Pastor's Column Sneak Peek

Here is a sneak peek at my column for this week's newsletter:

I had the privilege last week of traveling to Mount Sequoyah, our United Methodist retreat center in Fayetteville, Arkansas for a conference on reaching younger generations. I had the opportunity to attend programs and workshops with Bishop William Willimon, author and Bishop of North Alabama Conference; Gregory Jones, Dean of Duke Divinity School and other United Methodist clergy leaders. Most of the conversation revolved around reaching and ministering to young adults. By young adults, we are referring to college-aged people and individuals under 35.

We may not think about it, but this is a critical topic. Think for a moment, according to the latest census, 21% of the population in our area is between the ages of 18 and 35. This past Sunday, of 312 people who worshipped with us, approximately 13 were in that age group. That is around 4%. While Grace has an amazing youth program which attracts and nurtures our teenagers, we do not seem to be reaching young adults. For those of you who serve on committees and ministry teams in the church, how many people under thirty-five do you serve with?

This is not just in our church and it is not just about members. Of all the Ordained Elders in the Southwest Texas Conference 2.8% are under 35. This represents a dramatic drop from previous generations. If young adults are not present in our churches, they are not in a place to hear a call to ministry and to have it affirmed and nurtured.

Is this important? Yes, for at least two reasons. The first is the future of our church. We have to reach another generation if we have any hope of continuing the ministry of the church and continuing to build on the foundation of faith that has been constructed. Second, our mission as a church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. That means reaching out to all and it is clear that there is a group we are missing. Young adults need to hear the Gospel, perhaps more than anyone. Bishop Willimon reminded us that most major decisions in life are made between the ages of 21 and 35. When did you decide on a career, choose a spouse, make plans to start a family? The young people surrounding us are facing these decisions without the guidance, hope and claim of the Gospel. They are left to make their decisions solely on the values of the world.

Of course most of us would say, “We should try to reach out to more young adults.” However, making something truly a priority means allowing something else to be less of a priority. Are we willing to make reaching young adults a priority even if that means we have to give up something? What if it meant worship had to be different or if the pastors and staff were less available because their focus were turned outward? What if it meant that we had to begin completely rethinking everything about how we worship, minister, learn, share and grow to create a church that could truly reach younger generations.

This is certainly something to think and pray about. If you feel God calling you to be in ministry in this area or you have thoughts, questions or ideas, make an appointment to come talk with me about it.

peace,

will

p.s. Our retreat center in Arkansas is beautiful. It was certainly refreshing to have a couple of days under the tall trees and in the fellowship of my colleagues.