Through our nationwide speaking ministry, ICR has seen firsthand the gradual exodus of young people from the Church. There are many explanations for this phenomenon, and researchers have written numerous books on the subject.
Based on our experience, however, we are convinced that one of the more critical causes for this exodus is the absence of solid teaching on the foundational truths in Genesis, particularly on subjects that concern origins and science.
Many pastors and teachers largely ignore Genesis because they feel ill-equipped to address matters related to science. Some avoid it for fear of controversy within their own congregations. As a result, growing numbers of Christians do not know God’s clear revelation about our beginnings and the science that strongly affirms the biblical account. Sadly, many are left with no other recourse than to accept some form of evolutionary explanation for our origins, and this can only weaken the authority of Scripture.
When you then consider the unprecedented level of worldly influence that bombards young people today, it is little wonder this generation is susceptible. Armed with smartphones, they are able to view just about anything that exists on the Internet or in the media. Much of what they see and hear on issues that deal with science, creation, and the Bible undermines a biblical worldview. Their questions are often left unanswered, and many walk away from church altogether.
ICR is developing Unlocking the Mysteries of Genesis to help the Church answer these questions in a way that appeals to younger generations and honors the Creator and His Word. As I write, three episodes of this 12-part DVD series are finished and another three are nearly complete. We still have a few exciting sequences to film—one of them on the chilly glaciers in Alaska this month—but solid progress is being made on all fronts. Lord willing, the entire series will be available early this summer. Now it’s time to get the word out!
ICR is promoting the DVD series at several major pastor conferences this year. And due to the faithful support of many donors, we are giving a complimentary copy of episode one—Chaos or Creation?—to all interested pastors who attend. We feel a burden for small-to-midsize churches especially, many of which cannot afford to have a live ICR speaker come to their congregations. However, they can invest in an innovative DVD series designed to engage young people with stunning visuals and solid science that dispel evolutionary myths and affirm the biblical account of creation.
Knowing ICR can’t reach every church, you can help us equip pastors by becoming a creation advocate. Ask your pastor to visit www.UnlockingTheMysteriesOfGenesis.org to learn more about the series and view the short video designed especially for him. Pray for your pastor, let him know you have a burden for this important issue, and encourage him to seriously consider using this DVD series as a comprehensive resource to reach younger people with creation truth.
Our prayer is that godly shepherds everywhere will get excited about the series, share it with other church leaders they know, and show it to their congregations to sow the Creator’s message in the next generation.
ICR truly believes this remarkable DVD series meets an urgent need in the Church today for both pastors and laypeople, and your generous partnership has been a great blessing in helping finish the course. But there is still much work to do! Please keep on praying and giving as the Lord enables you to “do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).
* Mr. Morris is Director of Donor Relations at the Institute for Creation Research.
