It is said that” the message can not change but our methods must change.” Can it be more true today?  In a time where technology is increasing by leaps and bounds, almost by the day it seems, and our world is filled with more things to occupy our time, it seems obvious that we must adapt to the culture of change in our society or die. Death is apparent if one looks closely at the modern church today.  With statistics showing our church’sare plateaued or even in decline, we are in serious danger. Did you know that 80% of our teenagers that are in church today say they will leave the church after graduation.  Why is that?  It surely is not possible to address every issue as to the why in this short blog, but I will attempt to give a few key reasons.   1. Just as in the church in Ephesus many people, including pastors, have lost their first love.  By this I refer to the absence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Why the decline?  We no longer do the things we did at first.  Spending time in God’s word, in His presence, and seeking His power.  2. We’re not communicating.  The way my parents communicated to me when I was young, is not the way that I can communicateto my kids today.  My message is the same as theirs, but the way I communicate with them is totally different.  We are not in a competition game with the world, we just need to learn how to speak the language of today.  The old saying is, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Well, it is broke.  3. Make it relative.  Sin is Sin. No matter if it was 2000 years ago or today.  But we must address the issue of relativism.  Young people are saying, “how does what you are saying, relate to me.”   How does what happened that long ago, help me with what I am going through right now.  4. Minister in love.  Jesus himself said the greatest commandment had to do with love.  Loving  God, then loving your neighbor as yourself. Another great saying is “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”   Sharing God in a real, caring, loving way, that doesn’t judge but is inviting.  Part 2 to come