These guys that can blog daily - or those that blog as an event is happening, I can not see how they can do it. It is difficult for me to find the time. But once in a while, I do have some ideas I would like to share with you - so, then I write. Don't know if anyone reads, but I write.
Currently I am reading "The Essential Church." There was a free download (and I will put a copy on our website so you can download if you like) sent to me, but I actually got it on CD to listen as I drive from place to place. It is a revealing book about the youth of our churches "dropping out" by the age of 22, with many never coming back. I have found myself "taking note" as I visit from church to church and when I am invited to preach, I am attempting to approach things a little differently.
In the book it speaks a lot regarding the fact that 2 of every 3 young people in protestant churches leave the church between the ages of 18 - 22. The top ten reasons for their departure are listed and dealt with in the book. The role of the pastor in creating a climate of inclusiveness and relevance toward youth is dealt with in the book.
Thus far, that is what is piercing my heart. Through my years as a pastor, I was engaged with my youth. There were times that I "switched" with my youth ministers and he would teach the adults and I would teach the youth. I would drive up to their places of retreat for their worship service, etc. But I could not evaluate if I included them in my sermons.
Yes - I made a conscious effort to communicate in a "children's sermon" and shared my topics/scripture in sufficient time that my Youth Minister and Music Minister could use them when they did the children's sermon (we rotated presenting the children's sermon so we could all interact with the children). Sometimes I would even tell them to listen closely in the "adults' sermon" for the answer to a question I would ask them in the children's sermon to get them to listen closely to what I was teaching and would give out a prize to those who could give me the answer as they left the church. But I became concerned - had I made a conscious effort to communicate the Gospel truths to the youth of the church family. Did I find a unique way to so that they could make application in their lives in the days ahead. Were my illustrations relevant to them as they had to deal with the pressures upon their lives each day. I asked a couple and they said that I did. I pray they are telling me the truth and that others feel that way as well.
Certainly, we can not put a separate "sermon" in the 11 AM worship hour for every particular age group. We would have to fake it a little if we did, because we do not have all the life experiences of those in our congregations. Could you image - a children's sermon, perhaps several - one for toddlers, one for K-2, one for 3 - 5; a youth sermon - one for middle school and one for high school; a sermonette for college attendees and those who went to work straight out of high school; something for those who have chosen to remain single and something for those that have married young; parents of small children; parents of older children; empty nesters; singe agains; senior adults, etc. But perhaps we do need to look at "our delivery" and make sure we are not just speaking to one segment of the congregation.
Since reading (listening to) this book (and I am on my third time through, trying to examine the different aspects), I feel as if I am making a more conscious effort to be inclusive of all generations. At Pearce's homecoming, they forgot to announce children's church and though I had begun to preach, as the smaller children left, I tried to communicate with them. I wanted them to know that they were important to me, so I stopped and "talked" with them as they departed the sanctuary. I was also to talk with their parents about them as it related to the topic of my sermon and could refer to those children. It was evident a couple were with their grandparents, so I could have (I did not in that sermon) have included aspects relevant to 3 generations in that one sermon. When I was at Red Bud last Sunday, I took note that the youth were over to my left with the youth minister (probably the old "amen corner") and I made a conscious effort to walk over to that side and look them straight in the face and share illustrations relevant to them in making decisions in and about school, etc.
The point I am trying to make is this - "look" at your congregation. The children and youth in your church family are NOT the church of tomorrow - THEY ARE THE CHURCH OF TODAY. If you and I, as pastors, do not include them in our sermons; present the Good News of Jesus Christ in a relevant manner; relay to them God's expectations of them as Christian youth; engage them in the ministries of our churches; involve them in the worship experience of the church, then there may literally be NO church tomorrow.
Back in the early 90's I read somewhere that by the year 2035 65% of the churches in North America whose doors were open in 1990 would be closed by the year 2035. I remember 2 things about my response to that information: (1) 2035 was a LONG TIME away, and (2) there was NO WAY for that to be true. However, today I have a completely different response: (1) in 2003 NAMB reported that 48 churches a month were closing their doors in North America, (2) that 2035 is almost here and most of the people MY age will be around, (3) 92% of our churches are "plateaued" or declining, and (4) if 2 of of every 3 youth are dropping out of church by age 22. With those things being true, then it should be EXPECTED that unless things change, 65% may be a conservative number!
I encourage you to read "The Essential Church" and allow God to speak to you through their findings and suggestions.
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