Tom, Dick and Harry and Millennial Gap

I was talking to a twenty-something who was planning to rent a two-bedroom townhouse with another friend. I warned the young adult to not make her new place too comfortable or she will have every “Tom, Dick and Harry” using the townhouse as a place to crash.

My friend looked me in the eye and said, “Who are Tom, Dick and Harry?”

That’s when I knew we were dealing with a generational gap. She had never heard the phrase before. I explained it was just a general saying for multiple unspecified people. I also recognized that the younger generation has a unique set of mental filters like I do when some unknown millennial phrase goes flying over my head. When that happens I become more aware of the white hairs (or lack) still on top of my head.

It's difficult to read much these days without some reference to the millennial generation and their dilemma with spiritual matters. It seems like every article is trying to determine what makes that age group tick, and what would make church attendance more agreeable to that generation. Many churches go in the direction of “make it lite” and “make it fun” and thinking the right decor and technology make attendance more palatable.

I had a glimmer of hope when I recently read an article about millennials which indicated the group was actually more interested in bible study, answers to matters of life and death, than any previous generation. Maybe, the old fashioned approach needs to be reconsidered. Old phrases like “Tom, Dick and Harry” still work and communicate a principle. Scripture still works and communicates truth.

Here is my pledge from Psalm 71:18 _ So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.

Robert Parlante

September 2015

It's Never an Accident

Met a friend at the gym today who I had been with the day before. We participated in a Memorial Service for a mutual friend at a nursing home. I had the privilege of  preaching while my friend covered most of the other details. She and others highlighted special moments they had shared with the deceased woman. It was a blessed time for all who attended.

When she met me at the gym the following day she said she was thankful that God had sent me and my wife her way for that Memorial Service. My response to that was "nothing is ever an accident when it involves the Lord."

I recalled moments of ministry when dozens would show up for some group study. And then the following week maybe a few were able to make the study. The first reaction is typically disappointment. But many times among the few were a powerful move of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the attendees. I recall vowing back then not to dismiss small beginnings or what seems like inconsequential gatherings. My ministry motto has always been ,"It's never an accident who God assembles."

I am convinced today that the neighbors we have are not an accident. The people we work with are not an accident. The family God has provided each of us is not an accident. They are all ordained for a purpose, but determining that purpose is not always easy.

Jeremiah 29:11 says: "For I know the plans I have for you,":declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

When group gatherings are disappointedly small, remember in the midst of smallness are great and Godly plans. So dig deep, persevere, and let the Holy Spirit move.

Robert Parlante
September 2015

You Will Have Trouble

Years ago when I was involved in pastoral ministry, I recall a young woman who had recently become a Christian. It was a difficult time in her life as a single mom barely working enough to pay the rent. With family help the person was able to finish a college degree and secure a position as a high school math teacher. It was a blessing from God that affirmed her faith. The salary was excellent, and her schedule coincided with her daughter’s school schedule. What more could one ask for considering the woman’s circumstances?

The joy was short-lived. She was not happy with the employment atmosphere. I recall her saying, “There are no Christians in the high school!”

My response was, “Well that might be just the reason why God provided this job opportunity for you.”

She persisted in the teaching position for a while longer and then resigned.

John 16:33 reminds us: “… in the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.

When Jesus entered this world as man, he did not send an advance team to “clean” it up, sanitize it, or make aesthetically attractive. Ministry is messy … and it’s supposed to be! We are called into the trenches where “no Christians are working here.” We may not like the place where God has placed us at moment. But that may be where God wants us for the moment.

Don’t pine away your life with “what ifs”. Take a look around beyond the surface, remember Jesus has already overcome the situations you face, and begin ministering to the lost, the downtrodden and the sick.

Robert Parlante
September 2015