1101 Sunset Drive

Grenada, MS 38901

 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Dr. Joey A. Gafford

Equipping THIS Generation for Tomorrow

How do you connect with people in a culture so different from your own? This is the task we face as we share the Gospel with this generation.   I have struggled with this through the years as I have ministered both in the Bible belt and on the West Coast.

I have researched and visited congregations all over the country.  I discovered that while some churches are thriving, the vast majority are doing very little to be culturally relevant to the unbelievers in their communities.  Many are even struggling to hang on to their own members -- especially their youth and young adults!

This struggle is real -- even in the Bible Belt!  It is not just a West Coast or "big city" problem.  Sadly, many churches of Christ are not addressing these issues. There are many reasons, but fear of compromising the Gospel is primary.

I firmly believe we can be both true to the Gospel and relevant to the people of this generation.  In fact, I question whether we can be true to the Gospel without doing everything possible to be relevant to our culture.

Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, said, "To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews...To those not having the law I became like one not having the law... To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some" (1 Corinthians 9:20-22  NIV).

My mission is to Equip THIS Generation for Tomorrow.  What will we have to do to reach the people of this generation, within this culture? It will differ from area to area and certainly from church to church.  It's often difficult.

After a long search for a church that shares my convictions, I am currently ministering with the Southside Church of Christ in Grenada, MS. It's not a perfect church, but then, again, I am not a perfect minister.  Together, we are humbly trying to connect with the lost of our community.

I am also willing to help your church to become more culturally relevant to the unbelievers in your community.   Drop me a note or give me a call.  I am available for meetings, seminars and other training opportunities.