Need younger members

[Apex]

What makes traditional churches appealing is that they aren't doing anything to try and sell themselves to a particular demographic, they are simply doing what they have always done, and talking about Jesus the way they have always talked about Jesus. Don't seem interested in people, be interested in people. Also don't turn Christianity into McChristianity. Preach the Word, administer the Sacraments, be the Church.

Being real and having good theology are two different things. I agree that the older institutions tend to be more real. However, I'd like to see an option that is both real and has good theology.

 

[jimmyjimmy]

It's been said in this thread already, but should be repeated. It's precisely the, "seeker-sensitive" marketing of the Willow Creek model of the past three decades that has driven many young people from the church, so trying to market to them will backfire.

Also, there is nothing more uncool than church leaders trying to be cool.

 

[All4Christ]

However, I'd like to see an option that is both real and has good theology.

I agree that's why I became Orthodox right after college (I was Pentecostal).

And personally, I think we do have good Theology We can agree to disagree though!

 

[ViaCrucis]

Being real and having good theology are two different things. I agree that the older institutions tend to be more real. However, I'd like to see an option that is both real and has good theology.

Well sure, that's why I became Lutheran.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[jimmyjimmy]

Being real and having good theology are two different things. I agree that the older institutions tend to be more real. However, I'd like to see an option that is both real and has good theology.

Some conservative PCA churches can get close (very few)

I'm afraid many young people simply don't attend, or, in their pursuit of "authentic" they are hypnotized by smells and bells, and can end up in very a bad place theologically.

The thread has addressed churches and their issues, but we also should not assume the motives of "younger" people are pure in their pursuits. Sound doctrine must rank infinitely higher than smells and bells on their church-shopping lists.

 

[the old scribe]

My church is very small and we have lost our pastor. The average age is between 65 and 70. We need to bring young people into the church. I am building a website http://www.solidrock-baptist-church.com and hope to use it to bring younger people into the church. Any ideas on how to bring people into the church would be appreciated.

Attract younger people?
An opportunity follows this historical account which is important to explain the expectations of many congregations.

HISTORY

Just 70 years ago most congregations were neighborhood and denominational based. Advantages to this model were that people with similar doctrinal beliefs gathered and lived as a community. The character of the congregations fit the neighborhood socially, economically, and age wise. Most congregations met Sunday morning and Sunday evening and again on Wednesday evening. Competition for attention and time were not pitted against hours of TV, health clubs, eating out, boating, etc. Household generally had one auto or none so many walked to the meetings.

This old model for congregations occurred when most Americans were part of a proletariat where incomes met little more than the basic essentials of life. For these people, attending church meetings formed their social networks and entertainment. The American church developed ministry based upon this model.

The first congregations to begin abandoning this model were in the higher income neighborhoods. The first to go was the two week revival meetings were cut to one week and eventual to a weekend and then an occasional conference – followed by Wednesday evening “prayer meetings” – followed by Sunday evening services. As income rose for the proletariat their neighborhood congregations inversely decline with income growth.

The “seeker friendly” models started in the early 20th century. Dr. Harry Emerson Fosdick might be considered an early user of this model as does the preaching, books, and radio programs of Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. Many mega churches have adapted and expanded elements of this model in producing successful institutions.

Many of the suggestions on this forum are ideas to turbo charge an older model – contemporary music – worship leader - casual dress – child care – various times for group meetings – use of media – etc.

Is this the kind of congregation you desire?

WHERE IS GOD IN ALL THIS?

In the meetings, if the LORD does not sanctify the hearts of the congregation, why would someone bother to attend?

Unless a member of the congregation excitedly exclaims his spiritual encounter at his church to ever one he meets on M-S, why should someone bother to attend?

If congregational worship does not begin spontaneously before and without leaders, why would someone bother to come?

If the message(s) not only changes the believer on Monday morning, but the effect of a sanctified congregation begins sanctifying the larger community for the glory of the LORD, then someone might think there is something inside the building worthy of their time?

MY PLEA

Ask the congregation to approve the following:

Abandon searching for another minister.

Open the meeting with a prayer and a congregational hymn – the choir leads by being among the congregation.

Tell the congregation the meetings end when every body leaves or their is unanimous agreement to leave.

Announce the intent to wait upon the LORD – wait upon the LORD until He acts- wait week after week - regardless of how long it takes.

What would it mean for the LORD to act? No one knows.

Every one joins sitting with the congregation.

Let the congregation sit quietly and pray or read their Bibles.

Let the congregation wait until their spiritual pain is so great there is the spontaneous out cry for the LORD. This may require weeks.

Wait upon the LORD.

If the LORD does not make it happen – what is the use?

Otherwise, take your tithe and join the country club.

Expect an exodus of members.

Just maybe – you are the American revival of divine power – please find out.

 

[jsimms615]

I realize all the church growth manuals will tell you to start this program or that, but if you want the church to grow there is nothing that will truly give you spiritual growth apart from prayer. Have a revival which emphasizes spiritual renewal and prayer and ask God to do a new work in the church and He will. He is the head of the church after all.