Let’s go positive today and look at some of the reasons young people cited for staying connected to church. Of those that chose to stay, 65% said that they saw being in church as vital to their relationship with God. 58% said that it helps guide their everyday life decisions. 50% claimed that being connected to church helps them become a better person, and 43% said that they were following a family member’s example.
Two words come to mind when I look at these stats…relevant and leadership. Relevant because young people must see a connection between church and what happens in their daily lives. The church must be something that they can relate to. The truth’s taught and lived out must be applicable to their daily lives. Scripture was not given for our information as much as our transformation. Churches that reach and keep young people must place a high value on Biblical application.
When I look at what I am prepared to talk about each week I always ask myself the question, so what? Why does this matter to me or to anyone else? What difference has this made in my life and how will it affect those listening? Churches also need to push back regularly and ask tough questions about the things they do. Are any of our programs or strategies out of touch or ineffective in light of our culture and those we are trying to reach?
The second word leadership comes to mind because of those 43% that were following the example of a family member by staying connected to church. Kids watch what we do more than they listen to what we say. That is why authenticity is such a big deal. Notice that no one said they stayed connected to church because their family members had it all together. They get it. They see when we are real and they see when we are committed to the local church as a way of living out our faith in Christ.
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2 comments:
Ok...so that makes them stick to church, but in the mean time, how do we get the kids motivated to get out of the bed on sunday morning? lol. Well I was at church today and I liked what you said about wanting a more cultural church. You gave out the homework assignment for everyone to do random acts of kindness(which is great) But why not add a new one to that and try and get everyone to bring someone with maybe a different cultural backround that may not normally come to fellowship. Most people know of someone,(co-workers, friends, the teller they see at the bank everyweek..lol) so why not ask them to come Just a thought. Keep up the good work.
Chrissy
P.S. About the growing pains(from our last comments)...I try and hope it will all pass, but my little black cloud is still following us. And it seems its getting worse before it gets better.
Thanks Chrissy,
A more mulit-cultural church would be a step in the right direction. Not sure if needs to be a corperate event, but i do like the idea of people inviting their friends regardless of the culture. I believe one of the keys for Fellowship is how we welcome those people. Do we go out of our way to make them feel wanted and comfortable. Sorry about the black cloud thing...i will be praying for you.
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