A Fresh Perspective: Breathing New Life into Ministry for Young Adults
In recent years, the cry for innovation in religious institutions has become louder and more insistent. It's clear that the millennial exodus from organized religion isn't a passing phase. As someone who travels and consults with many congregations, I've seen the empty pews and it's become increasingly apparent that our traditional approach isn't enough. But I have also seen the fear this reality brings to many congregations. It's as if we are standing at the edge of the Red Sea, like Moses, faced with a seemingly insurmountable obstacle.
But, what if we turn the challenge on its head? What if we see this not as a crisis, but as an opportunity to re-imagine and restructure how we serve our young adults (21-29)? What if we dare to build a future where our faith becomes a living, evolving entity rather than something seen as a static institution?
Recently, an ecumenical group gathered at General Seminary in New York for a weeklong design sprint. This was the culmination of months of research into the lives of young adults where we listened intently to what they told us was important about faith in their lives. Our research uncovered five principles that young people hold dear that could be formed together to create a vibrant community.
What if, much like the early Christian communities, the future of young adult ministry might well be found in something that incorporates these five principles: semi-autonomous communities that blend radical inclusion and belonging, participatory leadership, sacred listening, shared wisdom, and table fellowship gatherings? Our research pointed to exactly this as we learned more about young adult lives, hopes, anxieties, and dreams. But how do we implement these core innovative ideas and reach young adults in an area?
We can begin radical inclusiveness. In every step that follows special care must be paid to making sure that inclusiveness is made explicit and clear. In the example we presented to various focus groups the idea of inclusion was made manifest through a Community Mosaic, a large, evolving mosaic wall installed in the community's central gathering space. Each member contributes a piece of the mosaic, symbolizing their unique contributions and place within the community. The mosaic, when viewed as a whole, represents the beauty of their collective fellowship. Within the mosaic is a mirror reflecting that every person belongs.
We continue by establishing a Young Adult Council, a semi-autonomous body within a congregation, driven by participatory leadership. In this construct, there are no perennial leaders or followers, instead roles and responsibilities shift fluidly among members. Not only does this help in promoting leadership skills among young adults, but it also reinforces the sense of communal responsibility and ownership.
Then, we move out of the congregation to make the city our church. The events and gatherings devised by the young adults can take place in locations around the city that are best suited for each one. That could be in nature, a coffee shop, or a borrowed conference room, the confines of our walls will not limit the work of the Holy Spirit.
Next, we recognize the power of sacred listening. Drawing from contemplative traditions like those of the Quakers, we create spaces where silence isn't awkward, but a bridge to understanding. Where listening becomes an act of love and empathy, allowing each voice to be heard and valued. To ground these groups, we train Peer Chaplains on the basics of deep listening and care.
The young adults will host Bible study-style classes that go beyond scripture and tackle essential life skills such as resilience, vulnerability, financial matters, emotional intelligence, and storytelling. The idea is to navigate biblical teachings with a practical lens, illustrating how age-old wisdom can be applicable in modern life. As scripture tells us in Proverbs, "Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance."
Community is at the heart of faith. We foster this through regular table fellowship gatherings. These are not just meals; they are spaces where community is built and nurtured. Spaces where we share not just our bread, but our hopes, fears, and dreams. Where we learn to lean on each other, and in doing so, experience the essence of our faith.
So, we have the five-point framework, but how do we bring in the young adults? In this digital age, maintaining a strong online presence is no longer optional, it's essential. We reach out via social media, a dedicated website, or even a podcast. We, the older members, also need to move beyond our church boundaries and venture into local universities, community colleges, and workplaces to invite young leaders. We organize workshops, guest sessions, and partner with local businesses for events. We must meet young adults where they are, in spaces where they feel comfortable.
However, it's not just about expanding our digital footprint or holding more events. It's about changing the narrative. The New York Times recently proclaimed that “The Church Has a Branding Problem.” Our research confirmed this. Yet, we know the church is not a monolithic institution, but a vibrant community. It's a place where doubts are welcomed, questions encouraged, and diversity celebrated. Where faith is not a heavy mantle to be worn, but a journey to be undertaken with curiosity and joy. We need to become more strategic in our communications and aim them at young adults.
In this journey, we must also be mindful of the bridges we build with the older generations. Mentorship programs can play a crucial role here, pairing young adults with older congregation members, facilitating a mutual exchange of wisdom and experiences. Think of Paul and Timothy and their work together.
Key to all of this is that it’s led by the young adults. They are the leaders and are asking us to trust them in this work. These efforts need to be institutionally supported, but not institutionally led.
Perhaps the most important aspect of this vision is patience. Real, meaningful change takes time. The seeds we sow today may not bear fruit immediately. There will be challenges, doubts, and perhaps resistance too. But if we stay committed to our vision and take one step at a time, we will make progress.
Yes, the landscape of faith is changing. But change can be the catalyst for innovation. And as we look ahead, we must remember that innovation is not merely about novelty or disruption. It's about taking the enduring essence of our faith and molding it to meet the needs of a new generation. It's about ensuring that our faith continues to be a beacon of hope, guidance, and community.
We continue testing out this model with focus groups of young adults. We have some work to do in how we explain it and how to present it as a genuine invitation. But the young adults are indicating to us that their needs and desires have been heard in this framework. And that it is a great start.
The future of young adult ministry is waiting to be shaped, not with rigidity, but with resilience and adaptability. The work ahead might be challenging, but if we stay the course, I believe we'll witness the dawn of a vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic faith community, flourishing in a rich soil of respect, shared responsibility and mutual growth.
Yes, we may be at the shores of the Red Sea. However, let us not forget that it was there, in the face of the seemingly impossible, that God made a way. Because at the end of the day, everything is possible with God. This isn’t just about filling pews, it's about touching hearts, fostering understanding, empowering the leaders of tomorrow, and, perhaps most importantly, introducing young adults to the Jesus who’s eagerly waiting to be in their lives. And that, surely, is a future worth striving for.
But, what if we turn the challenge on its head? What if we see this not as a crisis, but as an opportunity to re-imagine and restructure how we serve our young adults (21-29)? What if we dare to build a future where our faith becomes a living, evolving entity rather than something seen as a static institution?
Recently, an ecumenical group gathered at General Seminary in New York for a weeklong design sprint. This was the culmination of months of research into the lives of young adults where we listened intently to what they told us was important about faith in their lives. Our research uncovered five principles that young people hold dear that could be formed together to create a vibrant community.
What if, much like the early Christian communities, the future of young adult ministry might well be found in something that incorporates these five principles: semi-autonomous communities that blend radical inclusion and belonging, participatory leadership, sacred listening, shared wisdom, and table fellowship gatherings? Our research pointed to exactly this as we learned more about young adult lives, hopes, anxieties, and dreams. But how do we implement these core innovative ideas and reach young adults in an area?
We can begin radical inclusiveness. In every step that follows special care must be paid to making sure that inclusiveness is made explicit and clear. In the example we presented to various focus groups the idea of inclusion was made manifest through a Community Mosaic, a large, evolving mosaic wall installed in the community's central gathering space. Each member contributes a piece of the mosaic, symbolizing their unique contributions and place within the community. The mosaic, when viewed as a whole, represents the beauty of their collective fellowship. Within the mosaic is a mirror reflecting that every person belongs.
We continue by establishing a Young Adult Council, a semi-autonomous body within a congregation, driven by participatory leadership. In this construct, there are no perennial leaders or followers, instead roles and responsibilities shift fluidly among members. Not only does this help in promoting leadership skills among young adults, but it also reinforces the sense of communal responsibility and ownership.
Then, we move out of the congregation to make the city our church. The events and gatherings devised by the young adults can take place in locations around the city that are best suited for each one. That could be in nature, a coffee shop, or a borrowed conference room, the confines of our walls will not limit the work of the Holy Spirit.
Next, we recognize the power of sacred listening. Drawing from contemplative traditions like those of the Quakers, we create spaces where silence isn't awkward, but a bridge to understanding. Where listening becomes an act of love and empathy, allowing each voice to be heard and valued. To ground these groups, we train Peer Chaplains on the basics of deep listening and care.
The young adults will host Bible study-style classes that go beyond scripture and tackle essential life skills such as resilience, vulnerability, financial matters, emotional intelligence, and storytelling. The idea is to navigate biblical teachings with a practical lens, illustrating how age-old wisdom can be applicable in modern life. As scripture tells us in Proverbs, "Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance."
Community is at the heart of faith. We foster this through regular table fellowship gatherings. These are not just meals; they are spaces where community is built and nurtured. Spaces where we share not just our bread, but our hopes, fears, and dreams. Where we learn to lean on each other, and in doing so, experience the essence of our faith.
So, we have the five-point framework, but how do we bring in the young adults? In this digital age, maintaining a strong online presence is no longer optional, it's essential. We reach out via social media, a dedicated website, or even a podcast. We, the older members, also need to move beyond our church boundaries and venture into local universities, community colleges, and workplaces to invite young leaders. We organize workshops, guest sessions, and partner with local businesses for events. We must meet young adults where they are, in spaces where they feel comfortable.
However, it's not just about expanding our digital footprint or holding more events. It's about changing the narrative. The New York Times recently proclaimed that “The Church Has a Branding Problem.” Our research confirmed this. Yet, we know the church is not a monolithic institution, but a vibrant community. It's a place where doubts are welcomed, questions encouraged, and diversity celebrated. Where faith is not a heavy mantle to be worn, but a journey to be undertaken with curiosity and joy. We need to become more strategic in our communications and aim them at young adults.
In this journey, we must also be mindful of the bridges we build with the older generations. Mentorship programs can play a crucial role here, pairing young adults with older congregation members, facilitating a mutual exchange of wisdom and experiences. Think of Paul and Timothy and their work together.
Key to all of this is that it’s led by the young adults. They are the leaders and are asking us to trust them in this work. These efforts need to be institutionally supported, but not institutionally led.
Perhaps the most important aspect of this vision is patience. Real, meaningful change takes time. The seeds we sow today may not bear fruit immediately. There will be challenges, doubts, and perhaps resistance too. But if we stay committed to our vision and take one step at a time, we will make progress.
Yes, the landscape of faith is changing. But change can be the catalyst for innovation. And as we look ahead, we must remember that innovation is not merely about novelty or disruption. It's about taking the enduring essence of our faith and molding it to meet the needs of a new generation. It's about ensuring that our faith continues to be a beacon of hope, guidance, and community.
We continue testing out this model with focus groups of young adults. We have some work to do in how we explain it and how to present it as a genuine invitation. But the young adults are indicating to us that their needs and desires have been heard in this framework. And that it is a great start.
The future of young adult ministry is waiting to be shaped, not with rigidity, but with resilience and adaptability. The work ahead might be challenging, but if we stay the course, I believe we'll witness the dawn of a vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic faith community, flourishing in a rich soil of respect, shared responsibility and mutual growth.
Yes, we may be at the shores of the Red Sea. However, let us not forget that it was there, in the face of the seemingly impossible, that God made a way. Because at the end of the day, everything is possible with God. This isn’t just about filling pews, it's about touching hearts, fostering understanding, empowering the leaders of tomorrow, and, perhaps most importantly, introducing young adults to the Jesus who’s eagerly waiting to be in their lives. And that, surely, is a future worth striving for.
