MINISTRY WITH YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS – PART 1
by Karen Matthias-Long
WHAT’S REALLY BEHIND THE QUESTIONS?
In my post yesterday, I raised some of the questions that I keep hearing from congregations and I suggested that these are not the questions we should be asking:
“Where are they?”
“What can we do to get them back?”
“After confirmation they drop out. Why aren’t they here?”
However, I do think it is important to ask, “Why are these questions being asked at all? What is the motivation behind them?”
I have a hunch that some of the reasons have nothing to do with our faith or sense of mission. Do any of these attitudes feel familiar to you?
“We invested all this time and energy in them and this is the thanks we get! After confirmation they just disappear as if we didn’t exist.”
“Our church is dying. We need young people here to help our church grow.”
“We are counting on the financial support of those young adults who have found good-paying jobs. Sure wish they would come back to help keep this church afloat financially.”
Maybe that sounds a bit crass. But, I do believe that those are some of the attitudes behind the questions. These questions imply a “social club” mentality which exists in many of our churches. Many of our churches exist to serve only themselves.They act more as social clubs than centers of ministry.
“Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!”
Young people are savvy. They can see the “man behind the curtain” when questions like this are being raised. They can tell when a church is eager for their participation only for the purpose of preserving the “church.” Young people can recognize the church that exists simply to preserve the status quo versus the church that actually serves God by serving others – not only in the congregation – but, more importantly, “out there” in the mission field called the world.
I have another hunch and it’s this: Congregations that are truly involved in mission – involving children and their families early on - aren’t asking these questions at all!
Tomorrow: What Youth and Young Adults Are Seeking
