The bottom line is, we are not living in the 1950's anymore.

For instance:
? In the 1950's, marriage was a norm. Now, it is an option.
? In the 1950's, blue-collar workers had become the largest occupational group. Now, blue-collar workers have shrunk to 5-10% of our workforce.
? In the 1950's, people were focused on the print media. Now, we are informed via hypertext and mass media.
? In the 1950's, it was a norm to attend church. Now, it is often not even seen as an option.

None of these illustrations are right or wrong, good or bad. They just let us know that our world is not the same. Since the 1960's, sociologists have noted that we have been transitioning into what they call postmodernism. Primarily, authors, scholars, artists, architects, and many others who challenged the existing, traditional worldviews, assumptions, and beliefs introduced postmodernism.

Postmodernism
In its essence, postmodernism has fundamentally changed the way our culture thinks and acts. While absolute truth, morals, and spiritual framework used to be an assumption, now they are often negated and even scoffed upon. Our society has radically shifted away from foundational elements and values that Christianity would hold as key assumptions and beliefs.

Although the entire world has experienced this shift, the generations that have been most affected were born from 1964 to the present. That is all they have known ? a world that is based upon postmodern thought and analysis. Interestingly enough, as the world has been changing, most local churches have kept the same services and programs from the 1950's. The assumptions about life and ministry have not shifted in order to meet the needs of our ever-changing culture, so many churches are hard-pressed to find someone under 35 years of age in their congregation. Even many of the churches started in the 1980?s are having a difficult time attracting, engaging, and meeting the needs of this new mindset.

According to a recent survey from the MacArthur Foundation, 7 out of 10 Americans say they are religious and consider spirituality to be an important part of their lives. Nevertheless, about half attend religious services less than once a month or even never. Among Gen-xers (those born from 1964 to 1984), the percentage is even lower.

Although mainstream religion seems to be fading into the background, alternative spiritualities have become a place of safety for many young people throughout the western world. Many times these religions are mixed and matched like a smorgasbord of spirituality. Seemingly, emerging generations are more open to religion and spirituality-just not the way their parents or grandparents experienced it.

A New Movement
Yet, there is a new movement throughout the world to reach postmodern, emerging generations with the story of Jesus Christ in a way they can touch, taste, see, smell, and hear. Although some churches are choosing to fight against postmodernism, many new churches are sprouting up all over the world to reach this new mind-set with the same Gospel - but in a completely new way.

We believe we are in a crucial time. Will we continue to provide resources, experiences, and products that were designed for the pre-modern or modern eras? Or, will we rise to the challenge to provide a powerful place of learning, growth, and connection for generations that are longing to utilize leading-edge technology in their spiritual quest?

Our Digital Culture
The Internet is the fastest growing, technological phenomenon on the planet. According to some estimates, 100+ million Americans are on the web today with nearly 40+ million of those being active, committed Christians according to Barna Research.

The computer and the connectivity that is available through the Internet are fundamentally changing the way life is lived. With the click of a mouse, we can now connect with other people and purchase products all the way around the globe. For much of the western world, the way we work, shop, relate, and relax is directly, or indirectly, connected to the web. It has become and will become even more of a key component to all of life, because it provides one basic resource ? unlimited and uncontrolled connectedness.

Now, every person who has access to a computer and the internet can engage all the world free from power structures that might seek to control lines of distribution ? whether it be products, information, or even religion. In one way, this has allowed an overwhelming amount of debris to seep throughout the Internet; but in others, it has created an unbelievable opportunity to share thoughts, learnings, feelings, and ideas in an interactive environment with the entire world.

OnLine Community
Yet, current Christian lifestyle portals, homepages, and mass media are not meeting those needs. These websites and corporations were never designed to attract or help people 18-35 years of age; most were designed for their parents. On the other hand, THEOOZE is poised to equip emerging generations with just what we want - a safe, authentic place to explore your faith in God, develop new global relationships, and be equipped to journey through life.

Over the past 5 years, THEOOZE has become known as a safe place to gain information and experiences surrounding life and ministry in our postmodern culture. As one of the first resources and connecting points for church leaders, THEOOZE is ready to expand its influence to include all individuals who are looking for content, resources, community, and experiences that will challenge them. By focusing on emerging generations, THEOOZE is bringing together an online community by helping you grow in your relationship with God, connect with one another, and love your world by providing destinations that you can taste, touch, see, smell, and hear.