Catablog

Four Things Young Adults Want in a Church

February 23, 2007


LifeWay Research conducted a survey among people age 18 to 34 that discovered a major factor causing young adults to leave the church is the church's inability to minister to them in their transition stage. Jim Johnston of LifeWay Christian Resources identifies four needs among young adults: 1. Relationship "It just so happens that this generation's biggest need is relationship. The church ought to be the author and purveyor of the best, deepest, most loving friendships around." 2. Biblical Community "The lost and the saved in this age group are looking for just what the church can provide in Biblical community. They want absolute truth but they embrace the struggle of finding it themselves. They don't want it to be spoon-fed to them." 3. Social Action Young adults gravitate to churches that are making an impact. This age group is embracing service, social action and missions. They will embrace the church with a cause as well." 4. Genuine Church "They want to embrace church, but only the genuine, earth-shaking, Christ-powered New Testament church. For some churches, that's going to mean changing methodology - but not the message of the Bible." Do young adults find it difficult to make friendships and find community at your church? If so, they will likely go elsewhere to fill the void.
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2 Comments »

  1. Cool. We make it all too complicated with fancy programmes, cutting edge promo’s when all people want is the simple things which can so often be difficult to find - to belong, to do life with meaning and to make a difference.
    ——-

    Comment by Julian Clark - Feb 27, 2007 @ 01:49 PM

  2. This is good. I am a part of a new church start called Relevant Community Church. Our stated vision is to build life-changing relationships with God, each other and our community. I definately agree with the need for realationships. Alot of what we are doing now is looking at differnt ways we can create the kind of environments that will help this happen.
    It’s cool to see some similar conversations going on outside of my little part of the world. It reminds me that I’m a part of something way bigger than me.
    (BTW) I plugged our churhes name in there so you all can be praying for us. I’d love to return the favor.

    Hope to see you at Catalyst this fall.

    Comment by Justin Smith - Mar 07, 2007 @ 04:54 AM

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