As a child growing up, I didn’t have much choice in choosing rather I wanted to attend church or not. Going to church could mean Sunday AM or PM service, or both services back to back; going to church could mean, bible study, prayer meeting, choir practice, or any other variation of church ministries you could think of that took place any day of the week. I began to look at attending church as something that I had to do and not something that I wanted to do. I made a conscientious vow to myself that as soon as I became an adult I would not attend worship.
Today as an adult and a frequent church attendee (so much for my stay away vow), I can’t help but notice that the pews are missing young folks. I describe young folks as those between ages 19-29 years old. This particular group is at a time of their lives where they are extremely busy establishing themselves through college or vocational training, launching a career path, or starting a family of their own; all of which can make trying to attend church on a regular basis cumbersome to say the least. This group is also less likely than their younger counterparts to have an adult telling them that they “need to go to church”.
But the question still remains, “where are they”? Surely they know the church is still there, as it is the unfortunate gathering spot of many when a young life is tragically lost. Surely they know where it is when a friend ties the knot. Surely they know where it is when their favorite hometown celebrity is in the house. They come to church but why won’t they stay? The answers are as varied as the stars in the sky. However, there are consistent reasons for young adults not attending church services: they feel they are looked down upon for their current lifestyles or expressions of dress attire, distrust of other church members’ religious authenticity (Monday hell raisers), non-believers, and that the church isn’t engaged enough with young people and their particular ministry interests.
It is imperative that the church reclaim its young folks through community engagement by going out to get them and bringing them into the house of the Lord just the way they are. If there is any fixing to be done, let the Lord handle and the bible convict for individual positive changes.
Once the young people are engaged, then it’s time to place them in ministry positions where they can influence any wayward peers. Have services and programs that speak to their specific needs like dating or singles clubs, young family night, etc. I’m afraid that if things continue down the same path, then the churches will eventually fade away as the elders die out. If you are a young person, or if you know a young person that you would like to invite to worship services, be sure to make your specific requests known and that your voice will be silenced no more because you are Sunday’s best!
Peace and blessings,
Dr. Mary Bisbee-Burrows
