The 2000s So Far in Four Eras

Last month marked 20 years since my Christianity Today cover story “Young, Restless, Reformed.” And last year we recognized 20 years since the founding of The Gospel Coalition. During TGC’s most recent Colloquium, a private meeting of our Council, president Mark Vroegop asked me to reflect on the “Not-So-Young, Restless, Reformed.” I took his prompt as an occasion to reflect on four eras that have unfolded over those 20-plus years, noting distinctive characteristics of ministry amid the changing tides. Then I reflected on the perspective we bring to cultural change, with an emphasis on the benefits of focusing on the deeper structures that don’t change as often. The result, I hope, helps church leaders understand the times without over-reacting to superficial trends—all the while staying focused on God’s unchanging promises. Resources Mentioned: The Gospel Coalition Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics Gospel-Centered Ministry by D. A. Carson and Timothy Keller A History of the Work of Redemption by Jonathan Edwards A Secular Age by Charles Taylor The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt A God-Sized Vision by Collin Hansen and John Woodbridge City of God by Augustine Use code “GOSPELBOUND” for 25% off tuition. Learn more at downlinememphis.com/virtual-institute or email [email protected] for group pricing and discounts. Check out The Pour Over Podcast — politically neutral news for people who want the facts without the spin, and with a brief biblical perspective Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.