Making the Connection

For the young people entering college this fall there has always been an internet ramp onto the information highway. They’ve grown up on websites and cell phones. Music has always been available via free downloads. They won’t go near a retailer that lacks a website. They’ve often broken up with their significant others via texting, Facebook, or MySpace.*

Most of them would find it difficult to believe that when their grandparents first had telephone service, there was only one handset in the house and they shared the line with their neighbors. They have never tried to see how many people they could cram into a phone booth. If they have any questions or need some information, they know they can “Google it.”

There are not many people who have not embraced at least some of the advances in communication technology. It seems like nearly everyone has a cell phone. There are very few households that do not have cable or satellite TV. Indeed, communications providers often bundle their internet, phone and television services so that customers have an incentive to connect to them all through one vendor.

With so many people adept at using so many ways to connect, you might think that we would have no trouble connecting with anyone—especially when no technology is involved. Unfortunately, it seems that many church members struggle when it comes to connecting with God.

Worship is an encounter with the living God. Whether it is personal or corporate worship, the awareness of the presence of God will result in times of joyous exultation and times of quiet reverence. Inspiring worship services are celebrations of and opportunities for the shared experience of God’s awesome presence.

Connecting with the living God is something worth preparing for. As we help our children – and one another – grow into spiritual champions, what are we doing to help them recognize God’s presence in their lives and respond to God’s blessings with joy and reverence?

God delights in the praises of his people. May our congregations do all we can to ensure that our children delight in praising God.


*Beloit College Mindset List for the Class of 2015