If recent refusals of denominations to finance their seminaries are self- defeating, the tendency of many to neglect youth work is just as silly. It is certainly a factor in the lack of young people at our worship services.
I have some idea what is going on as my wife and I have hosted high school, college, and young adult youth groups for decades. We meet for dinner and discussion of a topic they have picked at the end of the last gathering. I send out a short paper that serves as a basis for the conversation. Usually, I just make an opening statement and let the discussion go where they want. And, of course, that is, more often than not, far from where I anticipate.There is just one rule: no putdowns. Everyone’s opinion is respected.
I find that young people are very interested in religion, but in different ways than their parents. The older generations could assume the Bible and Shakespeare provided some sort of common story and values. The younger are aware they live in a very diverse democratic community. They reflect the science-based, technological global society in which we live. The good life involves the ability to solve their problems, and they know there are many options available for them.
Two issues associated with religion jump out right away. Our groups are comfortable with all sorts of human sexuality options. Our society might be struggling with accepting gays and lesbians, but our young groups are talking about their transgendered friends. Our denominations are talking about relations between Roman Catholics and Protestants, usually in terms of doctrines. The young people could care less about theology. They are looking for any insights that help them find a satisfying lifestyle, and consider practices from all world religions.
They appreciate my positions, but place just as much value on those from other people in the group. What used to be authority is now just another voice to be considered. Most say they are not worshiping, because the sermons are not relevant to their needs.
They are not convinced when their parents rationalize that they should attend to worship God rather than seek instruction for their lives. They sometimes laugh because their parents believe sermons are supposed to be boring in order to test our faith.
When I try to convince young people to go back to worship; they usually respond by saying they would consider this, if church were more like our youth group. I think they might be on to something. I recently have been reading about many creative congregations in our cities that are based on this model of eating together and then reflecting on the assigned scriptures. If churches continue to shrink, I can imagine the church of the future might be smaller, more informal gatherings in which the Word will be discussed rather than preached and the Communion shared as a real friendship meal.
