Except in the most conservative parts of America, church attendance is in freefall. This is especially evident in the diminishing number of young people who are still participating. Over-politicization; an aversion to address the significant concerns of the young; the sexual abuse crisis; authoritarianism and its sister vice, clericalism; lack of relevance; dull or – on the other hand - off-putting, overly-enthusiastic/emotional services; over-emphasis on dogma rather than service; lack of peers to make them feel welcome; failure to respect their experience and input; etc. These are all contributing factors.
Young people want to serve. They want to do something, to make a difference. If we fail to tap into that fundamental concept, future church as we know it is dead. Literally.
Listen to the young. Find out how they want to direct their energies. Tap into them. Take the risk of allowing one of them to be in charge. And just see what happens.
The future of your prayer community, and the future of FCM depends on how we welcome the young.
Please report back to this blog on your successes – or your failures – in this regard.