Part of my job presently is planning our ministry for young adults. I inherited this from my predecessor. I won't be the one doing it, just in on the planning stages. Or at least that is how I understand it.
My question; Anyone out there already in minstry to this age group? Anyone having some success? Any ideas? Any thoughts? We are in the research phase at this point.
I feel like a fish out of water.
12 comments:
My, my! The "forgotten" group in nearly all churches. May our Lord bless you as you pray and seek His face on this.
Hmmm... I once WAS that age group.
=o)
You might check with David Barnhart at Trinity in Birmingham; he's got some interesting comments about ministering to young adults on his blog-spot also. Happy researching!
In the call process I discovered that my denonmiantion has not yet figured out who "young adults" are..
some PNCs think it is youth others think it is 25-45 (uh, excuse me???) I figure it to be the high school grads, college and career folks and into the 20-somethings.
As far as succesful stuff, you might try outings for coffee shop, movie with a dinner discussion afterwards, and maybe even some seminar/ practical help stuff (basic cooking, gardening ideas, financial planning, and other wise sage advice for them as some are on their own for first time.
I had campainged for youth to have a how to do your laundry class at previous call...many figured they woudl jsut bring laundry home on weekends..
Had a lot of folks at the big univeristy up near you and the rival school not so far from you.
Also, might want to jsut ask the 20 somethigns what they are interested in doing.
Oh, it is late and I am getting silly(sillier), but for blog name. I am reminded of the old Knock Knock joke...
Knock, Knock.
Who's there?
Abby.
Abby Who?
Abby seeing you.
You could be: Abi Seeing You
1-4 Grace has some great ideas....I would say somthing similar as well including ask them what they want...have a fun initial gathering and then ask...
also, love the knock knock...
abby seeing you...good name!
All of my kids are in their early twemties, they love discussions over coffee, a good chance to chew the fat with folk who will listen!
Jo enjoys getting involved in social action projects with her cell group... just a couple of thoughts...
check out the "tribal church" site on my blog.
I think this is the forgotten age, and I don't have any good ideas, but I think Carol does.
young adults. They are the best. Why not call those you have in that age group together and brain storm them? You might be suprised how much they love Jesus and the spirit moves in them -and they have great ideas of relevent things to do that will attract other young adults. That's my experience anyway
We did (do) something called creative worship. They thought of it. They run it. We support them. And it's encouraged the whole church to paint outside the lines ...
(PS I think young adults are 18-30 - but more usually 20+) ... the problem in Finland is that 18 = adult, they can drink, smoke, marry, drive etc legally but still live at home. I know I have one :) luckily he doesnt' do all those things !
Dogblogger has done some work with GenXY groups... You might contact her for resources...I'm pretty sure you have her email.
thought I'd left a comment here ...
Hi. I'm a 20 something.
I want...
the church to take me seriously even though I'm young.
fellow congregation members to acknowledge my gifts.
that people not assume that the only way I want to serve is in youth group (if I'm single or no kids) or as Sunday School teacher (if I have kids).
I want the church to do whatever musical style it uses, do it well. If it's hymns, play and sing well. if it is guitar and drums, don't just throw it together. I can tell if you don't care either.
To know the church is for more than nuclear families--what about non-traditionals, single parents, gays, lesbians, mixed-race. These people are my friends. Why aren't they my church?
I want the church to be authentic (an overused word, I know). I want it to practice what it preaches. Get into the community and proclaim the good news in as many ways as possible.
Blessings on your ministry journey!
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