Recently I was asked to speak to a gathering of Elders in Dallas on the topic, “What are young people looking for in a church?” It’s a good question. I understand why they are asking the question. They look around their Sunday assemblies and they see less and less twenty somethings in attendance. And the question is not all about—”How can we be more attractive? How can we be the cool church in town?” No, no, —I believe the question from these Elders comes from a deep desire to serve, a conviction that the future of the church is dependent on raising the next faithful generation.
- Their question is similar to John Westerhoff’s question, “Will our children have faith?” Or, as it is sometimes rendered, “Will our faith have children?” It is a good question. “How can our church be more attentive to the faith of the next generation?” “When the next generation looks to the church, will they come to faith?”
- To answer the question, I decided to conduct my own original research. I sent out a survey via the web (see the link below). My primary question is, “Why do you or do you not participate in a faith community?” I plan to answer the Elders in Dallas by giving voice to the twenty-somethings. In their own words, this is what they want Elders to hear. And it is only after we have listened, will we know how to respond. Now, like most researchers, whether they confess it or not, I have a bias. My bias is optimistic. I am hopeful. And I believe the word that comes back to these Elders in Dallas will edify them. [2 weeks; 250 responses; and my bias so far is holding steady].
The question remains for all of us no matter your age, “What are you looking for when you come to this place on any given Sunday? What do you hope to See? Hear? What do you expect?
The link for the survey is here.
Eventually, the results will be presented at the November 2013 ElderLink. Additionally, I intend to publish the results in various venues.
I welcome your participation. Forward the link to your friends and family. Post the link on Facebook. Tweet the link to the world. Like a snowball rolling down a hill, I hope the question builds momentum.
Peace, Tim Sensing