By Kiefer Dooley

In 1905, Max Weber published a series of articles that became known as “The Protestant Ethic and Spirit of Capitalism.” In his writings, Weber sought to understand how Puritan ideals, values, and ideas influenced the development of capitalism as the prevailing economic system in Europe and the West. Weber argues that the Protestant backlash to Catholic authority, particularly the practice of selling indulgences as an assurance of salvation, led individuals to find meaning, purpose, and dignity even in highly mundane work. Interestingly, several sects of the early Reformation, such as Calvinism, also discouraged giving to the church (a rejection of religious icons), giving to charity (perpetuating beggary), the purchaser of luxuries (bolstering the sins of avarice, pride, gluttony), and spending time in idle pursuits (laziness and sloth).

Essentially, early Protestants found themselves with increased savings but nothing to spend.  Ultimately, having found its roots in a religious movement, capitalism evolved outside of religious institutions to become a highly secular, rational pursuit of economic gain, entrepreneurial spirit, and commonly-held aspirations to individual investment and achievement.

Weber’s writings are early theories on the development of economic structure out of a religious movement; nevertheless, they inform aspects of our cultural identity today. We all know, feel, and in some way strive to achieve the American Dream. You know—work hard, achieve more, own a home, provide for the family, have a few pets, send the kids to college, upgrade the car, pledge allegiance to the flag, pray to God, and have leisure time to spend playing tennis, watching Netflix, hiking, biking, swimming, golfing, reading, or whatever else people do to enjoy themselves. This is a part of our identity.

Within the broader identity that we hold as Americans, we have our own unique Adventist culture. Perhaps, it could be considered in a small way the Adventist Work Ethic. It is an ethic based in community, in the strongly-held belief in the gospel, prophecy, and our role in the fulfillment of the Great Commission. We feel strongly about sharing with others the truth of health, lifestyle, and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Our institutions, such as the Adventist Health Network, ADRA, the educational system, and our far-reaching mission field speak to our commitment to working hard for others.

As individuals, our culture, society, and economic system provide the majority of us (Adventists in North America) with lifestyles that include ample free time and at least some disposable income. So what do we do with that free time and extra income? Is it possible that our Adventist Work Ethic is not being lived out effectively in our local communities? A lot of time and energy is devoted to talking about young people, the next generation, and the decline of religious affiliation in North America. It’s time for each of us to assume individual responsibility for the dilemma, to take our role in the Adventist Work seriously, and to engage in the lives of young people.

To truly achieve our mission, it will take a community of hard working, engaged individuals. It will take you; your full engagement, willingness to sacrifice, and desire to leave your comfort zone as you take time to invest in building community with young people.

Start by asking yourself the following questions: Is my church community a safe place for young people? Do I know the names of each young person who attends? Do I know who each young person would reach out to in a time of trouble or distress? Am I comfortable with the environment that we are providing for young people in our community?

Below, I outline one simple idea and a few steps to follow as as you consider putting in the work necessary to develop and maintain relationships with the young people in your area. With the investment of time and consistency in building relationships, you will put yourself in a position to make a lasting impact in a young person’s life and make a significant contribution to the broader vision of Adventism.

Connect

Volunteer at a school in your community to tutor or provide homework assistance. Attend and support the events in which young people in your church are participating (plays, sporting events, graduations). Invite a young person to lunch or dinner and treat them at their favorite restaurant. (It’s almost always Taco Bell.)

Engage

Schedule and follow through on commitments. Recognizing that young people are most likely not going to initiate interactions, take the initiative yourself. Express genuine interest in people. Ask thoughtful questions. Show concern for problems and excitement for successes! Simply, be present.

Follow up

One interaction is not enough to build a relationship.

Send a thoughtful text, encouraging e-mail, or let’s be honest, get an Instagram account and reach out during the week. Ask how things are going. Ask how you can help or engage. Recognize that there are a lot of things competing for young people’s attention and don’t give up.

In the end, theory, culture, societal standards, and religious affiliations mean nothing without the individuals who inform them. If the Adventist Work Ethic is a tireless dedication to spreading the good news of Jesus through a wholistic and biblically centered message to every soul on earth, how can we expect achievement on a global scale if we are not stepping up in our local community? It’s a difficult question with a potentially scary answer, but nevertheless, ask it: are we following the Great Commission in our own home communities?

If you’re not already working hard on behalf of the church, start small as you set out to make meaningful connections in your community. If you haven’t caught on al- ready, this is especially true as it relates to the younger generation that we strongly fear losing. Set realistic goals and allocate a portion of your free time and income to making a difference in the lives of young people in your community. Imagine, if even half of the 18K registered members of the Rocky Mountain Conference engaged five hours per week (one hour each weekday) in spending some of their resources of time, money, wisdom, experience, etc., on a young person, the results would be monumental. It is up to each one of us as individuals in an Adventist community with so much potential to take on a little more responsibility and to do a little more work.

–Kiefer Dooley is RMC associate youth director. Email him at: [email protected].