
a wrong view of “calling.”
be better positioned to grow.
NIGEL CAMERON:
JULY-AUG
Short
There may
I was a
a lot of grace—for ourselves
be a crisis ahead. In my book
Jeff Greenman lectured on
on robots and jobs I argued
Luther’s vision of vocation
BIANCA OLTHOFF:
that we don’t know—we
and he asked the question,
dating is the blessed curse.
should seek consensus
“Do you believe there is a
The benefit is that with a
on a risk-based approach
spiritual hierarchy and that
swipe, a tap or a click we
to policy and workforce
ministry is a higher calling
can connect with compatible
preparation. Because there’s
than other work?” That
matches in our area we
a non-trivial chance that the
convicted me. I realized that I
otherwise would’ve never
“full employment” that has
thought of pastoring as really
known existed. That being
been the bedrock of modern
serving God and other work
said, so many of my single
economies (and democracies)
as less spiritually significant.
friends are dealing with
could be over. Whether this
I equated being a pastor
Analysis Paralysis and can’t
will mean heaven on Earth or
with being faithful to God. I
make a decision on who to
hell on Earth depends on our
think more Christians need
date in fear of missing out on
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T H E G R E AT R E C E S S I O N R O C K S A G E N E R AT I O N THE COLLAPSE OF THE U.S. REAL ESTATE MARKET
CRASHING Many millennials were too young and too stock market illiterate to recognize the ways the recession would shape their lives when it happened, but the bleak new reality set in soon enough.
OCCUPY
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Following the fallout from the collapse, frustrated young people took to the streets. Though critics questioned the effectiveness (and goals) of the protest, they served as a reminder of the human toll of recession.
Celebrities like Russell Brand joined activists in protesting the economic policies that led to income inequality.
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paired with the global financial crisis of 2008 might have stunted a generation. While the economic effects of the Great Recession were immediate, the social ramifications are still coming to light. Most millennials were teenagers during the height of the recession, but it still made a huge impact on their decision-making as adults. Many millennials delayed major investments like homeownership or higher education. In a 2017 study from Merrill Edge, an astounding 85% of millennials said they “play it safe” with money. That’s changed their definition of success, too, with 73% saying success means providing for a family, while having a family itself and “making a difference” sit at just 52% and 41%, respectively. From finances to life, everything now is “look before you leap.”
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NEW TECH EMERGES
VIRTUAL
REALITY
In the mainstream, it still appears
WHEN POKEMON GO WAS RELEASED during summer 2016,
many iPhone users had never experienced augmented reality. Google Glass (Remember that?) had failed to catch on, but the simple mobile game showed us what it was like to interact with digital entities placed in the real world. Along with the advent of consumer-level technologies like virtual reality, 3D printing and drones, augmented reality is forcing society to grapple with the ethics involved in privacy, bioethics and digital immersion, while also presenting the opportunity to make the world a better place by marrying innovation with humanitarian impulses.
most as a pop-up attraction, but VR is making strides into real estate, education and athletics.
3D
PRINTING
It’s revolutionized the way we engineer our world, but the ability to replicate almost anything, including flesh, carries dark, unexplored implications.
Ready or not, augmented reality is poised to be tech’s next big quantum leap.
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the bigger, better, brighter
romance, attraction and
simply marriage (in the
HOW HAVE THE RECESSION
option on another app,
the dangers of our popular
U.S., age of first marriage
AND STUDENT DEBT CRISIS
page or dating site. FOMO is
hookup culture. Instead
for women has risen from
CHANGED THE WAY THIS
real! Too many options are
of allowing magazines,
20 to 27 since 1970; age of
GENERATION IS THINKING
complicating scenarios and
movies, and media to define
first child from 24 to 28),
ABOUT MONEY?
allowing people to casually
what awesome sex and
but the overlap with career
test the waters rather than
relationships
jumping into the dating
should look
ocean and committing
like, I would
to get to know someone
love for
intimately.
the Church
TO THE “PURITY CULTURE”
awesome
MANY OF US WERE RAISED
(and even
IN. WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE
provocative)
ABOUT HOW THE CHURCH
narratives
TALKS ABOUT SEX?
we see in
E
D
pace in shaping non-paid work roles that have meaning?” –Nigel Cameron
Scripture. SARAH BESSEY:
The
Church’s conversations
WHAT DO YOU FEEL
development, especially in a
LIZ BOHANNON:
around sex have been
IS CAUSING DELAYED
society where there is little
think it’s the single
dominated by fear, power
MARRIAGE IN THIS
social support (childcare,
biggest impediment to
and control, which has led
GENERATION?
tax credits) for women with
social innovation and
small children. Perhaps
entrepreneurship. The
there are good models in
“capital” I used to launch
to destruction, wounding and even death. Instead,
NIGEL CAMERON:
I think that making a
simple question, since it’s
some churches for how
my company was my
shift toward a theology
the result of various trends;
volunteer efforts could
savings from nannying in
of care, of health and
aside from the opening of
make a big difference?
high school and college.
joy, of shamelessness, of
many more professional
inclusion, and of love,
opportunities to women,
JAMIE TWORKOWSKI:
savings in the first place
while also actively working
we also have a culture in
“Delayed marriage” implies
is—well, frankly, the first
to dismantle patriarchy
which we get more and
that marriage is coming.
reason is privilege; I came
from our understandings
more education before
For many, it doesn’t feel
from a financially stable
of those things, will be
we start a first job. And
that way. So many folks
family—but secondarily
active, necessary work for
of course we are mostly
feel alone. So many feel
because I chose to attend
us all. There will be over-
living a lot longer, so
invisible. I hope that
a state school with an
corrections and missteps
the trajectory of human
Christians will do a better
undergraduate tuition of
as we do that work, but
experience has shifted.
job at caring for singles of
$8,000 a year, rather than
even that is necessary as
Yet women’s reproductive
all ages, acknowledging the
go into massive debt to go
we carve out a path of
biology has not shifted
longing and loneliness that
to one of the private liberal
wholeness.
along with everything else,
so many people live with.
arts schools that I would
and one result has been
And I hope Christians will
have loved to attend. I went
increased dependence
help remind singles that
on to get a Master’s degree
pendulum has swung to
on assisted reproductive
they deserve connection
in journalism, but frankly,
the other side of the purity
technology, with all of
as well, that they deserve
the deciding factor was
culture, and it almost feels
its practical and in many
love whether they’re in a
that I was able to pay for it
like the Church has gone
cases ethical challenges.
romantic relationship or not.
through a graduate research
silent on topics like sex,
The issue of course is not
BIANCA OLTHOFF:
The
Not a
I
And the reason I had
assistantship. Graduating
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ON-DEMAND C U LT U R E DISRUPTS, WELL, EVERYTHING IT’S A LONG LIST OF CASUALTIES OF BRANDS WE KNEW 15 YEARS AGO: Payless, Toys ‘R’ Us, Claire’s,
GUESS?, LifeWay, Blockbuster, Bloomingdale’s, Family Christian—even the whole concept of the American mall. Thanks to online shopping giants like Amazon, consumers do the majority of their buying on their laptops rather than on a Saturday down at the outlets. The brick-and-mortar store, and countless other industries, have been permanently upended by online access. People want things now, and the internet can give it to them. More than 12,000 stores are expected to close, and we now live in a more homogeneous, less specialized, experience-driven world of consumerism.
AMAZON
NETFLIX
Thanks to the online retailer’s
While the streaming-service business model
dominance, we’ve gone from
might have been a natural byproduct of
browsing bookstores and clearance
the internet, we didn’t expect the platforms
racks to browsing Prime Day deals.
to become outstanding, award-winning producers and distributors in their own right.
UBER
SPOTIFY
Uber and its copycat rideshare apps
iTunes (R.I.P.) started the death of the
are more than just an on-demand car.
physical music store, but Spotify put
It feels like a magic carpet that brings
the nails in the coffin.
new possibilities.
JULY-AUG
POP-UPS
POSTMATES
As storefronts close, the $50 billion
The dream of dinner without a stitch
flash retail industry has become a
of effort or human interaction is not
new, effective way brands create
yet reality, but Postmates has made it
short-term, exclusivity-fueled demand.
tantalizingly close.
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S
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SARAH BESSEY:
and zero debt meant that
and the student debt crisis
when I entered into “the real
are not individual liberty
you. Your stuff can have you if you go into debt over it. It
world,” I had the freedom
issues—these are systemic
can have you if your identity,
to take the enormous risk
ways that our society treats
your happiness, your joy, your
of quitting a “safe” full-time
money and particularly
job with steady and upward
treats the most vulnerable in
contentment—who you think you are—is wrapped up in that
earning potential and buy
our society. They happened
thing. There is a place as you
a one-way plane ticket to
on purpose. It’s damaging,
save up to pay for something
Uganda, knowing that, without
predatory and unequal. The
and you buy it with the
the burden of student loans, I could live simply enough to
survival of the fittest model is
motivation knowing, This isn’t going to bring me eternal joy and
survive while I was able to
especially vulnerable people, deepening divides not only of
happiness. It’s just a fun thing to
dedicate myself to learning, listening and eventually
money but of opportunities. Of
saved up the money. My heart
launching a social enterprise.
course the recession and the
is in the right place. There’s
debt crisis may (and probably
definitely times where you can
should) change our individual
buy some fun things.
I think it’s taught
E
D
get and I can do it because I’ve
us all to be more cautious and to be more creative when it
habits and choices but my hope is that we’ll lift up our
NIGEL CAMERON:
comes to how we approach
eyes to these larger economic
favorite schoolteacher who
what it means to get an
systems that make inequality
always encouraged us to
education.
purposeful.
remember what he called “the
I had a
law of the limited objective.” HOW CAN CHRISTIANS
We have to focus, choose
would have thought it would
NAVIGATE THE ETHICAL
our targets and work at not
have made a bigger impact
CONSUMPTION QUESTION
feeling frustrated/guilty we
on people’s outlook for our
WHEN IT SEEMS LIKE JUST
aren’t doing everything about
generation, but it really
ABOUT EVERYTHING WE BUY
everything—because of course
hasn’t because we’ve seen
HAS A DARK SIDE?
such frustration/guilt simply
RACHEL CRUZE:
Honestly, I
paralyzes. I think we need
the debt levels continue to It’s not
to teach Christians to think
grow. Student loan debt has
BLAKE MYCOSKIE:
continued to rise, credit card
bad to want to be successful.
like this, quite consciously;
debt has continued to rise. My
The more you’re blessed with
to be prudent; to pick a
hope was, when it all went
commercial success, that
target or two or three. And
down, our generation would
gives you a bigger platform
to remember that it’s a fallen
look at our parents and have
to change the world and do
world. We shouldn’t be
a little bit of a hesitation
bigger things and inspire
surprised that everything is
thinking, “Oh, OK. Something
others. For TOMS, our impact
disordered, we should expect
bad could happen.” Factually,
isn’t just the 93 million people
it. And we should expect
we’re just not seeing that.
who we’ve helped with our
to be tempted to feel it’s all
We’re getting married later.
One for One giving, but the
hopeless! Yet it’s not.
We’re buying homes later.
hundreds of other businesses
We’re putting off a lot of life
that have changed their
HOW CAN CHURCHES
milestones because of our
business model and committed
BETTER ADDRESS EXCESS,
financial situation. That is
to giving back.
CONSUMERISM AND CONSUMPTION IN THE FUTURE?
immediately tied to debt— especially student loan debt.
RACHEL CRUZE:
I always say
it’s OK to have nice stuff, just
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don’t let your nice stuff have
in four years with two degrees
only drowning more people,
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think of when I hear this
conscious consumerism
do it in a way that is not
there’s going to be more
question is that Instagram
and generosity, it would
about our privilege and
opportunities for people to
account
be an incredibly powerful
power but is actually about
do their own thing. I think
@preachersnsneakers
testament.
humans flourishing and
we can have rose-colored
demonstrating good news–
glasses where things sound
being good news–I think
really great, and then we
where they post the prices of the shoes celebrity
BIANCA OLTHOFF:
pastors are wearing.
like we can integrate these
there’s massive potential
get two years down the
Whenever I look at that
questions and conversations
to go to people and places
road and it’s not working.
page, I feel both judgmental
on a more regular basis
that the Church never gets
You realize that running
toward their conspicuous
rather than relegating them
to. But also to do so in a
a business is a lot harder
consumption and jealous
to a missions weekend,
way that is holistic and
than it sounds. Those are
because I want those shoes!
social justice initiative or
healthy and empowering.
the two sides of the coin.
That’s a long way of saying
hot topic. The more we
I think it could be a
I think there’s incredible
I think we need more grace
speak about it, the more
wonderful opportunity for
opportunity. That’s one
toward others and to focus
we will be able to dialogue
us, but I think it will require
thing I appreciate about
about ways to engage and
resilience on our part.
our generation. It’s “What’s
address it.
I love seeing that creativity
your why?” behind why
because we need these
you work. Are you in a job
ideas. We need to think
that you love? We hold
moving beyond our “pet
not just how do we fix
value to that.
causes.” There are a
the world, but how do we
The extreme side of this is
handful of topics we love
empower people and how
not good, with millennials
to talk about and then a
do we make all things new?
walking around without
handful of topics we never
How do we be part of what
jobs because they haven’t
address. We have to expand
God is doing in the world
found their “dream job.”
the circle of things we’re
and how do we serve Him
But I think we value our
willing to discuss.
and serve others?
passions more than past
WHAT DO YOU THINK
LIZ BOHANNON:
THE FUTURE OF SOCIAL
what once made social
BLAKE MYCOSKIE:
ENTREPRENEURISM
enterprises special is going
excites me about the future
LOOKS LIKE?
to become the norm and
of social entrepreneurship
expectation. The great part
is not some huge new
is, it’s going to push us
idea but how we can take
JON ACUFF:
I feel
I think by
generations.
JO SAXTON:
1SSUE 51 JULY-AUG
My hope is that
I think What
on our own hearts and
it’s a way of us reclaiming—
toward higher standards
something that already
wallets.
because we’ve seen these
and better practices across
exists and just make
things in different periods
the board. This is amazing!
it better to work more
of history where we see
The downside is, inevitably,
efficiently, thoughtfully and
land somewhere between
the Church engage with the
there will be companies
be more consumer-oriented.
prosperity gospel preachers
world in a more tangible
who are merely selling a
Trying as hard as you can to
in sneakers and the “thrifty
way. If this can be a chance
story of social change and
build something that’s not
Christian” who thinks it’s a
for us to be the hands and
it will fall on the consumer
new but building it as if it’s
holy act to score 17 shirts
feet of Jesus, if this can
to try and decipher what is
never been done before.
on clearance at Kohl’s
be a chance for us to not
authentic and what’s really
When I started TOMS 13
for $13. If Jesus followers
just say, ‘You come to us,’
good marketing.
years ago, I had a revelation
got serious about leading
but we come to you, and
the conversation and
we do it in a way which
RACHEL CRUZE:
living out principles of
is not colonization, we
technology progresses,
LIZ BOHANNON:
There is a
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and help people at the same time. For me, this is a huge
2019
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M E N T A L H E A LT H G E T S TA L K E D ABOUT not just led to a shift in how we relate to each other, but a shift in the way we view and treat ourselves. Data is conclusive that among millennials and Generation Z, people are lonelier, feel less understood and have greater feelings of isolation than any previous generation. While the mental health epidemic has been widespread, it’s far from an unknown threat, because more people and churches are talking about mental health, social struggles and recovery strategies
SUICIDE
RISK
than ever before. Thanks to organizations like To Write Love On Her Arms and individual highprofile testimonies like pop star Selena Gomez and NBA star DeMar DeRozan, vulnerability has become a sign of strength amid struggle, not an admission of weakness. For the Church, it’s meant a paradigm shift about what makes for a healthy relationship with God, what defines a “season of trials” and how churches as institutions need to serve their communities. As isolating devices evolve, the conversation needs to shift, too.
KILL
THE
STIGMA
Teenagers today have a lower
People suffering with a mental illness
homicide rate and a higher suicide
say they want to be known in the
rate than they did in 2007, The latter
Church as people first: 63% want the
actually eclipsed the former in 2011.
topic to be less taboo.
PASTORAL
THE
ROLES
CHURCH
GAP
A recent survey indicated 74%
While 68% of pastors say their church
of pastors know someone with
keeps a list of resources for people
depression, and 23% admit battling
struggling, just 28% of congregants
with a mental illness themselves.
knew about it.
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THE SOCIAL MEDIA AGE has
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blessing and a way to honor God.
because it can make us more inclusive,
And what does it mean for
Business has a different possibility.
and social media can expand the
human freedom and dignity and
I am so proud that One for One
family of the church—but it’s easier to
accountability for corporations and
has grown far beyond TOMS as other
use it to create more celebrities and
governments—and any hacker who
companies have built giving back into
divisions instead.
can crack his or her way in—to know
their business models. A rising tide lifts all ships. But it’s also brought
so much about us, and be able to JAMIE TWORKOWSKI:
I would also add
exploit that knowledge to influence
about
that I hope churches will move beyond
how we think—and vote and buy?
business that
using social media as highlight reels
Should Christians be using these highly
uses giving as
for their influential pastors. Show me
sophisticated and subtle tools already
a marketing
other people. Tell me stories that aren’t
available to persuade social media
gimmick
about the guy on stage. I’m sick of the
users to believe?
instead of
marketing machines. I’m sick of the
authentic and
self-promotion.
WHAT EFFECTS DO YOU THINK GROWING UP WITH SOCIAL MEDIA WILL
core to their company.
WHAT TECH INNOVATIONS EXCITE YOU
Giving has to
THE MOST?
be integrated
HAVE ON FUTURE GENERATIONS? SARAH BESSEY:
The ability to organize a
I’m pretty invested in
into every
JON ACUFF:
piece of your
movement. My readers raised $30,000
four kids, and the difference between
business, it
in 18 hours to build a kindergarten in
my childhood and theirs in terms of
can’t just be
Vietnam. There’s a zero percent chance
technology is, well, immense.
a marketing
we could have done that without the
I think in many ways we’re raising
tactic.
power of social media.
the beta generation for this question.
Customers know the difference
this question right now because I have
And so this will be the baseline
1SSUE 53
and can sniff out a company that is
BLAKE MYCOSKIE:
I am currently
inauthentically giving back.
focused on consciousness and how
generation—we’ll figure out the ways we did it wrong and the ways we did
we scale the principles of modern
it well from this experience. I think
HOW WILL SOCIAL MEDIA AFFECT THE
neuroscience, psychology and
being aware, honest and keeping a
WAY CHURCHES WILL REACH PEOPLE
physiology to make our brains and
firm grasp on the things that make us
IN THE FUTURE?
bodies work better.
truly human will be helpful. My hope is that we’ll see these tools
DO YOU FEEL LIKE CHURCHES ARE
of connection as opportunities and not
planter, we are shocked at how many
PREPARED TO ANSWER SOME OF
as overlords.
people online are engaging and even
THE SPIRITUAL AND ETHICAL
flying to come visit us. Our online
QUESTIONS THAT THE COMING A.I.
NIGEL CAMERON:
views are quadruple the size of our
REVOLUTION POSES?
smartphone combo is extraordinarily
BIANCA OLTHOFF:
As a new church-
church, and we have even had stories
recent—so projecting ahead is a
of people finding our messages online
NIGEL CAMERON:
and dedicating their life to Christ.
slew of reports and statements over
We have to assume we’ll devise
However, digital access is a poor
the past year or so. Elon Musk, who
practices that avoid the attention-
substitute for community and spiritual
is hardly a Luddite, declared that we
deficit habits we’re all fighting today (I
growth. We fear so many of our
might be “summoning the demon.”
love Tiffany Shlain’s simple notion of a
congregants are losing the value of the
There’s widespread anxiety about
weekly Tech Shabbat, for example) to
local church.
“rogue A.I.,” which led Bill Gates and
ensure that our devices and apps are
Stephen Hawking and a lot of not-
made for our benefit, and not, despite
normally-panicky people to sign on to
the techniques deployed by Facebook
an open letter of concern.
and the rest, that we exist for theirs!
S A R A H B E S S E Y : I’m
actually a huge
proponent for the opportunities here
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In HBO’s Insecure, creator/writer/ star Issa Rae navigates love in an evolving era.
THE
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OUR LOVE LIVES CHANGED STRAIGHT UP: IT’S EASIER TO FIND LOVE THAN EVER and that’s all thanks to the
internet. Dating apps have made meeting someone as easy as a click and a swipe, and more involved platforms like eHarmony and Match.com insist digital dating spaces aren’t just for those looking for a fling. “How we met” stories might be shorter and less
romantic online, but the connections aren’t any less real, and besides, who wants to go back to the bar (or, fine, the church lobby) to meet other single people? Dating in the digital age emphasizes common ground, shared interests and aligned values, and for those open to a little more randomness, it’s been a game-changer.
ABSTINENCE
RING
Contributing factors like social isolation, lower marriage
Have larger dating pools made
rates, economic pressures and higher anxiety rates mean
us afraid of commitment? The
young people today have less sex than previous generations.
data says no. “Even if the grass
From 1991 to 2017, the CDC reports the number of sexually
is greener, happy gardeners
active high schoolers has dropped from 54 to 40 percent.
don’t notice.”
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Maybe no new artist this decade made people sit up and take notice like Kendrick Lamar.
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ARE CHRISTIANS FINALLY SEEING SOME REAL GAINS IN THEIR EFFORT TO MAKE RESONATING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING ART?
The first issue of RELEVANT debuted in March 2003 and included an article that said, “We
DEREK MINOR
LISA GUNGOR
RAPPER, ENTREPRE-
AUTHOR AND RECORD-
NEUR AND SCREEN-
ING ARTIST
WRITER
don’t need to label something Christian to the exclusion of the rest of the world for it to be good and pure.” That article made the case that the wall between “sacred” and “secular” was an artificial one, that all truth was God’s truth and the “Church” extends far beyond the buildings called churches. One hundred issues later, here’s where things stand. JON FOREMAN
AMENA BROWN
WHAT MOVIE, ALBUM
JOHN MARK MCMILLAN:
in relation to the body.
LEAD SINGER OF
AUTHOR, SPEAKER
OR BOOK HAS IMPACTED
The films that continue
Body work has helped me
SWITCHFOOT
AND SPOKEN WORD
YOUR OWN FAITH
to haunt me over the
become more free in the
JOURNEY OVER THE LAST
last three years are
body while Be Here Now
FEW YEARS?
Scorsese’s adaptation
has helped me realize
of Silence and the 2016
who I am.
JERON SMITH:
Kirk
POET
sci-fi film Arrival. To me, Silence was such a
AMENA BROWN:
album ignited an
brilliant commentary
And Other Surprising
evolution for me. The
on the nature of “belief”
Invitations of Advent by
album was released in
itself. Arrival is a story
Enuma Okoro. I had been
OF SOCIAL CLUB
1998 at a time when my
of beauty versus pain.
looking for an advent
MISFITS
parents were adamant
It sort of asks us this
book written by a woman
about gospel being the
question: If you knew
of color and was happy
primary music in our
life/love would be painful
to find Enuma’s book. She
home. Prior to The Nu
would you choose to
writes daily devotions
Nation Project, gospel
live it anyway? Also,
during advent from a
music wouldn’t have
I’ve maintained a steady
unique perspective. I
been my preference,
balance of Richard Rohr
want to read her book
but Kirk Franklin
and Jordan Peterson.
every advent!
orchestrated a sound that
Silence FLEURIE
FERN MIRANDA
RECORDING ARTIST
RAPPER AND MEMBER
JONATHAN BOCK
JOHN MARK
AUTHOR, PRODUCER
MCMILLAN SONGWRITER AND
Also Beyoncé’s
was vastly different from
LISA GUNGOR:
I have
anything heard in the
been profoundly
Homecoming. The music!
gospel genre previously
impacted by the Be
The artfulness! The
and I loved it. Kirk used
Here Now audiobook by
Blackness! The soul! The
a popular secular sound
Ram Dass and The Body
spirituality! The joy! The
to put the medicine in the
Keeps the Score by Bessel
lament! The love!
candy, which is still an
Van der Klok. The Body
The heartbreak! I really
effective method today.
Keeps the Score helped
don’t have enough
me understand trauma
exclamation points to
MUSICIAN
Lemonade and
057
JERON SMITH
NATALIE MANUEL
CO-FOUNDER & CEO
LEE
OF UNANIMOUS MEDIA
TV HOST AND FASHION INFLUENCER
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
CULTURE
Franklin’s Nu Nation
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Lauren Daigle made history as one of the most successful Christian crossovers ever.
THE
DEFINING
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CHRISTIANITY CROSSES OVER
charts, finding actual success without compromising a stitch of their spiritual content. These days, genre lines are more fluid than ever, and “crossing over” is fairly commonplace, which is only a testament to just how critical and effective those first few attempts actually were. The walls they tore down were never really rebuilt.
IN THE BEGINNING, IT WAS A HYPOTHETICAL PIPE DREAM.
Could an artist break out of the Christian music sphere to have a broader impact on the culture at large? Or was the CCM bubble more of a wall? But then, a few pioneers like Switchfoot, Underoath and Kirk Franklin started charting on mainstream
JULY-AUG
SWITCHFOOT
UNDEROATH
KIRK
They weren’t first, but they were
Lots of Christian acts found
Franklin has been on the same
One of the more recent success
the beginning of the wave, dar-
crossover success in the post-
hip-hop gospel scene for years
stories but also one of the big-
ing their fans to move and lead-
hardcore scene, but few were
now, both as an individual artist
gest, an artist who got where
ing by example.
more influential than Underoath.
and an iconic collaborator.
she is with zero compromise.
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DAIGLE
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express myself here!
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others. It’s the clamoring for the idea
LISA GUNGOR:
that America has had this clean and
dualistic terms like “spiritual” and
TO WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE THE RISE
resolute history that has somehow
“secular.” Anything that tries to label
OF FAITH-BASED MOVIES LIKE GOD’S
descended into chaos as opposed to
one thing as God and another as
NOT DEAD?
America has always been a messy
outside of God furthers harmful belief
and chaotic place with shifting
systems. Anything that has an “us vs.
morality that fits its agenda. It’s a
them” mentality furthers tribalism
very profitable niche.
and oppression. I think there is an
JERON SMITH:
I think faith-based
movies are on the rise because we live in a world where horrible things
D
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I’m not a fan of
awakening happening, a realization
are constantly happening all around
JON FOREMAN:
“Faith-based films”
us. People want to be uplifted. Faith-
implies that there’s some other kind
that all wells lead to the same water. When this happens, our tribal
based films, and stories in general,
of film. For me, all great art wrestles
instincts can kick up the urge to draw
are about connection. They have
with belief. Of course, we know the
deeper lines in the sand, defining who
the ability to engage us through
moniker refers to American Christian
is right and wrong, in and out. I’m all for stories of love and hope, but those stories are everywhere, not just
“‘Faith-based films’ implies that there’s some other kind of film.” –Jon Foreman
within the Christian framework. It’s all spiritual. JOHN MARK MCMILLAN:
It’s hard to
market anything these days. The way people consume media is very fragmented now. Meaning there are few central places to message to large audiences at one time.
films that fit a specific criteria. But it
However, the Church is still a place
Stories allow people to see different
feels a bit small-minded and bigoted
where people of similar interests
perspectives, look past differences,
to ignore the faithful yearnings of the
and beliefs can be messaged fairly
and so much more.
rest of humanity with our title.
easily. Also, the Christian market will
The adjective “Christian” refers
often rally around ideas or values
I think movies like
to the loving, self-sacrificial actions
alone while other communities
God’s Not Dead fill the same space
of following a Savior, not products.
require a little more work to earn
that the Christian music industry
Perhaps a commercial product is
their trust. Don’t get me wrong, I’m
occupies. It’s primarily a business
mislabeled when “Christian” is
not at all saying that Christians are
of selling hope—real or fake—and
stamped on top.
“simple-minded,” but I do believe
DEREK MINOR:
selling art is the secondary objective. Most people are not OK with life
large groups of believers consume JONATHAN BOCK:
I think films
media for different reasons than
resolving in a messy way and media
like God’s Not Dead are essentially
other communities. I think Hollywood
like this tells them that there’s a clear
Christian porn. They thrive on
sees this as a big opportunity in a
resolution to
our worst instincts as believers—
day when it’s hard to get people’s
the craziness
promulgating tropes like “us vs.
attention. I wish I had a more
of life. It’s the
them” theology, and the ever-popular
“spiritual” answer, but I think this is
same reason
“American Christians are under
the case.
why the term
attack!” victim status. Watching
“Make America
films like these is like eating two
HOW CAN CHRISTIAN FILMMAKERS
Great Again”
Big Macs in one sitting—might taste
ENGAGE FAITH IN THEIR WORK IN WAYS
is so hopeful
good going down, but there’s zero
THAT ARE HONEST INSTEAD OF HOKEY?
for some and
nutritional value.
problematic for
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Truthfully, the
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emotions and connect us to others.
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THE REVERSE VERSION OF THE CROSSOVER artist
THE
MAINSTREAM MUSIC GOES GOSPEL narrative is almost more compelling: What happens when an artist with lots of mainstream success starts to veer into the Christian lane? Historically, such stories were viewed with a “What’s-your-endgame-herepal?” suspicion by Christians, but the bumper crop of honest theological questions married to some truly superb art has rendered such skepticism old-fashioned. These are acts in which faith comes across as forceful instead of forced, and honest instead of awkward. True, sometimes it also comes with an explicit sticker, but that’s just how spirituality operates in the real world sometimes. It doesn’t fit neatly into any box at all.
KANYE
WEST
Love him or hate him, Kanye West’s beautiful, dark, twisted portrait of his spiritual walk has been one of the decade’s most fascinating.
MUMFORD
&
SONS
Mumford is not a subtle band in many ways, but they learned the value of a delicate touch when it came to their spirituality.
THE
JULY-AUG
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BROTHERS
CHANCE
THE
RAPPER
They predated and outlasted the
It feels like blessings keep falling in
folk boom on the strength of some
Chance’s lap, probably because he’s
great songs, an excellent live set and
so persistent in asking for them via
supreme spiritual content.
his worshipful hip-hop bars.
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Chance the Rapper made sweet goofiness as vital to his brand as worship.
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2009 SUMMER READING GUIDE: LIFE OF PI’S YANN MARTEL + THE DAILY SHOW’S LARRY WILMORE + OUR 18 FAVORITE BOOK PICKS
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JON FOREMAN’S NEW FAMILY
TOMS SHOES THE HEART BEHIND THE MOVEMENT
JUST WAR NOW PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
IS THERE SUCH A THING?
SEX GOD &ROCK ‘N’ ROLL THE CONTROVERSIAL SPIRITUAL & MUSICAL JOURNEY OF
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problem lies not with
tell me something directly but are
the filmmaker, but the
a springboard for psychoanalysis.
audience. Historically,
A nuanced story is a truer story
there hasn’t been much
because there never really is just
market for honest
a good person and bad person, a
Christian films. But with
good moment and bad moment.
the demise of LifeWay and
Every person struggles with the
Family Christian stores,
complexity of being human. Let
that’s going to change. In
that struggle breathe.
the past, every model of a financially successful
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BEST
Christian film required
EXAMPLES YOU CAN THINK OF?
robust DVD sales through Christian bookstores, so
JERON SMITH:
their 50-plus-year-old
an incredibly compelling storyline
conservative evangelical
with A-list talent involved. I doubt
female audience held a
most viewers would categorize the
disproportionate sway
film as “faith-based” but why not?
over what got made. But
The Book of Eli is a compelling
now, without the Christian
case study on the enigma of what
bookstores and their
constitutes a faith-based film. A
pocket veto on content,
faith-based audience traditionally
I think we will start to
requires biblically sound themes,
see a new, bolder era in
exaltation of God/Christ and
Christian film.
The Book of Eli was
general biblical references. The Book of Eli checks all of these boxes.
JON FOREMAN:
One of my heros DEREK MINOR:
lawyer, your job is to be honest.”
is amazing to me. Growing up
The movie Logan
watching Wolverine claw his way FERN MIRANDA:
By engaging
out of so many situations just in
people from the culture and not
time for the credits to roll with
just people playing roles or acting.
him being the hero was very
Authenticity is key, people want
enjoyable. Logan paints him as a
the real.
jaded hero who has lost faith and made some critical mistakes. He
DEREK MINOR:
Stop resolving
doesn’t have the answers. I think
things that don’t resolve. Be brave
he’s a picture of many of us. He’s
enough to tackle issues that are
done so many cool things. He has so
messy. Diversify your stories to
much potential but he realizes that
include the narratives of other
he can only change so much. We all
people in America besides the
deal with that reality in different
white evangelical. The only
ways and that’s the tension.
problem with those suggestions are they are at odds with the core
FERN MIRANDA:
base of that media.
for his Fear of God campaigns, he
Jerry Lorenzo
uses everyone from Jared Leto LISA GUNGOR:
I like stories that
give space, stories that don’t just
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to you name it, and conveys a beautiful gospel message through
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once told me, “God doesn’t need a
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“Stop resolving things that don’t resolve. Be brave enough to tackle
against the grain of culture
It’s just reflective of its base.
and could be problematic
It will rise and fall with the
for a largely populist
evangelical.
industry like feature film. I can’t say
AMENA BROWN:
issues that are messy.” –Derek Minor
WHAT KIND OF STORIES
it’s dead to me. It’s more
DO YOU HOPE CHRISTIAN
like someone I knew in
CREATIVES WILL TELL IN
high school and only see
THE FUTURE?
on Facebook every now and then.
NATALIE MANUEL LEE:
excellent visuals and
mainstream audience in a
Truth. Nothing watered
JON FOREMAN:
authenticity. His art and
way we haven’t seen before.
down to protect the
you’re talking about is a
Christian world. Films
death of capital, right? A
that will make some of
financial death? Which
a faith-based initiative.
us uncomfortable while
isn’t really that sad. Money
People make films because
portraying the Word of
comes and goes, and can’t
hard. Countless movies
they believe it’s going to be
God. Films that meet the
be a means unto itself.
do this successfully. Harry
worth it; it’s going to give
lost right where they are,
Potter—it shows how Harry
them a sense of artistic
not where we want the
is my faith and not a
struggles with his own
satisfaction. Or it’s going
“perfect” Christian to be.
genre to be sold, then it
“evil,” Lady Bird, PEN15 (not
to make them money. Or
We cannot be concerned
lives on in many, many
a movie, a TV show), Silence,
maybe it’s going to get them
about offending anyone
beautiful ways. Many of
Arrival, About Time, Easy.
invited to sit at the cool
with God’s truth, we need to
my “contemporaries” are
kids’ table.
be concerned about doing
making truly heartfelt,
the task at hand that He has
aching, reaching songs that
called us to do.
I would argue are every
film production is the best example right now. LISA GUNGOR:
JON FOREMAN:
Oh, that’s
DO YOU THINK HOLLYWOOD
A film is
Who can know why we
This “death”
But if “Christian”
WILL CHANGE IN THE
do what we do? The heart
COMING YEARS TO BETTER
of man is deceitfully wicked
ACCOMMODATE FAITH-
above all things. But again
JERON SMITH:
CENTRIC AUDIENCES?
... This is America we’re
with Natalie, authenticity
talking about: It’s money
and honesty is my hope. I
FLEURIE:
that makes the monkey
think you can still create
is necessarily attracting
I believe they are doing so
dance. In a capitalistic
a powerful and feel-good
people under the age of,
now. Hollywood is starving
society, people live out their
faith-based film that is not
let’s say, 30—you know,
for truth. Hollywood is
faith with what they deem
unchallenging—we should
people who didn’t grow
searching for it. It is our job
worthy of purchase. The
be acknowledging truth
up in its peak. The sound
to feed it to them in a way
films that make money get
and exploring the duality
hasn’t necessarily evolved
that they can digest it.
made again.
of faith.
much, whereas the sound
NATALIE MANUEL LEE:
Yes.
bit as alive as any genre I agree
present or past. I don’t think CCM
of—and I’m being careful JERON SMITH:
JULY-AUG
Yes.
JOHN MARK MCMILLAN:
Not
FERN MIRANDA:
More
with what I say because
Hollywood responds to the
to be a cynic, but I think
biopics based on true stories
so many people I love are
box office and as faith-based
Hollywood will follow
of our favorite stars and
in that genre—but these
films continue to command
the money. So if they feel
heroes and their testimonies.
bands have found a sound
the support, the more
like there’s a way to make
That would be huge.
that connects with their
these films will continue
movies that believers want
to be made. I also think
to see, they will continue.
IS “CONTEMPORARY
bands haven’t necessarily
we’re starting to see a bit
However, I think much
CHRISTIAN MUSIC” DEAD?
ever evolved that sound.
of a trend of faith-centric
of what it means to be
films appealing to a more
a “believer” often runs
audience and a lot of these
DEREK MINOR:
062
It’s not dead.
JOHN MARK MCMILLAN:
As I
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STORIES
CHRISTIAN MOVIES BECOME A THING IT WAS MEL GIBSON’S FAULT. When Passion of the
Christ smashed box office records in 2004, it ushered in a resurgence of the Christian-movie subgenre, and this time, it looks like faith flicks are here to stay. While many might associate Passion with Biblical epics like Ben-Hur and Ten Commandments, it made way for more preachier, faith-forward fare. These movies emerged on a spectrum of messaging, from the warmhearted Fireproof to the hot-blooded God’s Not Dead. And thanks to Christian audiences’ surprisingly voracious appetite for movies marketed just to them, Christian filmmaking is a legitimate component of Hollywood.
IMAGINE
THIS
When a movie based on a song makes $83 million and lands in the top three on opening weekend, it means
PASSION
CULTURE
anything can become a movie.
HITS
With a $370 million domestic take, Passion of the Christ is still the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time. Its combination of historical emphasis, overt spirituality and lack of compromise changed the industry forever.
NARNIA
REIGNS
Maybe they’re not exactly faith
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movies, but the three Narnia movies between 2005 and 2010 each made over $100 million.
GOD’S
NOT
DEAD
The movie’s aggressive messaging helped make it the highest-grossing indie film of 2014, establishing Pure Flix as a major voice in the faith-film space.
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THE MOST WANTED MAN IN CHINA | GROUPLOVE | PRISCILL A SHIRER | IS EDUCATION FIX ABLE?
GUNGOR N.T. WRIGHT 5 FILMMAKERS CHANGING HOLLY WOOD ANDY STANLEY
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FAITH, CULTURE & INTENTIONAL LIVING
JENNIFER LAWRENCE
FOREST WHITAKER
THE BIGGEST ROLE OF HIS CAREER ISN’T WHAT YOU THINK
LOUIE GIGLIO
SITTING DOWN WITH THE ‘HUNGER GAMES’ STAR
THE PURPOSE BEHIND HIS PASSION
the next generation’s music.
Once you go through the
in general. I think most
The next generation has to
infrastructure of Christian
people in the past who
music, you’re marked for life
signed to a Christian record
for better or worse.
label were—whether they
MALCOLM get their chance to say what GLADWELL CCM is. No matter what,
ON FINDING FAITH
it’s a natural progression.
were told this or they
Eventually batons will be
JON FOREMAN:
passed, and gatekeepers
will set you free. We all
this or whatever— focused
will be replaced with
want that. We see someone
on creating music that
others who will know how
saying it like it is and we
would inspire people to
said with film, Christian
to communicate with this
want to hear more.
faith. Their mission wasn’t
audiences will often rally
generation and easily cater
around values and ideas
to their wants and needs
JOHN MARK MCMILLAN:
may have told their story
above the work itself. This
because it will be us. Who
First of all, the music is
at moments, but personal
doesn’t mean that the
knows us better than us?
great, and Chance is super
creative expression wasn’t
music or film isn’t good.
It’ll be so beautiful when
likable. More importantly,
king. It was secondary. It
That’s really not for me
CCM starts playing this
Chance is “believable.”
wasn’t, I just have a song
to say. But it means that
generation’s music, and
Not sure how to quantify
burning in my heart and I’m
people consume it for
hip-hop is more accepted
“believability,” but that’s
just going to put it into the
different reasons. The CCM
as a norm. That will be a
the difference in artists
world and see what happens.
audience, more so than
beautiful day.
like Chance and some
I don’t think that artists
other faith-based artists.
like Chance and Kendrick
ISSUE 67 / JAN_FEB 2014 / $4.95
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The truth
instinctively felt called to
11/27/13 4:04 PM
to tell their story. They
others, consume music for the message and meaning.
WHY DO YOU THINK
Personally, I don’t care
are worried about pastoring
Because of this, they get a
FAITH-CENTRIC (YET STILL
about your faith if I don’t
people in any way. I don’t
lot of support from church
MAINSTREAM) ARTISTS LIKE
believe you first. Some call
think they were going into the studio saying, “My mission is for people to see
“I don’t care about your faith if I don’t believe you first.” –John Mark McMillian
Jesus illuminated and for them to know who He is and for them to believe.” I think they’re like, Hey, this is my faith and if you resonate with it, that’s awesome. If not, have a great life. AMENA BROWN:
CHANCE THE RAPPER ARE
this honesty or authenticity.
music, many mainstream
and from places that other
HAVING SO MUCH SUCCESS?
I’m not sure what it is, but
artists incorporated
it’s the foundation for any
their faith into their
decent work, in my opinion.
music whether they were
genres can’t depend on. This is a huge benefit in a
DEREK MINOR:
day and age where music
dope! What’s made him
can’t be monetized for
popular isn’t his faith. His
FLEURIE:
its own value. So for this
faith is an additive and is
think artists like Chance
so Chance is following a
reason alone, I think CCM
secondary. People tolerate
and Kendrick are singing
long-held tradition in Black
will prevail.
that from him. I think the
about their lives and their
music. I think music that
majority of people don’t care
stories and it’s relating to
incorporates the holistic
about his faith at all. Also,
a lot of people, but I think
human experience becomes
think it’s dead. It’s just
his path never went through
it’s a different mindset and
successful because it
naturally transitioning into
Christian infrastructure.
motive behind creating
resonates with people’s
FERN MIRANDA:
JULY-AUG
In Black
organizations, donors, etc.
I don’t
Chance is
Christian, Muslim, Five
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I don’t know. I
Percenter or other religions,
2019
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Ira Glass’ This American Life was a podcast back before there was really a word for it.
THE
DEFINING
STORIES
PODCASTS SOUND OFF
OUR FLAGSHIP SHOW NEEDS NO INTRODUCTION, but the podcast
SERIAL
HOMECOMING
REVISIONIST HISTORY
THE JOE ROGAN EXPERIENCE
NPR’s examination of Adnan
The most successful fiction-
Sometimes it’s good everyone
Some hosts are less productive.
Syed’s murder charges became
al podcast to date felt like a
has a podcast. Experts like Mal-
The Joe Rogan Experience cov-
a global obsession. None of its
classed-up audiobook and be-
colm Gladwell are more acces-
ers fringe beliefs and conspira-
successors have surpassed it.
came a terrific TV series.
sible than ever before.
cies, not always responsibly.
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movement as a whole has made impacts both seen and unseen since opinionated minds first sat behind microphones and released their thoughts onto the internet. The podcast world was a Wild West until the hyper-produced, meticulously researched Serial brought urgency and import to the form. From there, we saw not just a true-crime boom, but a dearth of long-form imitators, an influx of deep-divers and a new show to meet every niche interest, from Gilmore Girls to pizza to the ways we rewrite history. Podcasts enrich us, even if in the digital age they’re another way we stay plugged in.
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humanity and is able to
hop in CCM and don’t make
address the holy, the sensual
authentic music usually are
and the mundane without
rejected and become jaded
compartmentalizing them.
by that base. It’s just a niche
People want to see their
market.
humanity reflected in music: faith, love, sex, heartbreak,
JON FOREMAN:
spirituality, grief, doubt,
your story. Live out the self-
Be honest. Tell
happiness, questions.
sacrificial love of The Friend, Your Maker, Your Savior.
LISA GUNGOR:
His music is
Spend time seeking the
honest, vulnerable, he is a
Kingdom of Heaven rather
likable person, his lyrics are
than chasing after the fool’s
funny, it’s a fresh sound. As
gold of any finite game.
far as him having success in the faith-based world goes:
IS THE ERA OF
Christians like it when people
“PEAK TV” DEAD?
from the “outside” speak about God.
JOHN MARK MCMILLAN:
When we see someone
no idea. But I will say that
I have
speaking faith language in
my kids don’t know what a
mainstream music, we like
commercial is.
claiming them as our own, we
DEFINING
STORIES
THE RISE OF CELEBRITY CHRISTIANS & CELEBRITY PA S T O R S
like seeing the “light in the
JONATHAN BOCK:
darkness,” it strikes a chord.
seen “Peak TV” yet. Just wait.
We’ve not
It validates our beliefs. Also,
There are still another dozen
some faith-based circles just
TV platforms getting ready
really want Jesus to feel cool,
to launch. And until some
EVER SINCE CONSTANTINE SLAPPED A
so Chance does that for them.
of those platforms implode,
cross on his soldiers’ shields and called it a Christian army, Christians have been able to find some representation among their culture’s rich and powerful. Sometimes, this has worked out well, such as when President Obama led a packed-out crowd in a lovely, rowsing rendition of “Amazing Grace” at a funeral for one of the Emanuel 9 in Charleston. Other times ... well, let’s focus on the positives. Today, it’s not just the celebrities who are vocal about their faith that make headlines; Their pastors end up in the news, too. “Celebrity pastors” at big churches in influential cities draw scrutiny for their WASPy social circles, soft spirituality and, yes, sneaker collections that cost more than your laptop. But some of these “hypepriests” are also making headlines for their bold stands, tireless justice work and advocacy. Not everyone is called to be a celebrity. But some celebrities are definitely called.
every one of them will need WHAT LESSONS CAN
more content, not less.
CHRISTIANS IN OTHER CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
FERN MIRANDA:
LEARN FROM HOW
favorite internet producers
NATURALLY CHRISTIANS IN
said that YouTube is gearing
THE MUSIC INDUSTRY HAVE
up to be Gen Z’s TV. That
INCORPORATED THEIR FAITH
means all the content creators
INTO THEIR WORK?
that don’t fit within their
One of my
guidelines will no longer DEREK MINOR:
Good
be allowed on the platform.
question. Going back to God’s
2020 marks the year when
Not Dead and Christian films,
Gen Z will represent a large
I think many Christians in the
portion of the world’s buying
Christian space are naturally
populous. So basically, if
doing what others in
content creators are not
mainstream spaces are doing.
also creating their own
The music or thoughts that
platforms, they will die with
many of the most popular
the commercialization of
artists make in CCM is true to
the internet.
who they are. The guys that
JULY-AUG
THE
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BEYONCE Bow down, but never
figuring out how to utilize Pratt’s uncanny comedic timing to far more intriguing
forget that Beyonce has
effect in later seasons, Pratt himself was figuring himself out. Doubling down on
always been open about
his religious beliefs caused no small uproar for his public brand and was rumored
her own faith, Illuminati
to be part of the reason
rumors be hanged.
his longtime marriage to Anna Faris ended. These days, Pratt is leading a
THE ERA PROVED JUST WHAT AN ODD FIT FAITH IS FOR THE SPOTLIGHT.
JUDAH
few different billion-dollar
SMITH
franchises but he’s stayed refreshingly candid about
There are lots of “celebrity
his faith journey too.
pastors” but Smith, pastor of Churchome in Seattle, feels most representative of the whole.
SELENA
GOMEZ
KIM
AND
KANYE
Gomez has been in the
On the one hand, they’re avatars of opulance. On the
spotlight for most of her
other, the two attend and even host famously lovely
life, which explains her
worship services, and Kim has started leveraging her
natural dexterity in talking
fame for justice in the prison system. Their spiritual journey
about her faith publicly.
has been a wild one to witness.
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At first, he was just the goofy guy in Parks & Rec, but even as the show started
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WHAT TV SHOW FROM
otherwise. I love this show!
would actually urge people
THE LAST 10 YEARS HAS
Catfish is worth a study in
to consume content that
BEYOND SHOWS ABOUT THE
ENGAGED FAITH IN THE
its correlations to how and
might be outside of their
ACTUAL BIBLE, HOW CAN
MOST INTERESTING WAY?
why we “believe.” Thanks
typical comfort zone—
CHRISTIAN ARTISTS AND
for coming to my TED talk.
sometimes it can open eyes
FILMMAKERS PRODUCE
to other realities. Stories
CONTENT THAT WILL
can help us to understand
CONNECT WITH TV VIEWERS
ourselves and each other
IN THE FUTURE?
AMENA BROWN:
Greenleaf
engaged a lot of church
LISA GUNGOR:
and faith nuances, and
The Office.
Crashing.
particularly Black Church
better and help to find
and faith nuances, in an
HOW CAN PEOPLE NAVIGATE
interesting way. I also
THE OVERWHELMING
thought Mary Mary’s reality
NUMBER OF OPTIONS FOR
JON FOREMAN:
show engaged faith in some
TELEVISION?
not a hater. I’m sure there’s
interesting ways as well. In certain ways, the series
JULY-AUG
JERON SMITH:
There’s a lot
commonality with others.
JON FOREMAN:
Tell the
truth! Self-sacrificial love is Not sure. I’m
the story again and again.
a lot of great stuff to watch,
LISA GUNGOR:
I just find so many other
big. People are tired of one
Inclusion is
things to love!
kind of person filling the
Catfish engaged the ability
of clutter out there but also
to want to believe and have
a lot of quality storytelling
faith in someone even when
that is educational,
Take a walk! Pray! Spend
show the complexity of the
the odds were telling us
inspiring and time-worthy. I
time with your family!)
human condition.
(Turn it off and meditate!
068
screen. Nuanced characters
2019
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DEFINING
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STORIES
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The most popular show of the past decade ultimately cared more about
TV HAS ITS GOLDEN ERA
its own popularity than it did about meditations on power.
BREAKING
BAD
Breaking Bad was, at times, a black comedy, at other times a nail-biting
THE AUGHTS MADE TV BETTER THAN EVER, but when the
thriller, but in the final analysis, it was
ensuing decade saw the number of platforms multiply and the amount of star power crank up, we went from prestige TV to peak TV. Everyone used to know what to watch. Now, everyone watches different things, and it’s all great. The bloated landscape also means TV shows can focus on things other than entertainment without losing viewers. Niche audiences want shows that engage with ideas and social issues, and that means quality has risen with quantity.
one big, gobsmacking tragedy.
THE
GOOD
PLACE
One of the most surprising products of TV’s “anything goes” ethos, few shows are more curious about the meaning of life than Mike Schur’s comedy.
MAD LOST
MEN
People came for the suits, the glamor and, well, the sin. They stayed to see
Known most for its polarizing ending, Lost’s true legacy lies
how the wages of those sins unfurrled
in its honest engagement with themes of spiritual fate and
in riveting, masterful fashion.
cosmic purpose. It expanded the popular notion of what kind of themes a TV show was allowed to explore.
THE
WIRE
David Simon’s Baltimore epic compelled viewers to think critically
STARS | joAnnA newSom | gungoR | The Civil wARS | ARCAde fiRe
about criminal justice, public education and law enforcement.
47
is facebook killing your soul? p. 72
Black reBel motorcycle cluB p. 44
the guiding ethic of john c. Reilly p. 70
is the oil spill really Bp’s fault? p. 48
more people would change
NATALIE MANUEL LEE:
THEY STRIVE TO TELL
the way we consume.
Creating truthful content
THE TRUTH?
that is inclusive to all. I agree with Jonathan, we
FLEURIE:
provided us the model to
need to start to see the Bible
thing is just quiet the noise
deliver the message of God
as a conversation-starter,
and get away with God.
and salvation by speaking
not a conversation-ender.
Not just to ask What’s my
in parable and metaphor.
We don’t need to create
calling? Learn how to be
Up until now, we’ve tended
fantasy content of what
in solitude. Turn off your
to use faith as a sledge-
“should be,” we need to
phone. Turn off all the
goes, we need TV that urges
hammer. We have to be wise
create content of what is
screens. Learn how to be
us to take care of this planet
as serpents! To paraphrase
now and then what should
intimate with God in a way
or TV will be the very least
Rachel Held Evans, we need
be. And what should be is
that you’re quiet enough,
of our concerns. Many
to start to see the Bible
the Word. Let that be [what]
that He can share with you
faith-based circles still
as a conversation-starter,
defines our time.
His heart and what He’s
don’t believe our climate
not a conversation-ender.
is changing. If there was
That holds double true for
WHAT DOES THE NEXT
what He wants to use you
content showing the changes
entertainment audiences.
GENERATION OF ARTISTS
for. And also just so that He
NEED TO KEEP IN MIND AS
can fill you.
now prIntEd on rEcyclEd papEr
JONATHAN BOCK: 10
7
25274 63696
9
(Yes, Kyle Chandler’s Friday Night Lights is one of them)
ISSUE 47 | SEpt_oct 2010 | $4.95
And as far as the future
in a creative way, maybe
Jesus
I think the first
seeing in the world and
069
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CULTURE
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AS THE WORLD HAS GOTTEN MORE CONNECTED, WE’VE BECOME MORE AWARE OF GLOBAL SUFFERING AND JOINED THE FIGHT TO END IT.
Even as “SJW” has been wielded like an insult, the term itself is useful. The people who find ways to fight for justice in the social sphere have become heroes around the world—not just to those they’re helping, but to those of us who see them in action and are inspired by their stories and their courage. RELEVANT gathered a few such “social justice warriors” to get their thoughts on the last few years of global justice, and how things need to change in the future.
JULY-AUG
OVER THE LAST 15
this table play a role
than laws must be
RON SIDER:
YEARS, WHAT HAVE
that has transformed
changed. It’s not
are some indications
YOU SEEN AS THE
millions of lives. What
either/or—it’s both:
of increased
BIGGEST CHANGE IN
a difference 15 years
Both hearts and laws
concern: frequent
HOW THE CHURCH
can make!
must change in order
justice conferences;
for us to have a more
wonderful growth
just society. And the
of groups like
Church has a role to
International
play in both.
Justice Mission;
HAS ADDRESSED JUSTICE ISSUES?
KAREN SWALLOW PRIOR:
Becoming
There
JEREMY COURTNEY:
a pro-life activist
Now, we care. At
awakened my heart
least, more of us do.
and mind to the
GARY HAUGEN:
adoption by the
Fifteen years ago, a
prophetic role of the
There was a time
National Association
huge proportion—
Church in the culture.
when justice work
of Evangelicals of
especially those of
What has changed
was viewed as a
their public policy
us in the majority—
in the last 15 years is
distraction from
document, “For the
didn’t. Today,
that it seems many in
the “real” Gospel,
Health of the Nation.”
churches are leading
the Church—in the
as something that
It affirms a broad,
the way, in many
face of other issues—
was political and
biblically balanced
cases, in giving their
claim now that this
secular, as an extra
agenda including;
time and money and
prophetic, world-
credit option or as
abortion, marriage,
platform to educating
changing role is not
a pet issue of a few.
religious freedom,
and empowering
what the Church is
Now, the Church has
economic and racial
others. It’s an
about. In the past 15
rediscovered justice
justice, peacemaking,
indivisible part of
years, the cry of the
as a core passion
and the environment.
how we understand
Church that laws must
of God and His
But in spite of
“mission” now. That
be just and justice
calling to us to be His
that, 81% of white
wasn’t the case for
must be pursued
hands and feet in the
evangelicals voted
a lot of us 15 years
has sadly quieted in
world actually doing
for a presidential
ago and RELEVANT
some corners. They
the work.
candidate that long-
helped those of us at
say hearts rather
072
the unanimous
time Republican
2019
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education accessible to women and children who had to spend time retrieving water for their families.
JUSTICE
Wells make
D
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evangelicals (e.g., President
is that today—after Trayvon
authoritarian leaders across
United States, I believe that
Bush’s speechwriter,
Martin, Michael Brown,
the globe and his continued
justice cannot be cast aside
Michael Gerson, and
John Crawford, Tamir Rice,
support from white
as a side issue but is really a
Southern Baptist leader,
Sandra Bland, Ferguson,
evangelicals—after all of
core part of the Gospel.
Russell Moore) said was
Baltimore, Charlottesville,
this, the evangelical church
“We must move from charity to justice.”
WHAT ARE SOME WAYS
with the question of race and
THE CHURCH AS A WHOLE
gender hierarchy impacts its
CAN BETTER ADDRESS THE
witness in the world.
NEEDS OF THE WORLD’S MOST VULNERABLE
JENNY YANG:
Fifteen years
PEOPLE?
ago when I started working
–Jenny Yang
on immigration issues,
BRITTANY PACKNETT:
the white evangelical
can begin by recognizing
We
church was hesitant to get
that there is only one
engaged too deeply, but
Savior—and none of us
since then, we have seen
are Him. Our superiority
racist, sexist, dishonest
Donald Trump’s boast
pastors preaching about
and savior complexes do
and unfit to be president.
that he grabs women’s
immigration from the pulpit
nothing to end injustice—
It is discouraging that the
genitalia, the unwavering
and churches developing
only our solidarity does.
vast majority of white
evangelical base of support
immigrant legal services.
Solidarity requires two
evangelicals failed to
that led to the election
Having relationships with
critical shifts:
follow the agenda of the
of Donald Trump, the
people [who are] affected as
First, that we are led by
NAE’s official public policy
Muslim ban, brown babies
well as developing a biblical
those who are most affected
document.
in cages, the nomination
worldview with a deepened
by an injustice. We do not
and confirmation of Brett
theology about tough issues
get to dictate the mode or
Kavanaugh despite his
can be transformative in a
the medium of freedom for
most significant change
likely sexual abuse of
person’s justice journey. As
others—we can only follow
in how the Church has
women, Trump’s support
the Church becomes more
the lead of the vision they
addressed issues of justice
of white nationalists’
diverse globally and in the
set for themselves, asking
LISA SHARON HARPER:
THE
understands that how it deals
JUSTICE
The
PANEL
JEREMY COURTNEY
SHANE CLAIBORNE
BRITTANY PACKNETT
JENNY YANG
LISA SHARON HARPER
FOUNDER OF PREEMPTIVE
AUTHOR OF IRRESISTIBLE
ACTIVIST AND CO-FOUNDER
SENIOR VP OF POLICY
SOJOURNERS’ SENIOR
LOVE COALITION
REVOLUTION
OF CAMPAIGN ZERO
AT WORLD RELIEF
DIRECTOR OF MOBILIZING
RON SIDER
KAREN SWALLOW PRIOR
GARY HAUGEN
KRISTIN WRIGHT
KYLE MEYAARD-SCHAAP
FOUNDER OF
AUTHOR, PROFESSOR AND
FOUNDER OF
DIRECTOR OF
SPOKESPERSON
EVANGELICALS FOR
PRO-LIFE ACTIVIST
INTERNATIONAL
ADVOCACY AT OPEN
AND ORGANIZER
JUSTICE MISSION
DOORS USA
FOR Y.E.C.A.
SOCIAL ACTION
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With TOMS Shoes, Blake Mycoskie showed how justice can be a core element of a business model.
THE
DEFINING
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SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURISM M A K E S I M PA C T S U S TA I N A B L E WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF YOU COULD combine
culture’s love of consumerism and young generations’ passion for supporting causes that are making an impact? The answer is the modern phenomenon of social entrepreneurism. Thanks to buy-one-give-one companies like TOMS and Warby Parker (which give to those in need for every product sold) and brands like KNOWN SUPPLY and Sseko Designs that support communities in the developing world, even major brands have made supporting causes a part of their business models.
TOMS
SHOES
In 2006, Blake Mycoskie came up with a novel concept: Buy a pair, give a pair. It’s hard to explain just how revolutionary the idea seemed then.
WARBY
PARKER
For every pair of glasses sold by the eyewear brand, communities in the developing world receive optometry services and even glasses.
7
Specializing in uniquely-flavored
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snacks and gum, Project 7 supports
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organizations making a difference in seven strategic impact areas.
075
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PROJECT
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INDIE NONPROFITS S TA R T MOVEMENTS WHEN YOUNG NIGHT CLUB PROMOTER Scott
Harrison decided he wanted to leave the world of nightlife and make a difference in the real world, he decided to do something radical and use his entrepreneurial skills for good. After a season of volunteering, he went on to found charity: water, an organization that has provided water to millions. Since 2006, stories like Scott’s have become commonplace, with young activists going beyond just using their personal platforms to help others, but putting their skills to work, launching whole indie nonprofit organizations, committed to making a difference.
CHARITY:
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WATER
Scott Harrison’s unique business model and entrepreneurial savvy made charity: water the model to beat.
ONE
CAMPAIGN
The nonprofit has mobilized celebrities, religious figures and political leaders against poverty and preventable diseases.
INVISIBLE
CHILDREN
Before Invisible Children’s YouTube documentary about Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony, people didn’t know just how viral a video like this could go. It garnered millions of views overnight. However, capturing a warlord in a region rife with geopolitical tension proved more difficult than the video led on. Today, Kony remains on the run.
A21 Founded by evangelist Christine Caine and her husband Nick, A21 works to free women and girls from trafficking and sex slavery.
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permission to be useful
cities, even our own
they will do to us that
in the movement and
neighborhoods), we
is most dangerous. I’m
spending our privilege
learn firsthand the
more afraid of what
to achieve the win.
needs of the world’s
we do to others when
most vulnerable—
we, the people with
love beyond charity.
and we have the
the money and power,
Charity is food and
opportunity to respond
traipse through refugee
has its place—people
both as a friend and
camps or slums in the
need to be fed, housed
as a neighbor. Pope
name of doing good. We
and fueled in the here
Francis recently
do great harm when
and now. But charity
discussed not just the
we try to live out our
is only concerned
“why” of giving to
values “over there” in
with feeding 500
the poor but also the
a way that is totally at
people on a single day;
“how.” In an interview
odds with how we live
solidarity is concerned
with Scarp de’ Tenis,
at home.
with replacing the
translated as “Tennis
systems that leave 500
Shoes,” a monthly
KAREN SWALLOW PRIOR:
people hungry in the
publication with a
Our perspectives
first place. Solidarity
focus on the poor and
as Christians need
is concerned with
marginalized, the pope
to be more global,
recognizing the power
said the way a gift is
more historical, more
inherent in those who
given is as important
holistic and more
are marginalized, and
as the gift itself. He
biblical. It can begin
supporting them in
challenged readers to
simply by listening
exercising it to achieve
give to the person who
to the vulnerable.
justice and liberation.
asks—and when we
It’s ironic for anyone
give, to touch the hands
who declares belief in
than solidarity is a
of that individual and
absolute, objective truth
paternalistic exercise
look with kindness into
to rely so heavily on
to save people who
their eyes. In other
their own individual,
don’t need saving—
words, this act of giving
subjective experience
they simply deserve
isn’t simply about the
in assessing the needs
our support.
gift—it’s about restoring
of our culture.
Second is that we
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D
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something precious that is too often lost in
LISA SHARON HARPER:
order to address the
the midst of poverty
When we shift from
needs of the world’s
and vulnerability:
a view of the Church
most vulnerable, one
human dignity.
that is fundamentally
KRISTIN WRIGHT:
In
practical step we can
located in the affluent JEREMY COURTNEY:
is to intentionally
need to live it out in our
westerners to the
expose ourselves to the
own neighborhoods. It
reality of the Church
realities of injustice
is dangerous to bop into
that it is fundamentally
and poverty. By being
some poor countries
located in the Southern
present in some of
or places like Iraq and
Hemisphere in the
the darkest, most
Syria in the middle of
brown and black hands
difficult places in the
war—but not for the
of the oppressed, then
world (often these
reasons that first come
our presupposition
places are in our own
to mind. It’s not what
about who is vulnerable
077
We
hands of white
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
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each take in our lives
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would change. We would
place to fish and being able to fish
like this cultivates
understand it is the Church, itself,
in clean, unpolluted water as an
mutual influence
that is the most vulnerable—not
example. We must alter systems
by which we can
people to be saved by the Church.
and structures that often impact
all learn and grow
poor people disproportionately,
with one another.
SHANE CLAIBORNE:
Often
our biggest problem is not a
that goes beyond meeting that person’s physical needs.
RON SIDER:
compassion problem, but a
If
every person ABORTION REMAINS AN IMPORTANT
is made in the
we don’t care about the poor,
ISSUE FOR MANY CHRISTIANS. HOW
image of God
it’s that we don’t know the poor.
DO YOU HOPE CHRISTIANS WILL
and is immeasurably precious,
We are good at talking about
EXPAND THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF
then respect for the sanctity of
people but not as good at talking
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE PRO-LIFE IN
human life dare not start and end
to them or with them. It’s true
THE FUTURE?
with abortion and euthanasia
on almost every social issue, we
(although we must work to reduce SCHAAP:
As people
both). Millions dying of starvation and diseases we know how to
“It’s not that we don’t
made in the image
prevent is a pro-life issue. So is
of a life-creating
millions dying prematurely of
care about the poor...
God and followers
tobacco smoke. Black Lives Matter
of a Savior who
has called our attention to the
proclaimed that
terrible fact that many African-
He came to give
Americans get killed by the police
abundant life, it is
without any justification. That,
right for Christians
too, is a pro-life issue.
We don’t know the poor.” –Shane Claiborne
66
KYLE MEYAARD-
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proximity problem. It’s not that
to be concerned about abortion.
HOW CAN CHRISTIANS MOST
Somehow, though,
EFFECTIVELY ADDRESS THE ISSUE
a large portion of
OF ABORTION?
the Church came talk about people we don’t know
to believe that a commitment
LISA SHARON HARPER:
—immigrants, Muslims, exploited
to protecting life means being
has shown the way to decrease
workers … if we truly care about
concerned only about abortion,
abortions is through poverty
the issues of social justice, then the
rather than all other injustices
alleviation. According to a 2014
issues have names and faces.
that diminish and destroy life like
report of the U.S. Conference
the death penalty, euthanasia,
of Catholic Bishops economic
poverty, climate change, lack
hardship was a prime driver of
from charity to justice. Charity
of affordable healthcare, mass
abortion rates in their 2005 study:
can meet someone’s immediate
incarceration, police brutality,
“73% of women undergoing an
needs but justice is about power.
a broken and inhumane
abortion said not being able to
Giving money is important and
immigration system and more.
afford a baby now was a reason
JENNY YANG:
We must move
is needed as a part of charity, but
JULY-AUG
Research
for the abortion. That number
giving is often done out of our own
KAREN SWALLOW PRIOR:
Tackling
convenience and comfort, without
something as pervasive as abortion
federal poverty line. And while the
it actually impacting how we live
requires a “big tent” approach
abortion rate for American women
out our lives in relationship to
that encourages many joining
declined by 8% between 2000
others. It’s not just about teaching
together in common cause despite
and 2008, among poor American
someone how to fish, but making
disagreements on other issues. At
women it increased by 18%.”
sure that person has access to a
the same time, working together
Overturning Roe would not
078
rose to 81% for women below the
2019
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#METOO EMPOWERS ABUSE SURVIVORS ALYSSA
EVERYONE KNEW HARVEY WEINSTEIN WAS BAD NEWS. The rumors had spread far beyond
Hollywood and even into the consciousness of the casual celebrity gossip circles. But there wasn’t much anyone could do about it. Weinstein’s power was immense—his role in the film industry nigh invincible, until a few brave women chose to hold hands and jump. Few could have predicted the ripple effect, which overturned power structures far, far beyond Hollywood. The wave of #MeToo reached the political sphere, the newspaper industry, the celebrity food scene and, yes, even the church world—which saw some of its most prominent leaders under the spotlight of women who were suddenly, finally, being taken seriously.
MILANO
Few actors were more vocal, and harder to ignore in their condemnation of Hollywood misogyny than Milano, who’d been talking about it for years.
#CHURCHTOO In the wake of #MeToo, Emily Joy and Hannah Paasch started a churchcentric hashtag as a space for women to share their own stories.
KESHA After a trial in which Kesha sought release from her contract over allegations of abuse, she released “Praying” as an ode to the movement.
#MeToo was the rare social media movement that took on a life far beyond the digital space.
JUSTICE
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DEFINING
STORIES
BLACK LIVES M AT T E R MOBILIZES A MOMENT FOR SOME, IT STARTED WITH TRAYVON MARTIN, who was shot and killed by
George Zimmerman. For others, it was Sandra Bland, who was found dead in her jail cell. For still others, it was 12-year-old Tamir Rice, shot dead by police while holding a toy gun. For many, it was the protests in Ferguson that resulted from the death of Michael Brown. In all these cases, no one was held accountable for the deaths of young, black, unarmed men and women, whose awful deaths led to a national wakeup call about the ongoing racism lingering in U.S. institutions. There have been more names, and there will still be more, but no one can say they don’t know about it. They never truly could. FERGUSON In 2014, Ferguson became the beating heart of the Black Lives Matter movement, as grief and rage boiled over following Michael Brown’s death.
TRAYVON
MARTIN
Martin’s death was an eye-opening moment for the U.S., not the first and certainly not the last, but a headline that anticipated a movement.
CHARLOTTESVILLE A group of white supremacists responded to the perceived threat of growing racial diversity with a nationalist march in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Colin Kaepernick ignited a movement by protesting police brutality on his knees.
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REL EVANTMAGAZINE.COM
2012 NE W MUSIC GUIDE ILLEG AL IMMIGR ATION:
A CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
JASON SEGEL
created this fragmentation
the necessary steps to
are also the ones that have
prevent likely disaster
JENNY YANG:
helped bring about rapid,
for our children and
believe an unwillingness
dramatic changes for
grandchildren.
to engage in political
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
example, the #MeToo and
THE LEGENDARY GROUP ON GOD, FALLON AND WH Y HIP-HOP IS AN IMPORTANT VOICE FOR JUS TICE
ISSUE 56 / MAR_APR 2012 / $4.95
I also
issues for fear of being
#ChurchToo movements
LISA SHARON HARPER:
seen as too partisan or
that were fueled by
How does it change how
connected to power is a
social media and online
we understand Jesus
hindrance for churches
communities.
Himself to understand that
engaging in justice. It
Rome explicitly believed
swings both ways, where
in the supremacy of
power can indeed corrupt
GARY HAUGEN:
A major
end abortion. It would
barrier is the way
Western culture and white
and distort our view of
ISSUE
only send the decision
Christians get thrown
able-bodied men. In this
the world, but choosing
back to states. States most
back and forth between a
political construct, Jesus
not to engage at all in
likely to outlaw abortion
paralyzing obliviousness
was physically brown
systems and structures that
56
already have the lowest
and a paralyzing despair.
and politically Black. Yet,
determine how our society
populations and lowest
Our busy, distracted lives
the locus of evangelical
is ordered means we are
abortion rates. States less
can leave us knowing next
church authority to define
often not addressing the
likely to outlaw abortion
to nothing about a major
orthodoxy is centered in
root causes of what causes
have highest populations
justice issue like modern
the social location of the
poverty, vulnerability and
with corresponding high
slavery. Then suddenly,
empire—within the abled
violence in our world.
abortion rates. Abortion
we catch a graphic media
bodies of white men.
Choosing to be apolitical
follows poverty. To
exposé on the issue, we
diminish abortion, we must
feel overwhelmed and
KRISTIN WRIGHT:
diminish poverty.
despairing—and we do
is everywhere in the
do not have. We have to
not know where to plug
world, and paralysis can
engage politically without
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS
in to make a tangible,
certainly arise from being
becoming partisan and be
HINDERING THE CHURCH
meaningful individual
overwhelmed by the
willing to work with people
FROM EFFECTIVELY
contribution.
magnitude of the problems
across the political aisle to
we see. I know that feeling!
accomplish common goals
That paralysis can make
for the common good.
is a privilege that some of
ADDRESSING MAJOR JUSTICE CONCERNS?
RON SIDER:
The ghastly
Injustice
(sinful) failure of many
us feel like walking away
the most broken people
white Christians (especially
forever ... instead of
WHAT’S A JUSTICE
white evangelicals) to
staying, standing alongside,
ISSUE THAT CHRISTIANS
one that is fragmented
know, listen to, live with
speaking out.
SHOULD BE MORE
and atomized. It’s
and go to church with
But when we stop staring
CONCERNED ABOUT IN
therefore easy for us to
black Christians means
at the size of the problem,
THE COMING YEARS?
be momentarily outraged
that white Christians
and instead look—-as
by cases that flit across
do not understand and
Pope Francis mentioned
LISA SHARON HARPER:
our screens but lack the
work to end ongoing
in his guidance on giving
For things to be made
framework required
racism in our country. The
to the poor—into the eyes
well, two things must
to understand isolated
intellectual dishonesty that
of the person directly in
happen: We must reconcile
situations within their
enables many Christians
front of us, the work of
America’s competing
broader, systemic contexts.
to deny the science about
justice becomes more
narratives and we must
This leaves us feeling
human-induced global
about the action we take
repair what race broke in
overwhelmed and helpless
warming both undermines
in the moment, wherever
the world. Truth-telling
to make meaningful
respect for Christians
we are, and less about the
and reparation are both
change. But the same
and contributes to our
overwhelming magnitude
biblical concepts. They are
media and technology that
country failing to take
of injustice globally.
not partisan. Reparation
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KAREN SWALLOW PRIOR:
The modern condition is
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JoHn MArk McMIll An
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tHe Hold steAdy
beyond blockbusters our summer movie guide
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god. life. progressive culture.
is fundamentally about
in Matthew 25 that when
what it takes to repair what
we welcome the stranger,
PRIOR:
the hierarchies of human
we’re indeed welcoming
is no longer
belonging have broken in
Jesus Himself. To take His
taking our
the world.
commands seriously, we must
plastics,
do more to create a culture of
landfills are
BRITTANY PACKNETT:
welcome and hospitality, and
reaching
Poverty. If the love of money
fight against the easy tropes,
capacity,
is the root of all evil, we
stereotypes, and denigrations
some cities
know that poverty is the very
of people who are leaving
are no longer
manifestation of evil. Poverty
everything behind to find
recycling, and the thrift
kills, poverty hurts. Poverty
safety elsewhere.
stores are refusing donations.
KAREN SWALLOW
aligns itself with systemic
now prIntEd on rEcyclEd papEr
China
08
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with stuff. Whether out
CHRISTIANS WILL START TO
of necessity or awareness
constant. That is not of God.
SEE CLIMATE CHANGE AS AN
or both, I believe people
ISSUE THAT THEY SHOULD BE
are beginning to see the
CONCERNED WITH?
consequences of our excess.
also have a problem with KYLE MEYAARD-SCHAAP:
begin to embrace a lifestyle of
is one of the demons that
Yes! And they already are,
reducing and reusing, I think
continues to haunt America—
because faithful Christians
we will no longer have the
it goes all the way back to
across the world are wresting
defensive need to be in denial
our foundation. Our country
the conversation away from
about the impact our actions
was built on violence—the
the realm of partisan politics
have on the environment.
slaughter of natives and
and placing it in the realm
Regardless of one’s views
the forced enslavement of
of faithful discipleship.
on climate change, it’s hard
Africans. It’s hard to get our
Climate change is a threat
to deny the mountains of
future right until we get our
to our neighbor’s well-being
garbage we can’t get rid of.
history right.
and to God’s good creation, which means it also presents
HOW CAN CHURCHES
an opportunity for us to
GET MORE INVOLVED IN
migration. More than 60
love God and our neighbors
ISSUES RELATED TO RACIAL
million people in our world
better. Climate action is a
INJUSTICE?
today have been displaced
tangible act of evangelism
by conflict, persecution
because after all, Jesus told
KAREN SWALLOW PRIOR:
and natural disaster. We
us that His message was
need to go out of our way to
are witnessing the greatest
especially good news for the
equip and empower different
migration the world has
poor, the imprisoned and
people: men, women, black,
experienced since World War
the oppressed. Our witness
white, brown, disabled, etc.
II—and issues such as climate
to that good news is only
Sometimes that will require
change and hostile borders
enhanced when we take
us to move over or give up
are only complicating it.
actions that result in things
our seat at the head of the
that are good for the poor,
table in order to make room
the marginalized, and the
for other voices. I had many
His comfort and privilege to
oppressed. And clean air to
men do that for me, as a
enter into our brokenness,
breathe and a sustainable
woman, and I need to do that
we have a responsibility to
future is definitely good news
in turn for others who have
do the same for others. Jesus
for all!
been underrepresented.
JENNY YANG:
If Jesus left all
n.t. WrIGHt
on Living in The in-beTween p. 66
As we face that reality and
violence, and I think that
Forced
REFLECTION ETERNAL
Everywhere we are overrun
make cyclical suffering
KRISTIN WRIGHT:
tAlIb kWelI & HI-tek’s
p. 54
DO YOU THINK MORE
We
9
ISSUE 46 | JUl_aUg 2010 | $4.95
racism and oppression to
SHANE CLAIBORNE:
FuTure oF F o r e s T r Y
Experts now say climate change threatens many
We
major cities in coming years because of sealevel rise.
was a refugee and told us
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THE WORLD WA K E S U P TO C L I M AT E C H A N G E OF THE MANY ISSUES facing
the next generation, few feel more urgent than climate change. The issue itself is twisting like a vice around almost every other issue. Concerned about disease overseas? The plight will only be worsened by a rapidly warming Earth. Have a heart for refugees? Their numbers will swell exponentially as extreme weather patterns become the norm, driving a scarcity of resources. Or maybe you’re concerned about global poverty? The first victims of climate change will be those
AN
living in poverty. In fact, they already are affected. Climate change has become a needlessly partisan issue in the U.S., but it doesn’t have to be. The science is well-documented and even the most cynical skeptic must now reckon with photographic evidence of shrinking ice caps and vanishing animal species. The next generation is taking the reality of climate change for granted—it remains to be seen whether their elected leaders will take their jobs seriously and start funding proposals that can make a difference.
INCONVENIENT
TRUTH
Al Gore’s documentary put real words and stats to a phenomenon that had, up to that point, been poorly understood.
CLIMATE
ACCORD
JUSTICE
PARIS
IPCC
In 2016, the United Nations signed
The Intergovernmental Panel on
a major greenhouse-gas-emissions
Climate Change released a landmark
mitigation, adaptation and finance
report in 2018, highlighting the fast
agreement.
approaching deadline for change.
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T H A T
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G E N E R A T I O N
TOM HANKS | THE RISE OF HAIM | BOB GOFF | NEEDTOBREATHE | 7 LIFE-CHANGING QUESTIONS FAITH, CULTURE & INTENTIONAL LIVING
REL E VA N T M AG A ZINE.COM
THE STATE OF MUSIC 2014
THE
DEFINING
FEATURING The Black Keys, Frank Ocean, Propaganda & Grimes
STORIES
G L O B A L V I O L E N C E TA K E S C E N T E R S TA G E WAR. WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR? The
INVASION
OF
IRAQ
ISSUE 68 | MAR_APR 2014 | $4.95
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2/3/14 7:35 PM
In 2003, a U.S.-led coalition invaded Iraq and toppled the government of Saddam Hussein, beginning a war that continues to this day and
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shows few signs of abating.
#BRINGBACKOURGIRLS
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answer depends on who you ask, but there never seems to be a shortage of powerful people spoiling for armed conflict, and the last 15 years have seen grisly advances in military technology. As the United States’ war in Iraq has continued to drag on, the use of drones has come under increasing scrutiny. Estimations on just how many lives the Iraq War has claimed vary widely. Most experts agree the number of civilians killed easily exceeds half a million people, though
the number of deaths that have occurred as an indirect result of the spiraling unease in the Middle East is impossible to determine. After the second World War, our planet enjoyed a few decades of relative peace, and it’s only the last few years that armed conflict has started to see a small uptick. Perhaps it just took a few generations to forget how grim and grueling war can actually be. Hopefully this next one will remember and start looking for more peaceful solutions.
BATTLE LINES IN THE HOLY LAND HAVE BEEN DRAWN FOR DECADES. BUT IF THERE’S A REAL PATH TOWARD PEACE, WILL THE CHURCH TAKE ACTION?
As terrorism has become increasingly visible, so have the social media means of fighting back and asking for help.
TRAVEL
BAN
In 2017, the Trump administration ordered a controversial “travel ban” which barred immigrants from Muslim-majority nations.
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programs combating
congregations across
justice and have no interest
reconciliation must start
poverty. And we need to
the U.S. are rejecting the
in a Gospel that doesn’t
small. We can’t expect
understand national and
arbitrary divisions that
embody God’s passion for
to have diversity in our
global economic structures
the Church has built up
that work.
worship services until our
so we can vote in a way
between worshipping Jesus
dinner tables and living
that promotes the right
and pursuing justice, and
RON SIDER:
rooms change. Racial
structural changes.
are doing it with creativity,
Jesus rose from the dead and
courage and joy.
is now King of Kings. And
SHANE CLAIBORNE:
Racial
S
reconciliation must begin in our homes and in our lives.
RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION
WHAT ARE WAYS THAT THE
INCREASED IN RECENT
always at work through
faithful Christians should
CHURCH CAN ADDRESS
YEARS. WHAT CAN
His people to restore and
be concerned both with
EXTREME POVERTY?
CHRISTIANS DO IN THE
redeem the brokenness of
evangelism and social action.
COMING YEARS TO
the world, and I see young
HELP THOSE WHO FEEL
people especially engaged
LISA SHARON HARPER:
THREATENED?
with a depth and a passion
find hope in the Scripture
The U.S.
learn from the global
God is
D
Christians just assume that
I
that I believe will help
and in the tide of history.
Church about how to
KRISTIN WRIGHT:
them run the marathon
I remember Scripture’s
address poverty. In
Religious persecution is
for justice.
Genesis 1:26 declaration
Rwanda, for example,
widespread and on the
World Relief started
rise against communities
BRITTANY PACKNETT:
us—created in the image
Church Empowerment
all over the world. We can
I’m made hopeful by
of God. In the same breath
Zones (CEZ) to empower
help stop persecution in its
the many voices of new
God declares all humanity is
and equip the Church
tracks by first addressing
groups of leaders. People
created to exercise dominion
to respond to poverty
the prejudice that spawns
like Michelle Higgins and
in the world—to steward the
holistically, moving from
violence. And we will never
Starsky Wilson and Traci
world, to protect the world,
interventions focused
be more successful at this
Blackmon take the ministry
to serve, cultivate and care
on community deficits
than when we honor those
to places others are
for the world.
and professional-client
who are different by giving
unwilling, and invite those
I remember how Jesus’
relationships to a model
our time, our attention,
in who would otherwise be
life affirmed the call of
that empowers the
and our efforts to love and
rejected. They, themselves,
brown colonized people to
community by building
protect them. That starts by
were once those rejected
defy the imposed human
on local assets and
getting to know those who
because they didn’t fit the
hierarchies of empire;
professional community
believe differently, and
archetype of leadership in
woman, slave, Jew.
partnerships. With the
advocating for all those
traditional spaces. But they
I remember Paul’s
building blocks laid and
who face discrimination
are willing to do the work
declaration that these
beliefs and values instilled,
and persecution.
of purpose beyond the
power differentials are
pomp and circumstance. I
obliterated by the cross—
that we are all—all of
technical interventions become rooted in powerful
WHAT GIVES YOU HOPE
like my leaders courageous.
that when we are baptized
scriptural support.
FOR THE FUTURE OF THE
The courageous ones
we are cleansed of the
CHURCH?
always give me hope.
lenses of hierarchy given to
live more simply in our
KYLE MEYAARD-SCHAAP:
GARY HAUGEN:
personal lives so we can
The young people I get
hopeful to see a generation
from baptism’s waters is
share more effectively with
to work with every day
of Christians emerging who
the image of God in all.
good non-governmental
on campuses and in
share God’s passion for
RON SIDER:
E
the fact that many younger JENNY YANG:
JENNY YANG:
R
The fact that
HAS DRAMATICALLY
Church has so much to
D
We need to
us by the kingdoms of men. All we see when we rise
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It makes me
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ELEVANT has always abided by a few different metrics when it comes
1
2
3
to deciding whether or not an album is worth recommending. The first is obvious: Is it good? The second is more subjective: Does it promote a
healthy way of looking at the world, ourselves and the LOOK UP CHILD
COLORING BOOK
LEMONADE
LAUREN DAIGLE
CHANCE THE RAPPER
BEYONCE
No album has better in-
See that album cover?
First she told the ladies
habited the lanes of spir-
Chance looking down?
to get in formation, then
itual conviction, musical
That’s what you get to do
Beyonce
frightening clip, but for our 100th issue we wanted to
dexterity and that inef-
when you’re at the top
body, heart and soul
take a look at the albums we’ve covered that have—
fable x-factor of cultural
of your game, which is
out for them, crafting a
and will continue to—stand up to the test of time.
impact than Daigle’s in-
where this album found
confessional
stant classic.
Chance the Rapper.
the ages.
people around us? And finally: Is it important? Does it add something unique to the cultural conversation— something that wouldn’t exist if the album itself didn’t exist? This can be a little hard to determine on a day-to-day basis, when music comes and goes at a
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KENDRICK LAMAR Who’s gonna pray for him? Well, somebody must be doing it because gifts like this don’t come naturally. Truth be told, just about anything King Kendrick’s had his hands on is worthy of inclusion on this list, since few artists have married sheer talent to the spiritual journey with such thrilling results. And he’s just getting started.
17
TO PIMP A BUTTERFLY GOOD
4
6
9
10
KID,
M.A.A.D
CITY
11
BACK TO BLACK
IN RAINBOWS
SIGH NO MORE
RADIOHEAD
MY BEAUTIFUL DARK TWISTED FANTASY
ELEPHANT
AMY WINEHOUSE
THE WHITE STRIPES
MUMFORD & SONS
It’s a testament to Wine-
Not many bands, least of
KANYE WEST
No matter how many
The Mumford moment
house’s
that
all this one, hit a whole
times you hear the “Sev-
would fall subject to a
tragedy
new creative peak over
No album more defined
en Nation Army” chorus
deluge of think pieces
and shocking death can’t
a decade into their ca-
what the next decade
chanted in soccer sta-
and hot takes, but there’s
overshadow the wonder
reer. That’s how good
would sound like than
diums, it never loses an
no denying the wizardry
of her creative talent.
Radiohead is.
this 2010 masterpiece.
inch of its primal power.
of their debut.
her
brilliance
personal
12
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15
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CHANNEL ORANGE
BARTON HOLLOW
T A K K ...
JAMES BLAKE
FRANK OCEAN
THE CIVIL WARS
SIGUR ROS
JAMES BLAKE
I LOVE YOU, HONEYBEAR
The world was supposed
Before the drama, the
You’d sing gibberish too
No
to end in 2012, but in-
rumors
if you crafted melodies
able to marry the sing-
Truth tellers will always
stead we got Channel
board gossip, there were
this
er-songwriter
of
be a welcome presence
Orange, which catapult-
just these two master-
simply can’t do the spir-
yesteryear to the new
in music, and few are as
ed us into a whole differ-
class songwriters at the
itual rapture on display in
aesthetic of today than
committed to the art as
ent way of life.
top of their game.
this album justice.
James Blake.
Father John Misty.
FATHER JOHN MISTY
and
message
089
heavenly.
Words
artist
was
better
vibe
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“AWAKEN, MY L O V E !”
A L B U M S
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21
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24
BROTHERS
DEMON DAYS
I AM MOUNTAIN
THE BLACK KEYS
GORILLAZ
GUNGOR
THE BEAUTIFUL LETDOWN
One of the best Ameri-
Bringing rap and elec-
Gungor made worship
Donald Glover may or
can albums of its decade
tronica
music that didn’t feel like
Not the first Christian act
may not be able to “do
sounded like it came
still seen as a commer-
worship
which
to crossover to the main-
it all,” but he did this, and
from a whole different
cial risk when Demon
is probably the highest
stream but probably the
that’s more than most
decade, in the best pos-
Days dropped. Today, it’s
compliment you could
first one to leave the
people can say.
sible way.
commonplace.
have paid the band.
door open behind them.
CHILDISH GAMBINO
25
SWITCHFOOT
26
together
was
27
28
HOT FUSS
GIVE UP
BON IVER
THE KILLERS
THE POSTAL SERVICE
BON IVER
Of all the “the” bands
music,
29
SPEAKERBOXXX/ THE LOVE BELOW
GARDEN STATE SOUNDTRACK
OUTKAST
VARIOUS ARTISTS
From sad sack in the
that emerged in the ear-
Listening to The Postal
mountains to ‘80s-aping
“Hey Ya!” is the best pop
There won’t be any oth-
ly ‘00s, nobody has aged
Service today, it’s easy to
pop diva, Justin Vernon
song of the decade, and
er soundtracks on this
more gracefully than The
forget how radical their
truly can do it all, and
that’s just facts, but it’s
list, but we made an ex-
Killers, and this is where it
sound really was when it
make it all sound gor-
hardly the only reason
ception for this change-
all started.
first appeared.
geously human.
this album is a legend.
your-life amazing one.
23
ARCADE FIRE Less is less. That’s the Arcade Fire way. In terms of bandmembers, sound, thematic scope and even just in the sheer volume of their output, this is a band that has never met a sentence they couldn’t put into caps lock. They’re practically impossible to ignore, so it’s a good thing they’re nearly always worth listening to.
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34
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TRANSATLANTICISM
BOXER
X & Y
LONERISM
DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE
THE NATIONAL
COLDPLAY
TAME IMPALA
MODERN VAMPIRES OF THE CITY VAMPIRE WEEKEND
became
At their peak, Coldplay
Nobody’s
No band summed up the
the avatar of mid-class
was operating at a rare
when or how it hap-
With this album, Vam-
mid-’00s indie moment
ennui and white-collar
level of commercial pop-
pened, but at some point
pire Weekend went from
better than Death Cab,
existential angst, which
ularity and creative zest,
Tame Impala became
indie-rock curiosity to a
and Death Cab never put
would be insufferable if
wonderfully captured on
tasked with keeping rock
vital part of America’s
out a better album.
it wasn’t so, so good.
this album.
‘n’ roll alive.
cultural conversation.
The
National
quite
sure
HILLSONG UNITED
19
If the only thing Hillsong United did was transform the modern worship music scene, they’d still be on this list. But this band’s imprint actually goes much deeper. Their keen interest in how their faith should impact the way they live has helped transform the world’s perception of what the next generation of Christians might look like. BON
IVER ZION
36
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FLEET FOXES
GOLDEN HOUR
FLEET FOXES
KACEY MUSGRAVES
39
I’M WIDE AWAKE IT’S MORNING
40
BORDERLAND
PURE HEROINE LORDE
BRIGHT EYES
JOHN MARK MCMILLAN
The gorgeous harmonies
Call it country. Call it pop.
straight out of a 1970s
Call it Americana or even
Forget about the ste-
It took a little while, but
revolutionary, but few
meadow came to be a
“nu-folk” if you want. We
reotype of sad Conor
worship music’s “slop-
artists were more adept
definitive shorthand for
call it one of the freshest,
Oberst wailing into an
py wet kiss” guy finally
at bringing those revolu-
summer in the ear of
most
empty bottle. This album
found his sweet spot of
tions to the mainstream
many a Fleet Foxes fan.
bums of the era.
proved his worth.
excellent, artistic output.
than Lorde was.
invigorating
al-
Other albums were more
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SUFJAN STEVENS It would have been easy for Sufjan to be defined by his quirks. The crazy song titles. The fifty states thing. Christmas albums. His affection for birds.
But all it took was one listen to any of his albums to realize that this Detroit weirdo had something important to say, and an amazing way of saying it.
LOWELL
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41
42
43
CARRIE
ILLINOIS
&
7
44
45
EMOTIONALISM
A COLLISION
KALA
TORCHES
TAKE CARE
THE AVETT BROTHERS
DAVID CROWDER*BAND
M.I.A.
FOSTER THE PEOPLE
DRAKE
A lot of politically en-
While this band’s calling
Given, well, everything,
The Avett boys both pre-
Crowder had little to
gaged,
con-
card will always be the
it’d be easy to forget
dated and outlasted the
prove by the time A Col-
scious pop music fans
song that needs no in-
Drake’s refreshingly can-
folk music boom by vir-
lision came out, which
can point to Kala as
troduction, Torches was
did beginnings, and how
tue of their work ethic
makes its creative verve
the first spark of their
also a huge leap forward
much it changed what
and great, great songs.
all the more impressive.
awareness.
for festival music.
pop could address.
46
47
ANOMALY
socially
48
49
LOST IN THE DREAM
A SEAT AT THE TABLE
UNSTOPPABLE LOVE
THE WAR ON DRUGS
SOLANGE
JESUS CULTURE
was an anomaly. But
Rock ‘n’ roll has never
Solange’s unique brand
Not many live albums
Cool Big Sisters of in-
nothing speaks to his im-
needed a savior, but it
of introspection rewards
rank as a band’s best
die-pop has been fun to
portance more than just
got one anyway with
repeated listens like few
work, but Jesus Culture’s
watch, but never more
how big the world he
this album, which made
other pop artists’ cre-
music is at its best in its
fun than here, where it all
created has gotten.
vintage sound radical.
ative oeuvres do.
raw, unproduced glory.
first started.
LECRAE
At the time, yes, Lecrae
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DAYS ARE GONE HAIM
Haim’s journey to the
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LAST WORD A Thought Before We Go
to be Good News before we
to follow the Jesus we see in
could proclaim it.
the gospels; they want to be His
At the same time, God was
The Way Forward Is Simple Ditching false dichotomies has set a clear path forward, and the best is yet to come. BY C H R I ST I N E CA I N E
stirring the hearts of an entire
I have never been more
generation. Young people were
excited about the future of the
saying that if their Sunday
Church. We are a generation
worship experience did not
who love the heart of God and
impact lives outside the four
out of that love want to do
walls of the church, then they
justice. We understand that our
did not want any part of it. The
salvation is far more than a
pursuit of personal piety, or
prayer we prayed. It’s far more
religious behavior modification
than an assurance that when
was not going to cut it as a
we die, we’ll go to heaven. We
motivation to follow Jesus. This
have not only been saved from
generation wanted to make a
something, but also we have
real difference in the world for
been saved for something, and
the cause of the King and His
that is the work of the Kingdom
Kingdom. They did not want to
here on Earth.
prop up an empire, they wanted
The way forward is for us to
to see the Kingdom of God
always remember that justice
brought forth here on Earth as it
and evangelism are two sides of
is in heaven.
the same coin. We do not have
Today, I see a generation
T
hands and feet in the world.
to throw out one to do the other,
that is more in touch than ever
nor should we. We affirm what
he prophet Isaiah
did not believe that slavery still
about the needs facing a broken
we say by the works that we do.
reminds us: “Isn’t
existed. Some churches where I
and dying world. Whether
The way forward is simple and
this the fast I choose:
had ministered for years were
it’s teaching refugees a new
not complicated: “Mankind, he
to break the chains
hesitant to have me speak about
language, sponsoring a child’s
has told each of you what is good
of wickedness, to untie the
this issue because it was not a
education, fostering children
and what it is the Lord requires
ropes of the yoke, to set the
“family-friendly” subject for
whose parents can no longer
of you: to act justly, to love
oppressed free, and to tear off
Sunday mornings. I was even
care for them, facilitating racial
faithfulness, and to walk humbly
every yoke? Is it not to share
asked why I would want to
reconciliation, encouraging
with your God.”
your bread with the hungry, to
“jeopardize” my ministry by
someone recovering from
bring the poor and homeless
becoming a voice for the captive
addiction, initiating prison and
into your house, to clothe the
and vulnerable.
asylum reforms, or generously
naked when you see him, and
It was then that I realized
raising money to provide fresh
not to ignore your own flesh
there was a massive disconnect
water where there is none—I
and blood? Then your light will
between what we were reading
see a generation engaged in
appear like the dawn, and your
in our Bibles and how we
cultures and communities
recovery will come quickly. Your
were applying it in the world
up close and far away. I am
righteousness will go before you,
around us.
constantly aware of people
and the Lord’s glory will be your rear guard.”
The world was not listening
giving themselves professionally
to our message because we
to further the work of ministries
were not hearing their cries.
and NGOs around the world
slavery everywhere I went, I was
Our Good News was not
providing medical care, housing,
shocked at the initial resistance
reaching the trenches of pain,
education, and basic life skills
I encountered. Many people
suffering and injustice. We had
training. This generation wants
When I began to speak about
JULY-AUG
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CHR IS T INE CA INE Christine Caine is an activist, evangelist, author, and international speaker. She is the co-founder of The A21 Campaign.
2019
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