The eCrozier

What does it take for a church to be attractive to younger adults? The Alban Institute has been asking similar questions to this for decades now. Some of the answers they are discovering to that particular question should not surprise us given what we know about young adults. Alban’s first take on this question proposes three approaches churches should consider taking, by being:

1. Flexible about membership while also honoring the importance of commitment to a community;
2. Welcoming to young adults while also not appearing desperate when they visit on Sundays; and,
3. Clear about the Church’s teaching and beliefs while also encouraging their questions and making room for the doubts they might have.

Clearly, such a stance toward young adults present some challenges. Just how can we do the above? The three approaches might seem in tension with one another and in some ways they are.

My hunch is that following fads or the latest gimmick to attract young adults is not the way to go. Such a response will be short-lived and young adults will recognize the lack of authenticity. My experience tells me that young adults have a pretty good radar in place when it comes to someone trying to sign them up for something or who is trying to sell them something. That means it might be wise not to try to track them into the new member class right away. Maybe invite them into a small group that is exploring the practices of our faith like prayer, the Holy Eucharist, hospitality, and service? Then invite them to begin such practices in their daily lives. Get them involved in something that does not require them to sign on the dotted line or make a long commitment. That can come later.

A stance toward young adults that is flexible, welcoming, and clear seems to produce the fruit that we are looking for.

+Scott