Young Adults in the Church!

Many of you completed the “Growing Young” survey that was sent out in September.  Through it, you shared your perceptions of the experience of Young Adults in our church.   The results are now in.  Let me tell you what we learned.
 
We found out that our church is doing some things very well.  Survey participants believe that our church scores high in two areas important to young adults:  We are faithfully telling Jesus’s message, and we are a positive contributor to our church’s neighbourhood.
 
On the other hand we have some growing to do.  Both older and younger adults believe that:  1. we are not turning over the keys of leadership to the next generation very well, 2. we don’t know the world of young adults as well as we should, and 3. we are not hands-on enough when it comes to helping young adults connect to all of Bethel’s ministries.
 
This survey is good news because it tells us where we need to apply ourselves to fully engage the interests and energies of our young adults.  The Growing Young Team plans to meet later this month to create an action plan to lead us forward.
 
Already things are happening.  At our recent Leadership Retreat, we made all our church’s leaders aware of the survey results. We asked each ministry leader to consider how they can be intentional about inviting young adults into their ministry.  Also, we are in the process of forming an Intergeneration Team whose aim is to create greater connections across all age groups.
 
Our long range goal is that our young adults will love Bethel Church, know they are valued, and feel completely connected.  Some already do, and they are part of the team that is trying to make this true for all young adults at Bethel.  All of us can help by reaching beyond our generation to welcome into our hearts people of all ages.                                                                                                                 
Pastor Tom