(Click here for a video of John reading this Catch.)
The Jesus Movement that many of us embraced is passé to this century’s generations, the generations those over 57 are responsible for. Those of us over 57 can recall as if it was happening before our very eyes: the baptisms in the ocean, concerts in the street, long hair and bare feet in church, rock and roll preachers, Jesus Freaks, one-way fingers pointing heavenward. All of these images and more from the Jesus Movement are cemented in the minds of those who were there.
How can I ask our Millennials to embrace that which I witnessed and they didn’t?How can I invite someone to see the thousands who met Christ for the first time or those who were forever changed by the Holy Spirit? Can I help them capture how faith became real and Jesus Music exploded. Can they embrace how the Bible was recognized as the authority as we wrapped our arms around Jesus? While my memory does not deceive me, how can I ask a Millennial to step into the movement except by stating it was a real historic spiritual awakening where you could feel the spiritual electricity in the air?
Do you want to know what? I do not have to. There is a new audience for the “Jesus Movement” musicians. The non-churched Christians and non-Christian Millennials between the age of 24-39 who are currently undergoing the same social and religious upheavals of the ‘60s and ‘70s love the prophetic messages found in the Jesus Music of those early days.
So much so that Marti’s discipleship group of Millennials want to bring the music forward to a new audience — their fellow Millennials. They want to know what does the Jesus Movement’s prophetic message mean today in the lives of many? Will those who epitomized the best of the best of a movement that blew fresh air through the Church and society in general continue today to rally others around the message of Jesus? All questions our Millennials are looking to answer through their own YouTube Channel for Millennials by Millennials.
I might be jumping the gun — because I will admit nothing would make me happier than to have a new audience eager to offer a Christianity yet to see the light of twenty-first century day. But — it just might happen.
We just might be introducing a countercultural Christianity to those who love the Lord’s truth, but shy away from the issue-oriented messages found in many churches today.
We just might …
John Fischer The Catch 
I believe as long as we are sincere in worship whether using music or prayer talking about Jesus we can reach many millennials because so much of them looking for something positive to fill a void and what can be more positive than the message of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Amen!
I posted a comment but, didn’t take so I will try again
Try Again
Toni this has happened to me a few times, may I please suggest to consider closing the Catch out & re-open it & you might see your post…
As with any great movement or reformation, things change, people change.
The initial message that was plain and simple, easy to understand, and desirable to get behind winds up being appropriated, institutionalized and commercialized in order to “spread the word” more quickly, more efficiently, and more profitably – thus saving souls en masse swiftly rather than individually and patiently.
From these, our golden years, I hearken back to our ‘golden era” with this simple song from Andraé Crouch…
Shalom, Peace…
🙂
To quote you Pastor John: “The Jesus Movement that many of us embraced is passé to this century’s generations, the generations those over 57 are responsible for. Those of us over 57 can recall as if it was happening before our very eyes: the baptisms in the ocean, concerts in the street, long hair and bare feet in church, rock and roll preachers, Jesus Freaks, one-way fingers pointing heavenward. All of these images and more from the Jesus Movement are cemented in the minds of those who were there.”
I simply agree to disagree as a non- believer of them over 57 – I can easily remember watching the News w/ my Mother, Father and the rest of my family being totally disgusted by this “hippie, or Jesus Movement!” It turned me off! Because of “them” being interviewed on the News thinking & hearing “them” saying “their” way was better than the past or older generation – Even before I became a believer or follower of Jesus and even considered reading a people skills book I knew enough the easiest thing to do is put down the generation before you W/O giving them THANKS for their lives!
So no Pastor John I simply agree to disagree with you regarding thinking of the Jesus movement as all sunshine & rainbows b/c it wasn’t in my opinion…
May I please suggest once again Pastor John to consider thinking you may have a “mouse in your pocket” and reconsider using the words “many” & “those” over 57 ….
PS Again I maybe wrong, yet believe I suggested this before, but you just blew it off and said something like I’m a Pastor as if that give you the right to include everyone, which would make my English 101 Professor blow his mind and maybe say you’re the VERY person that NEEDS to re-consider wishing the correct term.
God’s speed & in His love.
I love the focus on this generation. I received Christ as a freshman in college in 1968. I was involved in a singing group who sang songs from the Jesus Movement. Last fall I went to see “The Jesus Music Movie” So much of what was presented in this movie flooded my memories and reminded me of those early days of discipleship. Towards the end of the movie they discuss what they felt was ahead for the church with CCM and Worship music. I am a songwriter and the Lord impressed on my heart that at my age – it was time to get back to that passion I had so long ago and to start writing contemporary worship songs. I am now working with younger songwriters and looking forward to what is ahead. Please pray for us, especially us Baby Boomers who are working with the younger generations.
Prayers & love sent 4 you Laura.