Moving forward: ideas for loving "young adults"
As the final installment in what has become a series of blog posts, I want to talk about tangible steps. I have noted that there are changes happening at UPC that are painful for those of us who identify as members of the young adult community or Convergence. I have noted that part of the issue are some commonly held misconceptions about the nature of people in this stage of life. And now I want that to mean something. How can UPC love young adults better? I don't claim to have this answer. I do not know everything. But I might have some ideas. 1. Take a young adult out for coffee. Odds are, if you are involved in ministries at UPC, you have some contact with people who fall into this age group. Maybe they teach your kids in Sunday School. Maybe they are your high schooler's small group leader. Find one of these people who crosses your path and get to know them. Sit with them during dinner in Larson. Ask them what is happening in their lives. 2. Allow for participation in worship. There were some elements of the 7pm that were particularly enjoyable that are easily translatable to a different service. Some ideas include: communion every Sunday (with members of the congregation getting to serve), reading Scripture from the pews, music that flows out of the study and conversation of the congregation (this manifested itself at Convergence through The Hills Beyond, and giving them an opportunity to translate that to the wider body could be amazing and transformative). 3. Young Adult retreat. We miss each other. In this time when we don't have Convergence anymore, we need an opportunity to connect. Continuing the tradition we have had of a young adult retreat would be a great opportunity for that, and also a chance to invite new faces in for connection. Continuing this element could also be a huge gesture showing that UPC values our community and our growth. 4. Don't treat us differently because of our age. Not everything is about age, not every young adult is the same. Get to know me as a person, not as a stereotype. Don't ask me why I'm single or if you can help me find a husband. Ask me about my hobbies, the people I care about, how I spend my time. Yes, we are young, but that doesn't need to be pointed out at every turn (just as we wouldn't immediately address the age of a 60-year-old we were talking to). We have something to contribute to the church, and a role to play in leading the church. Let us help. 5. Teaching, Mentorship, Discipleship. If we are going to be effective future leaders of the church, we can't do it alone. We need your help. Perhaps one of the quickest ways to change the culture around generational differences is to face them head on with teaching (from the pulpit or in adult education classes) on the topic of the church and why we need each other, mentorship of future leaders, and discipleship focused on growing future leaders to be more like Christ. Start a mentorship program. Promote intergenerational small groups. Invite relationship. To conclude, I don't think this is necessarily simply about how UPC can "better engage young adults". In order to do that, I think it will take more of a change in culture. It will take effort from every person, including leaders, staff and lay-people, to reach out a hand and a heart across the pew to not simply greet one another in the name of Christ, but really begin to know the people we share the sanctuary with on a Sunday. It's not just about young adults. It's about engaging the 7-year-old, the 27-year-old, and the 77-year-old, together as one body of Christ in worship. This will involve a little give and take on all our parts, and grace for each other as we figure out how to do this well. I continue to be in thoughtful prayer for our congregation. I pray we glorify God as we wade through the muck and the mire of difficult changes. And I hope for the future. What are your ideas?
