 |  When you're in arms it's hard to remember the point.
Fall 2004
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Reaching the Post-Christian
They're today's non-seekers, who've seen Christianity and think they have reasons for rejecting it.
Daniel Hill
October 1, 2004
The scene was surreal. In the middle of a busy rush at Starbucks, one of my fellow baristas discovered that my "real job" was working at a church down the street. Acting as if she had never come in contact with a live pastor before, she began squealing with delight, telling every customer and employee of her discovery.
This revelation caused a spontaneous spiritual combustion at the store, and I listened as a group of people circled around the espresso bar and regaled me with stories of their spiritual history.
Selma went first: "I think Christianity has an important place in society. I don't personally follow it, but I figure, whatever makes you happy, do it."
Matt quickly followed, revealing the painful interactions he had experienced: "Christianity is for simple-minded people. When they talk to you, they act as if you are a robot. They have an agenda to promote, and if you don't agree with them, they're done with you."
Tatia thought about Matt's comments for a moment, and then added her own. "I don't know if that's what bothers me so much. What really gets under my skin is that all the church really wants from you is your money."
Justin put the finishing touches on the conversation, and seemed to summarize everyone's feelings when he said: "Look, we all know that 'God' is out there at some level, but no one has a right to tell another person what 'God' looks like for them. Each person is free to express that however they want, but they should keep their opinions to themselves."
Such was my baptism by fire into the emerging culture. In that moment I realized most of the training I had received in "evangelism" didn't fit my Starbucks friends. The biggest barrier wasn't their lack of information; it was their attitude. They were ...
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