This morning I was privileged to listen to a panel of young adults discussing what is important to them about their community of faith. In a climate where over 60 percent of young people are leaving organized religion, this was a refreshing insight into what really matters to this important demographic. Here’re a few takeaways.
What kind of communication is meaningful from your church?
- Emails – Not default preference, but many still use it even though it’s not the first choice.
- Facebook – Clickbait headlines work (A link that intrigues) Also, someone said liking own status gets post seen more.
- Text messages
- Feedly
What’s interesting? What grabs your interest?
- Controversy
- Intriguing headlines
- Be balanced and Bible-based…not propaganda. Share the issues and let me decide.
What makes church meaningful for you?
- Give me things that challenge my relationship with God
- Spoon-feeding is not enough
- Nurture connections, build relationships
- Recognize that young people have valuable things to contribute to church
What is your dream for your church?
- A place where anyone can come and find acceptance and growth
- A more direct gospel and a more intimate approach to the Bible
- Expand beyond the traditional demographics. Get into the inner cities and reach out more.
- A place where anyone can feel welcome and can understand what’s talked about.
- Done with issues – stop arguing over old issues
- Come as you are in whatever clothes
- A church that focuses more on loving the person and less on hating the sin
- Address all sin equally and don’t give certain sins the stage while ignoring others
- My time is valuable…keep me growing, don’t just give me fluff.
- Help me connect and find community when I’m new. Take the initiative to engage me when I visit.