Social change used to come slowly. Think of the Middle Ages, often dismissed as the Dark Ages. Social structures and patterns did change over time, but that usually mean a lot of time. Generation after generation could pass with little change to the society and little sense of change.

Our times are dramatically different. Social change now comes quickly, measured by months and days, rather than decades and centuries. Sociologists sometimes refer to this as “social velocity,” and most of us feel it happening all around us.

Pastors and preachers feel this change taking place, sense its importance, and can trace the effects of such massive change in the experience of a congregation and the individual lives of believers. Time and space are collapsing as the role of the pastor now demands a rather urgent understanding of what is happening in the world around us – and in the world experienced by church members.

The world that provided the social context for this institution through more than a century and a half is gone – utterly gone. In my own lifetime we have shifted from concern that church would be co-opted by cultural Christianity to the concern that we are now in a post-Christian culture that threatens religious liberty. Now, the concern of most pastors is not that their church members will be seduced by the culture, but that the culture itself poses a direct threat to Christian faithfulness. The danger of seduction has given way to the danger of intimidation.

The only proper Christian response to the challenge of a post-Christian culture is deeper conviction and increased boldness. Pastors must preach the Word with undiluted conviction, unmatched clarity, and unquestioned courage. Otherwise, all is lost. Just look at the social science data that underlines the post- Christian condition of younger Americans.

On the other hand, consider the thousands of young men studying to be faithful pastors right now through Southern Seminary. I am in awe of what God is doing as so many young people are responding with the full measure of conviction, knowing exactly how they are seen by a post-Christian culture. With them, I am invigorated by the challenge of raising up a generation of young men coming to be made ready for a lifetime of gospel ministry. They have already been swimming against the currents of their own generation. They have come to Southern Seminary because they want a bold and convictional theological education. They want Bible – lots of it. They want doctrine – all of it. They want ministry training – and they soak it up. Who would not be invigorated by that?

Do you want to be encouraged? Come see what God is doing at Southern Seminary as the next generation of “soldiers of Christ, in truth arrayed” is readied for deployment. These students are serious, convictional, devotional, and joyful. They know the landscape of the post-modern world and they are determined to preach Christ and lead gospel churches. They match seriousness with sweetness. God is doing something marvelous in this generation and right here at Southern Seminary and Boyce College. Come see it for ourself, pray for us, and thank God for calling out the called in this generation. How kind of God to let us be a part of all this.